sports class

Tyler went to a friend's birthday party at a sports complex and he just fell in love with soccer. His interest was so intense, I immediately looked for a local activity. I found a county sports class for six Saturdays and sweet talked them into letting Tyler participate despite not quite being three at class start.

Tyler loves his class! They move through several stations and get to learn the basics of many different sports. He's a natural athlete!

happy halloween

This holiday only gets better each year! Tyler was so excited with the idea that he could go to our neighbors' doors and they would just hand him candy! We trick-or-treated along with the Linsenmeyers and had a lot of fun. And thankfully the rain held out just long enough!

Jenna also made some new friends. She loved being toted around and each time someone would comment on how cute she was, Jenna would turn it on! She'd smile from ear to ear, reach forward and giggle and squeal. Numerous people commented on how happy and adorable she was. YEP!

pumpkin painting

During Mollie's visit, she brought paints and mini pumpkins. We finally got around to the activity and Tyler had so much fun giving the pumpkins some spunk!

why?

And so it begins...

For the first time Tyler asked me, "Why?"

we love the kriskos

We have been so fortunate to have talented family willing to assist us with major home renovations. Starting in February, my brother-in-law, Hugh, stayed with us for just over two weeks to completely renovate our kitchen. During his extended stay, he and Tyler grew close.

In August, Hugh was back to finish up some additional projects including our kitchen backsplash and painting every room on the main level.

And since he just couldn't get enough of us, he was back in October along with my sister to overhaul my mom's house. During that time, Perrin and her French exchange student, Alice, came for a visit of DC and bunked at the Campbell house.

In the many months following my dad's passing, it was really wonderful to have family so close close to home.

second tooth

Within a week Jenna's second tooth popped in as well. It's the other bottom center one.

exersaucer fun

Jenna loves checking out all the new sounds and gadgets from her exersaucer. Can you tell that she is teething? Poor green puppet.

french kissing

Top Gun was on TV and Tyler saw the part where Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis start to french kiss. Tyler said, "Ewww. Yucky! They are eating together. Ewww!"

first potty success

As Tyler was getting out of the bath tonight he peed ever so slightly. Alex encouraged him to pee on the potty and so he did. He'd sprinkle the water and then turn around so excited. Each time we asked him if he was finished, he said no, turned back and peed more.

He was so pleased with himself he didn't seem to want to stop. He was trying to go so bad that he started to poop! Alex spun him around to a seated position. Oops, didn't quite make the toilet, but a valiant effort for his first try!

first tooth

I was shocked to feel Jenna's first tooth already in! She had been gnawing on her toys so I figured that she was close, but didn't expect her bottom left one to have already appeared. So far she's not seemed bothered or discomforted. Here's to that continuing.

blame game

Tyler has been playing the blame game when it comes to gaseous noises. Earlier this week he tooted and said it was Jenna. This time Jenna tooted and Tyler said, "Smell it Daddy. Smell my butt! It wasn't me!" Then he wanted to know why we were laughing.

actually

Alex offered Tyler waffles and Tyler responded that he wanted some. Then he wavered and said, "Actually Daddy, I would like..." Did he really just say, "actually?" He's growing up so fast.

uh oh, fibbing

Tyler told a story about Mommy pushing him down. Untrue. This seems to be a trend today.

blame game

Tyler, did you go poopy? "No, Jenna farted."

5 months

ghosting

Love this Cape Ann ghosting tradition! We were ghosted this weekend and what fun it is to pass along the spooky fun.

visit from the sheelys

We were thrilled when the Sheelys (sans Andrew) came to town for an always-too-short visit. Tyler got to play with Logan who is nine months older and maybe nine inches taller. :) We also got to meet Meredith and got the great news that a new little one is due in April. Exciting!

are you ready for some football?

Alex had some buddies over to watch the Gator game. And my how times have changed; today's football games entail kids play dates as well.

well, hello there

rice cereal

Jenna tried her first bites of solid food last night (other than the pea and watermelon Uncle Hugh sneaked to her previously)! She gave rice cereal a try and is not too sure about it yet. Although she downed more than I expected and was less messy than her brother was. Tyler provided her great encouragement!

pumpkin patch

Well, the Triadelphia Lake View Farm is a bit bigger than a patch. It is a huge local farm where we have gone each year since Tyler was born for tractor rides, pumpkin picking and petting the farm animals. This year also marks Jenna's first experience with this tradition. We picked out a lot of pumpkins, squash and gourds (both big and small in colors including green, white, tan and orange of course) that we have placed on the front steps, kitchen table and counters. It officially feels like fall in Columbia, especially at the Campbell house. We had such a wonderful day just spending time as a family.

more daring

Tyler has been more adventurous recently when it comes to trying new foods. And of course we encourage this every chance we get!

week without daddy

Wow, this was the longest week of my life. Alex had a team meeting for work in Oakland, CA which caused him to be away from home for five days in a row. And if this wasn't going to be a struggle enough alone with two kids, a dog and a full-time job, Jenna and I came down with head colds and an ant family tried to move in!

Thankfully, we all survived in tact in part with help from friends. We spent one evening at the Howeses house for dinner and playtime for the kids. They really all get along so well (Jenna happily tolerates Matilda stealing her binky and Tyler had the biggest tantrum of his life when it was time to go because he wanted to stay and play)!