Pumpkin-ish Picking

Saturday we thought it would fun to take Gideon to pick pumpkins. After checking out some places, the cost, and the fact that it was going to be a cold and windy day we decided for something a little let extravagant. We basically went to a local glorified farm stand. They basically picked all the pumpkins and put them in big piles according to size outside of the barn. There you can go and "pick" your pumpkin. They also have some cheazy kid stuff like pony rides, train rides, and the like. What drew us here was the there was no entrance fee and the fact that we didn't know how long our 2 year old would last.

Out of the only 30 minutes we were there I think our son had about 10 minutes worth of fun. He HATED how windy it was. Such a wimp, but good call on our part. Here are some pictures...

Checking out the ponies

This one gets me.

Hiding from the wind, but still smiling.

Four Years and Going Strong

Can't believe we have been married FOUR YEARS! Time is flying, but I wouldn't have picked anyone else to spend it with.

We enjoyed a quiet dinner at the Bangkok House & Shanghai Restarante in Elgin. We dropped the little man off at my sister and bro-in-law's place and walked over. I guess this place has been around forever. It was very Gluten free friendly and they were careful to make sure what I ordered was completely wheat free. The service was great and friendly. We were also only one of two couples in the place. They have two menus-Chinese and a Thai. We had a combonation of both and it was fantastic! We started off with a seasoned beef and lettuce appetizer with a zesty dipping sauce. Byron had a ginger/shrimp dish, I had Scheswan chicken (spicey just how I love it) and we also shared an order of beef fried rice. Byron also enjoyed some Thai iced coffee, which he really loved. One thing I couldn't stop laughing about was that they had this 80's sounding Chinese/Thai music softly playing in the background. Hilarious. Would highly recommend this place...but maybe not. I think I want to keep this our little secret.

We ended the night with a brisk walk to Al's Cafe for dessert. Had a fun evening with the hubs. Love you, Babe!

The Last Couple Months in Pictures...

Haven't posted in a while, so here are pictures to tell the story...along with short commentary.

Gideon's first snow experience

Very unsure...and hated it in the end-ha.

Trying on Uncle David's cowboy boots

Nick and Danielle's Bridal Shower

Cake made by my cousin

Thanksgiving/Christmas Family Photo


Yes, his bib says, "I love Pasta"

He also loves chips and salsa...hahaha

Wedding Day! N & D XOXO!

Not even half of the Bridal Party

G was infatuated by the lights behind the head table

Gideon is ONE!

Yesterday my little man turned one year old. My husband woke up that morning and said "it's time to go to the hospital"! I definitely had a flood of mixed emotions. Remembering that day and how we had the most amazing birth experience, our first moments as a family, nursing him for the first time, our stressful ride home in the car, the first time he smiled at me, the first time he rolled over.....crawled....NOW HE IS WALKING! Oh how I love this little one and thank God every day for what a blessing he is in my life.

The three of us had a mini celebration and I believe it was the perfect evening.
Byron and I both bought him a balloon independently of each other (we know what our baby likes). We started off the evening at McDonald's for dinner and play time at the Playplace (Byron insisted). We ate, and then it was time to play(closely supervised by mom and dad of course). Gideon was a little shy at first, but when a few other kids started playing he warmed up fast. We then opened a couple presents. A card he got in the mail, a gift from Aunt Michele and Uncle Shane, and a gift from mom and dad-of course. We returned home and sang happy birthday with a candle in a fresh baked gluten free cookie he absolutely devoured. We ended evening with a nice bath and a quick visit from GiGi for a birthday kiss.

He loves balloons!

The two handsomest men on the planet.

Happy birthday boy

Playing with daddy

Looking out the vent...silly Gideon

He made it!

His own laptop from mom and dad

More interested in his balloons

Enjoying his birthday cookie

"Happy Birthday" song with a little help from some aliens

Yes, a perfect day for the cutest boy in the world.

Apple Picking 2010

Our annual apple picking event was an adventure to say the least. The first orchard was completely picked clean of apples, went on a hunt to find the alpaca farm, finally found a mom & pop orchard with TONs of apples...only to find out after getting out there that they were all damaged by hail and/or bugs...hmmm....We got one yummy gluten free french apple pie out of the deal though, but no picture taken of it's yumminess.

We were missing several people, M & S, D & N, Dad, Uncle John...it just wasn't the same without yas...

Here are a few pictures of our fun.

Loved that apple

Gideon's first apple picking experience

Gideon and daddy

Picking out some gourds

Apple Picking 2010

Spontaneity

I woke up Friday with a hankerin' for doughnuts. Now, I'm not really a huge fan of doughnuts, but for some reason I had a craving. Byron didn't have to go into work, so he suggested go to Krispy Kream for breakfast and then go garage-saling. I'm not really a spontaneous person, but I went along with it. So, Byron found some garage sales to go to and mapped it all out. We were out of bed and out the door in 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, the closest Krispy Kreme is 35 minutes away. With our belly's grumbling it was a looong drive. When we finally got there we realized that we were at the actual Krispy Kreme factory-cool! As we were figuring out what we wanted to order we were handed two fresh baked glazed donuts (my fave!) for free! We were tempted to just order a milk chug and call it a day, but we were polite and ordered a few more. Plus, Gideon had to try his first donut! We enjoyed a nice and very sugary breakfast (maybe that's why my eye was twitching all day) and then went on to the garage sales.

Dad showing Gideon how it's done

He's a fast learner ;)

Needless to say the pickins were slim. Some of the ones we went to literally opened the garage door and called it a sale. We didn't even bother getting out of the car for half of them. Oh well. Better luck next time? It was still a fun morning and I got to spend it with my two favorite guys....and leftover Krispy Kreme as an added bonus!

"Garage sales are boring, dad"

My Kid is a Weirdo

One of the many joys in my life is watching my little man play. Today he was being such a well behaved cuddly kid. Here is one of the silly things he was doing (for several minutes before I got to film it). Boy, do I love this kid.

Gideon Likes to Share

A few Videos

Here are a couple videos of the little guy. Sometimes I think he just can't wait until his dad gets home to play.

Oh yeah, this kid will try to eat anything

Labor Day Weekend=Wedding and Fun

My sister got married over this Labor Day weekend. B and I were both in the wedding along with 16 other bridesmaids and groomsmen! It was a long day on my feet being 8 months pregnant and all, but it was a beautiful wedding. Congrats, Nicole and Adam. We love you!

Nicole, Mom and the Sisters
(4 other bridesmaids not in picture)


Having fun dancing with my Handsome

Monday we enjoyed the beautiful weather and day off at the park with my fam and some family friends. Picnic, softball game, and THE SLIDE! Good times...

"Wax Paper makes you go faster!"

How many pregnant women do this?

**Thanks to the people I snatched these pictures from. You know who you are.**

Relaxing Weekend

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I love weekends with no plans or agenda. Friday night Byron and I hunkered down and watched The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (I haven't previously seen any of these movies).

Saturday, we purchased some storage shelves for the basement and did some major "fall cleaning." Our house stays pretty clean and organized for the most part, but it always stresses me out when I open up a closet or cabinet door and stuff is either falling out or there isn't room for anything else. After a long day of organization, it feels really good. From time to time I've actually opened up a closet door just to admire it. I know-pathetic.

Saturday night we went to support my parents in hosting a college aged group through our church. Good fellowship and study on Matthew 5.

Sunday, we ushered during the second service at church, went out to lunch with the fam., and did some grocery shopping for Byron's breakfasts (recipe to be posted soon). Now we are just relaxing on the couch together and are going to watch The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers very soon here. The best part of the whole weekend was lots of cuddling with my hubby!

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