Our BIG Surprise and the Trunk or Treat

On October 30th we had a big day, followed by another big day on October 31st. My parents drove in to town on October 30th with cousin Delaney in tow. Brynn had no idea Delaney was coming. It was a fun surprise for her. I wasn't entirely sure either. I texted my mom late Thursday night and told her to call me before they left no matter how early it was. When I called her around 5 a.m. on Friday she told me that they had Delaney with them. When they arrived on Friday afternoon, my parents came in first and gave Brynn a note from Delaney expressing her congratulations and how she wished she could be there for Brynn's special day. She then told Brynn to go outside into the backyard because she had a surprise for her. We all walked into the backyard and Delaney was jumping on the trampoline. Brynn almost started hyperventilating. She didn't really know how to respond. I think that she was in literal shock. She was so excited and happy to have Delaney here. It was a real treat to have her with us.

We had our ward Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook-Off that night, celebrated Isaac's first birthday and made last minute preparations for Brynn's baptism on the morning of Halloween. It was one full weekend, but a very special one for us.

I actually dressed up for the Trunk or Treat but took my costume off because I was so hot (think temperature). I borrowed the idea from Wade and Sara. I dressed up as an AIG Executive at a Resort and Spa with my robe, towel turban and facial mask. Teh mask started to dry and became itchy, so I wiped it off. Only a select amount of people "got it," but those who did, thought it was hilarious! Come on people, don't you keep up on your current events?

Isaac was a trooper. It's a good thing he won't remember this birthday. I was so happy that he was born the day before Halloween and not on Halloween itself, but I am beginning to see that this could present some conflicts in the future. We'll have to get creative in his future birthday celebrations! We love our Isaac!

Thank goodness he is so easily pleased!

Apple Hill 2009

We took our 2nd annual trip to Apple Hill in Camino, CA in October. We visited a few of the same farms that we visited last year, with hopes to see a couple of new ones, but we ran out of time. Next year we hope to add a couple more to our route. Rainbow Orchards has been our strategic spot the last 2 years. It's just off one of the exits with far less traffic than some other ones. Last year our friends the Paschoal's told us not to miss their apple cider and apple cider donuts, they were so good, we went back for more this year. The cider was great for drinking and then we took some home to make our pumpkin puff pancakes with apple cider syrup. Freshly pressed cider makes the best cider syrup!

We then headed to another farm that has a hiking trail and we went on a short hike around the forested orchards. It was a beautiful day!

Joseph took the girls to Kids, Inc. again this year while I stayed in the car with the sleeping boys. The same thing happened last year, only then, Isaac still had a week left to ripen in my belly. I welcomed the quiet time this year, to read over the text of the talk I had to give the next day in church.

We ended up at High Hill and topped off the day with some Sour Cream Apple Pie. It was good, but I think next year we should try the traditional again.

Isaac loved the pie and the independence we allowed him in eating it!

This boy means business!

Joseph with his beautiful Sierras in the background.

We seemed to time things much better this year than last, and we didn't face nearly as much traffic. It made for a very pleasant day in the country.

Happy Birthday Brynn!

We celebrated Brynn in our typical birthday way....a week long process. This year's birthday celebration commenced with a trip to BJ's and finished with her baptism on Halloween. Brynn's teacher is a server at BJ's so Brynn's request was to go out to eat and have her teacher serve her. She loved it!

Of course, our favorite part of the night was when she brought out the mini-pizookies. Yum!

It's Great to Be Eight!

Brynn turned 8 years old! She was baptized on Halloween! What a day to be baptized. We'll follow up with more details later, but here are some special pictures we took of her for her special birthday.

Isaac is 1 Year Old!

Isaac is one! What a year it has been! We love this little guy so much! He fills each day with so much happiness. Our entire family is amazed that it has been a whole year. Brynn said the other day, "Wow, that went by fast, it seems like he was just born a few days ago!" I totally agree. Isaac has such a fun spirit and we are so glad he is part of our family.

Isaac has been a little trooper this entire year. We pack him around on all the little adventures we go on. He's great on our excursions, but when we are home, he prefers to be in the arms of those he loves. He has such soft kissable cheeks, and loves to give open mouth kisses to his mom. His eyes sparkle and he loves to laugh. He finally has two whole teeth and 2 halves that have cut their way through. He loves to eat bananas, chicken, waffles, green bean, and mom's milk., (we think he might be addicted). :) His first word was Da-Da-Da-Da-Da-Da! He's not quite walking and we hope he'll let us baby him a little longer. He loves bath time and splashes and kicks the whole time. Isaac is a very determined little fellow and he know's what he wants!

I still have very tender thoughts and feelings about his birth. He has been such a sweet, fun and lively child. We love you Isaac! Thanks for filling each day with so many smiles.