"Pooky Goop"

We saw some pumpkins in a magazine about a month or so ago and I told Holden they were "spooky pumpkins" since they were all carved and lit up. So now, whenever he sees a pumpkin, he tells me it's "pooky."

And while we were carving pumpkins this year, he really liked to scoop out the "goop" inside... and then throw it towards Indy....

But anyway, there you have it. The explanation for my "Pooky Goop" title :)

* * * * *

We carved 2 jack o'lanterns this year (one from our very own garden!) and Holden loved it. It was especially fun since he was really able, and willing, to help scoop out all the "goop" - Mommy's least favorite part. And we had such pretty, warm weather the day we did it, which always makes everything better.

We took a bunch of pictures and you'll see that Holden was pretty much being just as ornery and adorable as he could possibly be.

Squishy Goop!

The beginning, when he was still putting it in the bowl and not chucking it at poor Indiana.

Messy, Adorable Holden♥

He was pretending to eat it to gross Mommy out

Using the spoon now

Playing with the goop and seeds while Mommy carves the face

Daddy and Bridger (and Indy). Just hanging out, watching, and enjoying the beautiful weather.

I think he likes his pumpkin :)

He kept getting "face to face"... goof.

Daddy and Mommy's handiwork

Holden sitting with his pumpkins that night when we lit them

Our "pooky pumpkins"

Bath Time Baby

These were just one night earlier this week. Right after he was all cleaned up and feeling snuggly. He was just looking too cute not to take a couple pictures.

Bridger is just such a happy (and squirmy) boy now every night during bath time. He loves it. As soon as he gets naked he just starts kicking and pumping his arms like a little wild man.

He gets pretty excited about bath time.

And mommy usually gets pretty wet with all that splashing...

Cute. Cute. Cute. ♥

"If you want to be happy, be." - Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

Bridger was "talking" to me and Holden was being silly :)

Our beautiful boys♥

Happy Birthday, Mimi!

Last Sunday we went over to Mom's for dinner (as usual), but this time we also had a mini party for her after supper to celebrate her birthday. We took over her little gift and I baked some chewy brownies to go with our coffee and ice cream.

It was nice to get to celebrate a little, and I know Holden had fun sitting with Mimi and being in the lime light. I'm thinking he's going to really enjoy his second birthday in about a month!

Jared and Bridger waiting for the party to start. I have such handsome guys in my life :)

Tyler lighting the candles on the Birthday Brownies

He was singing "Happy Birthday" with us

Helping blow out the candles. He's getting this whole birthday thing figured out now!

Me and Baby Bridger with my "little" brother Tyler

Jossy called to talk to Mimi and Holden got to say "hi"

...well, he didn't really say much. Mostly just listened and smiled :)

Holden cuddling with B-ma♥

Mr. Chunkers

It's funny to me how, when talking to babies, we sometimes say the most ridiculous things. I mean, it's really more about the facial expressions and tone of voice than the actual words. At least that's how it is for me.

I often find myself talking about the stupidest things when I'm talking to Holden and Bridger. Or just repeating words/phrases over and over. And I "nickname" them the goofiest stuff. Not even on purpose. It's just what comes out when I'm talking "baby talk" to them.

Holden was always Mr. Man when he was a baby. Mr. Man. Seriously, how much sense does that make?

And I catch myself calling Bridger (depending on his mood) either Grouch Butt/Fussy Gus or Mr. Chunkers/Chunker Munker. I guess it morphed from the idea of chunky monkey. Who knows.

These days, it's got to be at least half gibberish every time I talk to Bridger.

On the bright side, he doesn't know the difference. And most of the time, if he can see my face, it doesn't matter what I'm saying. I still get a grin and a coo.♥

Me and my Mr. Chunkers

The Bath Time Helper...

Holden likes to "help" with Bridger's bath

aka
Try to get his own arms as wet as he can while Mommy washes Bridger :)

Chubby Bub in the Tub♥

Bridger loves bath time.

(Note the little "helper" arms in the background playing in the water. Stinker.)

Daddy's New Ride

Well, our mower died.

So, twist his arm, Jared had to get a new one.

I think Holden and Jared were equally excited :)

I took some pictures of the day we brought home the newest addition.

all ready to "help" Daddy unload it

Waiting patiently for his turn to take a ride

Time for the first test drive

And they're off!

My boys and their mower♥

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. " - Elizabeth Lawrence

How wonderful that Autumn is finally, really here!

The other morning we went out and picked the last bowlful of peppers from the garden and just couldn't escape the fact that the new season has arrived.

And I couldn't help but take a few pictures.

The leaves on our tree. Beginning to turn and fall.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

- George Eliot

Holden loves when Mommy bakes.

(Picking the streusel topping off of the Applesauce Bread)

The beautiful, colorful peppers

Looking down our road

A few pumpkins from our garden


"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." - William Cullen Bryant

Fall, Football, & Sunday Afternoons

(And the "I love Fall" posts continue....)

I'm not sure that this past Sunday could have been much better.

Well, I take that back. The Browns could have won. Ha.

But it was just so beautiful outside. The leaves are all starting to change, the fall mums are looking full and lovely, and the weather was absolutely perfect.

We went over to Mom and Dad Himes' for lunch, came home to watch the game and play outside a bit, then went to my Mom's for dinner. (I even threw the football with Jared. Wife of the Year? I think: yes. :) )

It was just so nice. I think we all really had a great day. Too bad everyday can't be so easy and relaxing♥

The sun peaking through the leaves on Sunday morning

Bridger with his Great Aunt Viv

Yea, we're like official members of the Browns Backers Club.

Mommy and Bridger in our Browns gear







Holden peekin' on the deck







Bridger - being a sweet boy







Time for Mower Rides!

Holden and Aunt Viv - waiting for his turn with Grandpa

And they're off!

Uncle Tad's turn! Haha :)

He kept spinning in circles and waving.

And almost hitting the tree.

It was great.

Visiting

Daddy's turn!

How stinkin' cute is that?!

Sometimes he just melts me♥

Watching the game with Daddy

The Browns were losing but Baby Bridger couldn't care less.

He was still feeling like a happy boy♥

Playing outside at home

Someone thinks he's a kicker.... :)

Playing football with Daddy

And he's done. Haha.

Grumpin' because he just wanted Daddy to "hold you."

My boys of fall

Oh.

So cute.