10/29: Naughty Boy

Last night was a LONG night! Dylon decided not to sleep. He woke up at around 2:00am crying. Mommy went in to check on him, gave him some teething tablets and paci, then went back to bed. All seemed good for about 15 minutes --- then the crying started again. Thinking that the poor guy wasn't feeling good, mommy gave him some ibuprofen. All seemed good for about 15 minutes --- then the crying started Again! Snuggles and back to sleep ... 15 minutes of quiet --- then crying AGAIN! Since Mommy is fighting off a cold, Daddy joined in and after more snuggles - Dylon was asleep. Or so we thought. Daddy finally got up and sat in the office chair while Dylon slept on his chest. (What an AWESOME guy I am married too!) We were sure that this poor little guy must be really sick and have a huge ear infection! So, Mommy and the little guy went to the doctor. After a thorough check up, Dylon was found to be in EXCELLENT health! No cold ... no cough ... and NO EAR INFECTION! So, we go the official diagnosis that we just have a naughty boy!

Thankfully he's also a very cute and affectionate boy. Just one look and all the tiredness is gone. Well, not the tiredness, but at least the frustration. The household has been warned though ... use earplugs tonight. Mommy and Daddy aren't falling for this twice!

10/28: What Uncles Do ...

We are having a great time with Uncle Matt and Uncle Jeremy! It is so much fun to have them here for a few days. Braden is totally in awe. Every meal time he leans over to hug the arm of whoever is sitting next to him. I am so thankful that inspite of the distance between where we live, that my boys are able to build a relationship with their Uncles and other family.

We went to Fleet Farm today looking for a hat for Uncle Jer (and I might add that I'm glad he didn't buy one ... they were kinda funny lookin'!). Walking through the Toyland, the Uncles saw a castle bouncer and decided that the nephews HAD to have it! So, now we have a 6' in diameter "jumphouse" as Braden calls it sitting in the living room. The castle has blow-up swords perfect for defending. The nephews are loving climbing in, jumping around, throwing the balls in and out of the holes, and even being tipped and thrown by the Uncles. So much testosterone in this house .... Yikes! This toy has made me decide that a reorganization of the basement is going to be necessary so that we have some playspace for the BIG toys. While they take up alot of room, it sure will make for a fun winter and give us something to do to burn off some energy when we can't get outside.

10/26: Trick-or-treating

Jackson does trick-or-treating on Sunday evening. This year, it turned out to be one of the coldest nights so far. With the wind blowing and the leaves rustling, we made the rounds through our subdivision. Matt and Uncle Jeremy were here, which made it lots of fun. They decided to forgoe their costumes though because of the cold weather. Thankfully, our little puppies were nice and warm in their furry costumes (with winter pj's underneath). Our friends from church, the Brodzeller's, also braved the cold with us. (Trista, Jeremy, Chad, Braden, Tony, April, Lilly. Dylon & Shelby are in the Wagon, Matt is taking the picture)

The 3 kids all ready to go:
Here's our cute little woof-woofs:
Braden loved going door to door and getting his candy. He was so proud that he could carry his own bucket, knock on doors, and say "nanck you"!
Dylon was content to hang out in the wagon -- all snuggled in. His little nose did get a little cold ... but hey, all doggies have cold noses! Braden was very excited with ALL his candy! Someday he'll realize that if you go to enough houses your bucket gets full, but for now I'm glad he's content with less than 1/2.

When we got home, I tried to take a few more pictures. But, Dylon was very clear that he was done with pictures.

10/26: My brothers!

Early this morning (around 1:30am), two of my brothers arrived for a visit! It was so good to see Matt (my oldest) and Jeremy (my youngest). Braden and Dylon were happy to see their Uncles too and it didn't take long for these little boys to turn on the charm!

Dylon and Uncle Jeremy:
Braden and Uncle Matt:

I'm not sure who enjoyed who more! But I know that this visit will be over too soon for all of us. It is so fun to watch my family ... brothers and sons ... interact and build relationships. It makes me long for the day when we will be able to move back to CO and can hang out like this more often. It's hard for me to wait for God's timing right now in this area. But I know that when HIS time is right, the job will open up for Chad. So for now, I will just treasure these moments when we can be together!

P.S. I missed having middle brother Daniel here with us! Maybe next time?! Love you Bro!

10/22: The Wild Fire Hose

Do you remember those cartoons where there is a huge fire. The characters are trying to put it out. But the firehose is out of control ... water spraying every where, twisting, turning ... and you just want to reach out and help?! Well, that was the scene in my bathroom this morning! Braden woke up DRY (YAA!!!). I took him into the bathroom and he stood up to take care of things. However, that is where the YAA! ended. The little guy had too much pressure and control was completely lost. The toilet, floor, walls, and everything else nearby got a nice shower! And there was nothing I could do! He tried so hard, but every attempt to correct the spray just sent it in another direction.

At the time, Mommy of course was a little panicked. And so was Braden -- remember, this is the boy who does NOT like messes! But now, I'm chuckling at the memory of my little fireman!

Hope this gives you a smile or laugh too!

(And we have now made a rule ... you must SIT down for potty in the morning!)

10/18: Dylon's First Birthday Party

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Dylon had his first birthday party today! It was so much fun! Our house was overflowing with love and laughter! And I mean literally overflowing. I'm still not sure how we were able to fit 58 people in the living room, dining room, and kitchen -- but we did. We had a cupcake theme for the party. I enjoyed making the cakes and cupcakes and learning how to decorate a little. I'm an amateur for sure ... but had alot of fun!
There were 2 cakes - 1 chocolate and 1 confetti. I was very happy that I found a local store that rents cake pans so it only cost me $3 to use the cupcake pan!
We had about 36 cupcakes. Each of them was a little bit different.
Dylon wasn't sure what all the excitement was about. Braden couldn't wait for "baby's birthfly" to start. I think we may have to keep that name for our birthday celebrations.

Here's our little birthday boy:
Aunt Kristi and Braden made Grandma Schlager's special party punch! Yummy!!

Here's a picture of the cake BEFORE!
Singing Happy Birthday to Dylon!

And then the demolition began ...


Notice his hair?!


And here's a picture of the cake AFTER!
Dylon was such a mess that I lifted him from the highchair straight into the kitchen sink. Once he was cleaned off, we took his onsie and diaper off and Daddy got him redressed.

We made a table on the floor for all the kids. Sure makes for easy clean up!
Braden wasn't sure where to go with all the people in his house. But found a few good hiding spots. One - under the table. That worked until Dylon tried to share his cake.
So hiding spot TWO - inside the toy chest. He's a little better climber than Dylon though (see previous blog entry on 10/16) and ended up with his head up!
Once our guests had left and things were quieted down, Dylon opened a few of his presents.

He opened the rest of them on Saturday morning. He was still very excited about paper and tissue. And his McDonald's gift card! Mmm...Food!!!

Dylon has had fun playing with his new toys and does a great job sharing with his big brother. The ball-popper has quickly become a household favorite!!

And here's some videos of the cake eating fun!

(Video 1 of eating cake)

(Video 2 of eating cake)

10/18: Pumpkin Patch

We headed to Retzlaff's pumpkin patch this morning. Uncle Josh and Aunt Kristi (Chad's cousin) were visiting and able to go with us. It was a new location for us, since our old farm didn't open until noon. Retzlaff's turned out to be a great place. They had a barn full of animals -ducks, geese, pigs, sheep, cows, goats - the boys enjoyed seeing them and Braden was able to show off his animal imitation skills.

We took a hayride out to the field in search of the perfect pumpkins. The boys both enjoyed the ride and watching the "pop-pop tractor" driving us.
Aunt Kristi was quick with the camera and able to capture the love between our little guys. No, this wasn't a staged moment. Just a typical hug between two brothers who think the other is so cool. I hope that as they continue to grow up, so will their love for each other.
Braden on the hayride...
Dylon on the hayride...
When we got to the field, we set off in search of the perfect pumpkins. To Braden, this meant one that he could carry. And that proved to be quite the task since the small pumpkins were not easy to find.

Dylon helped search for his pumpkin too. He had a great view of the whole field from Daddy's shoulders.

Braden was very excited when he finally found HIS pumpkin! As I watched his overwhelming delight, I was reminded that sometimes the little things in life really can be the best.

After much searching for another little pumpkin (Thanks Uncle Josh for your help!), we had our family pumpkins.

It was a fun fall morning. And we were so glad that Uncle Josh and Aunt Kristi were here to share it with us!

Braden was a huge helper in getting the pumpkins back to the car.
We made a short pit stop and Braden was able to play in one of the jumphouses. This one was shaped like a tugboat, had stairs up, and a slide down. He was able to climb up on his own and loved sliding back down.

And of course, when we got home, Mommy needed a few more pictures! Who would have guessed?!

Here's Dylon with his pumpkin ...

Braden ... (he was VERY distraught because Daddy had just left to go to the store for a minute)Dylon and his friend ...

There were MANY of these shots!And finally, one of the boys together!

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