Halloween 2015

We split our Halloween celebration into two nights this year as it just helped to break up the craziness of trying to get everywhere Halloween night.  So, on Friday evening after dinner, we headed over to Erik's parent's to trick-or-treat over there.  It was nice to be able to stop and not feel rushed.  We collected our treats and took some pictures, and then headed home.  When we got home, we quick changed out of our costumes and then headed up to the WRC as they were having an open house with bounce houses, open gym, swimming, etc.  So, we headed up there with my parents to burn off some energy for a bit before heading home.

R2D2 at Erik's parents

On the front steps

With Grandpa Craig and Daddy

Saturday when the kids got up from their naps, put on our costumes and then headed over quick to see Henry and Geneva.  We visited with them for a little while and then returned home so we could eat dinner.  After dinner, everyone got their costumes on again, and then we walked around our neighborhood to trick-or-treat a bit.  When we had finished with our neighborhood, we loaded up in the car to do a couple other houses before ending up at my parent's house!  Kyler and Norah of course knew what to do when we went to the houses, Grace really started to get the hang of it and really liked the idea that she was getting chocolate in her bucket. :)  It was a fun evening with R2D2, Snow White, and Miss Kitty. :)  

All ready to go! (Side note: Norah's costume is actually one my mom made for me when I was little) :)

At Henry and Geneva's

Norah's Dance Class

The week before Halloween, Norah was able to wear her costume to dance class.  It was so cute to see all the little girls dressed up while they danced!

Practicing….

After class with the whole group!

Grace's 2 Year Pictures

The day of Grace's actual birthday, it was pretty nice out, and it wasn't daylight savings time yet, so we wanted to try to sneak in her two year pictures after her nap.  She was definitely a bit more herself compared to when we tried to take our family pictures as it was hard to get her to stay in one spot!  But I think we still got a few cute ones. :)

Grace is TWO!

Grace turned two years old on October 17!  I can't believe she is already two!  At her check-up, she weighed 22 lbs 9 oz, and was 33" long, she is tall and thin for sure!  Grace usually goes to be about 9:00 and gets up between 7 and 8.  She will sometimes wake up in the night still and then come in bed with us.  She hasn't switched to her "big girl" bed yet, but we are going to do that soon!  She has 16 teeth, just waiting for her two year molars to come in.  She has never had a pacifier and still doesn't use one to this day.  She doesn't really have a "lovie" or anything special she sleeps with either.  She has a pink waffle blanket she usually sleeps with, but it's not like the end of the world if she doesn't have it. :)  She does like to snuggle though and goes to sleep by mommy holding her and walking around, then putting her in her bed when she's asleep. :)

Grace is still a snuggle bug.  She loves to snuggle with you or have you hold her.  Her personality is coming out so much and I know I always say this, but she is not going to be left behind.  She loves to get right in and play with her brother and sister.  When they take something away from her, she gets mad and screams.  She loves to be silly and run around the house, especially if someone is chasing her or if they are going to "get me", as she says. :)  Grace enjoys music, she likes to dance to music and also knows several lyrics to Frozen's "let it go".  Swinging is still another favorite activity, Grace could swing outside for hours if you would let her.  She also loves to try things on.  She will wear multiple pairs of shoes (her own and others) all throughout the day.  She also loves different hats, dress up shoes, and random outfits.  Grace enjoys helping out too, she always wants to help with the dishwasher and loves "cleaning" around the house.  Babies are also a favorite toy for Grace.  It is so cute to watch her rock, "shush", bounce and take care of her baby.

Miss Grace,
We love your spunky little personality, you always make us laugh doing something silly.  You also have such a kind heart and want to make sure everyone is "okay?" (as you say).  You are no longer a baby, but a little girl.  We love you very much!  Happy 2nd Birthday!

TWO years old!

Helping Kyler bring his trucks across the yard

Her favorite thing!

Trying on Grandma's witch hat

Love her!

Cheese!

Riding on the mower with dad is a favorite thing!

Goofy face :)

When did she get so big?!

AHHH!

Never a dull moment :)

 

Grace's 2nd Birthday Party

We celebrated Grace's 2nd birthday on Friday, the day before her actual birthday.  Between everyone's crazy fall schedules, this was the day that worked out the best!  We had a Minnie Mouse-themed party as she always gets really excited when she sees Minnie and says "Minnie!". :)  Everyone started to arrive about 5:30.  We waited until everyone came and then we ate dinner.  We decided to have homemade lasagna, as Grace loves everything noodles. :)  We also enjoyed fruit salad, relishes, and bread.  After everyone had finished with dinner, we visited for a while before opening presents.  Grace did a great job opening presents and knew exactly what to do.  After presents we enjoyed cake and ice cream.  We then spent some more time chatting before everyone headed home.  It was a great evening celebrating Grace turning two and having our first birthday party in our new home!

Her Minnie Cake

Miss Grace with her cake :)

The birthday girl!

Minnie decor

Dinner time

Love our big table!

Other table in family room

Opening presents

Pulling out her fleece blanket from Geneva

More presents….

She wanted to break to play with everything so we had to move her along :)

Her BIG present form Grandma Deb and Grandpa Craig (a roller coaster)

Her purple chair from Grandma Nadene and Grandpa Gary

Time to sing!

Trying to tell her how to blow out the candles

Had to have a little help form Norah and Kyler :)

Grace's actual birthday was the next day, Saturday.  We didn't do a whole lot, as we had just had her party the night before.  After she got up from her nap, we went out and snapped a few two year old pictures (so we could do them outside before it got too cold!),  enjoyed a dinner of homemade pizza, (one of her favorites) and then let her open her presents from us.  Happy Birthday Miss Grace!

Opening a present in her new chair

Erik trying to convince her to keep opening :)

Got going again...

Checking out her bath for baby Stella

Her own backpack!

Fall Family Pictures

I wanted to get a couple family pictures this fall so I had new ones for our wall and one to put on our Christmas cards.  So, one Saturday afternoon, we loaded up and headed out to the Prairie Lakes park so my mom could snap a few photos.  Grace wasn't feeling the best, but I was hoping that going right after her nap we could squeeze out a couple good ones…..and they didn't turn out too bad, you could tell she wasn't quite herself but they will work. :)

Norah's First Day of Dance

Right before school started I kind of thought it would be a good idea to try to sign Norah up for a dance class.  She loves to dance around and had kind of been asking about it since a friend's birthday party was at a dance studio last spring.  I was a little hesitant because everywhere I looked you had to commit to the whole school year and I just wasn't sure I wanted to commit to that yet. :)  And, as much as I want my kids to enjoy activities, I also don't want to go crazy over it at this age. :)  But, I decided to try it, so I contacted a place and she was put on a waiting list.  After the first class we found out that she was going to be able to get in!  She was so excited to go, but then was sick the next week. :(  So, finally at the beginning of October, she got to go to her first ballet and tap dance!  She was so excited and has loved going!