Halloween 2011

The Turbows joined us to trick or treat again this year! Madelyn would not wear her hat, {must be the age, because I recall a certain pig that wouldn't wear her hat a few years ago!} Grandma couldn't find Madelyn's black socks, and I immediately said the navy ones were fine, nobody will be able to tell, it will be dark after all... well that is of course the first thing I noticed in all the pictures - HA! After yesterday's chilly boo at the zoo experience, Annabelle was much more willing to put on some layers under her costume.

The Bigs were so excited, they were only up for a quick photo shoot! The Littles didn't know what they were in for... but let me tell you they q.u.i.c.k.l.y. figured it out. My goodness... Madelyn was often the first one climbing the stairs to get to the next door. She didn't want to put her candy in the bag after picking it up... but after a few houses, she figured out she couldn't physically hold anymore in her hands, if she didn't put a few pieces in her bag. And even then, she would only relinquish a piece when she was at the next door.

Annabelle with her pumpkin. She drew Rapunzel for Daddy to carve for her!

The Littles

Yes...you have to be adorable to live on our block! Here comes just some of our neighbors.

Time to head out... Cassie had the brilliant idea to bring the cars for the Littles, yet the Bigs spent more time in them! (next two pictures courtesy of Cassie)

As I have mentioned years past...Scott always carves pumpkins for us! This year he had a fabulous idea to have Annabelle draw something for him to carve, that is Rapunzel on the left, and then he did Mady with a spider on the right - he carved them the night before and I didn't snap a picture, and unfortunately they both sagged a little. I wish I had taken one with Annabelle's original artwork!!

And then of course we have the pumpkin we carved up at the Benton's and for the last one, Annabelle picked a "castle" from our carving book.

Boo at the Zoo

Jessica invited me to join her for Boo at the Zoo, and then ditched me because of some work project... yada yada. I had already told the girls we would go, so off we went... it was an extremely chilly morning, so Annabelle didn't last that long, but we managed to collect a few pieces of candy and even some granola bars, and fruit snacks.

Pumpkin Carving Benton Style

We headed to Boulder for dinner & pumpkin carving!

Here are the serious carvers...

Annabelle looks a bit skeptical!

But look.. .it turned out FABULOUS!

Papa Painting Annabelle's Toes

Come on people... I HAD TO POST THIS!

Early Birthday Celebration

Oh MY!

...with Papa, Grandma Linda, Aunt Carlene, Uncle Dennis, and Grandma Suzie!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

While the family was in town,

we took them to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

to introduce them to our giraffe friends!

Madelyn showed our family how to feed our friends...

Look - how fun is that!! YEAH!

I love this picture!

When you are lucky enough to get a picture with a genuine smile on Annabelle,

you post it! It is just a bonus that the giraffe is sticking his tongue out at her!

Papa look...Zebras!

Uncle Dennis knows the way to an 18 month old's heart!

Look wallabies!

"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag.."

{Can you tell what movie we just finished watching! Ha!}

This Tiger was gorgeous...

This is the only picture I got of all three kiddos!

And even though it is the back of there heads, I still think it is pretty cute!

Annabelle chose to ride a pony instead of the carousel...

Madelyn watched.

That is one happy girl!! {who could she take after?}

Madelyn & Papa

And then Madelyn rode the carousel...{even if not on an actual carousel horse}

Big sister watched.

Hezekiah on the carousel with Grandma Linda...

Avery's Birthday Party

Avery's party happened to fall on our Annual Iten/Pope Football Weekend, and so we weren't going to be able to take Annabelle to the party. I was planning on sending our babysitter with the girls, but Cassie offered to bring Annabelle with them! It was sort of strange sending Annabelle to a party without one of us, but I knew she was in good hands. Cassie said the car ride to the farm might have been the best part, listening in on Avery & Annabelle conversation was apparently quiet entertaining.

Happy 4th Birthday Avery!

You know you can always count on Annabelle to help you blow out your candles, right?

{picture courtesy of Cassie}

2011 Annual Family Football Weekend : CU vs. Oregon

We had our Annual Family Football weekend, but this year was a little different... CU is now in the Pac-12.

{Pictures coming to this post soon...}

Madelyn: 18 month stats

Height 33.25 inches (88%)

Weight 25 lbs 6 oz (64%)

Head Circumference 18.5 inches (62%)

I know a lot of people feel this way, but I am convinced we have the world's greatest pediatrician! She spent an hour with me (and Madelyn) during our visit, and together we completely debriefed on Madelyn's health scare earlier this year. As she said "Madelyn, you are officially off the frequent flier program." We are so grateful that it was Dr. Gini by our side the entire time.

At the end of each well check, the practice gives each patient an age appropriate book. The book was an alphabet book with a picture of an apple on the cover. When I asked Madelyn to say "thank you" she instead pointed at the book and said "apple." Dr Gini said "that is thanks enough for me!"

And did you notice those thriving stats?!?!?