The Patch

We finally made our way to the 'Patch' this year, despite some rain and illness delays. Just missing today's rain, we chose our pumpkins, took a wagon ride (which was infinitely more enjoyable for Mommy than the year two years ago when I took the nauseated ride, pregnant with Michael) and Daddy and Elena braved the corn maze (which Elena reported to be "Not much fun at all"). It's awfully cute watching Elena so intent on choosing the right pumpkin for her and watching Michael enjoy anything and everything about being outside. He didn't dig the actual pumpkin patch much, but the vast area where pumpkins were piled, was a playground for him.

The holidays are officially upon us.

Hiiiii....

"Buck or Bucky" as he's known these days (stemming from Wyatt who couldn't say Michael at first, so called him Buckle) is becoming such a big boy. His new arsenal of words includes clearer versions of "hi, thank you, hot and please." He knows when he is being a stinker and he intentionally makes you laugh. Food remains his constant joy and he'll walk to his highchair when he is hungry and say, "Pease." "Nice-nice" prompts him to give you the sweetest hugs, though he has a lot of stranger anxiety these days and only give them to us. And since I'm not sure I've ever mentioned it, it's important that I say it so I remember how strangely and sweetly Michael loves to fall asleep holding a fistful of my hair.

He is our heaven-sent little Buck.

Five

Though I still can't believe it, Elena is five and every ounce the age. What a week of celebration for the girl - she began with cupcakes with the neighbors, then to an old fashioned birthday party at Gramma's with Gramma and Papa Mike that was complete with "Pin the tail on Mickey" and musical chairs. She had a lovely actual birthday with cupcakes in school and a celebration at home where she received many coveted gifts, namely the Leapster video thing she wanted. She also got two pet frogs whom she named Ariel and Sharpei. They are very parts of our family now.

The early week celebrations followed with a Thursday trip to Spokane to see Grandma and Papa, Grandma Ann and Grandma Barb and Grandpa Chuck. We've just returned from this lovely weekend where we celebrated Elena's big five at Chuck-e-Cheese, the Apple Festival and the 100-year old carousel (that Ryan's Grandpa, Dad and Ryan all rode as children). We stayed with Barb and were able to split the time (albeit short) pretty well. The big downside was that we had to leave this morning at 3 a.m. to catch a last minute standby flight out (instead of the later 3:30 p.m one we'd wanted). All the flights were full and that was the only choice. We got stuck for a worrisome hour and a half, but in the end we made it home by 11 a.m. and have spent the day sleeping, showering and unpacking. I think after her week of celebration, we are officially done with Elena's fifth birthday and ready to resume to normal activity...whatever that is.