the day I've been dreaming of

We woke up yesterday morning to a wonderful cold front. The boys immediately wanted to go outside, so we threw on their sweatpants with their pajamas and out they went. They were still cold, so they came inside for jackets. They had the best time running around in the yard playing together. We were all so happy to finally have some fall weather. I have been dreaming of this day for quite some time.

Since the weather was so nice, we decided to take advantage of it and head in my parent's direction to play. We started off the day at a small park and had a nice picnic lunch.

We caught Austin sneaking up on some birds in a catlike prowl.

Don't tell Eric I let a 31/2 year old hold my Nikon, but Ethan took this picture of my mom and me.

After our picnic, we headed over to the coolest park I've ever seen. The boys had so much fun and we can't wait to go back with Daddy.

After hours of playing, it was nap time so we went back to my parent's house. This picture is why preschool was worth every penny... For the first time in our lives as parents, we no longer have to drag two pack-n-plays around. Our kiddos can finally successfully fall asleep on a pallet! This may sound silly to some, but to us, it's monumental. Oh, and don't remind me that we can only enjoy our pack-n-play-free time for the next 6 months before the baby comes please.

In case you were wondering, there is no pacifier in my sweet Austin's mouth under the blankie. He only asked for it a couple times yesterday and didn't cry when he took his nap or at bedtime. Woo hoo!!!

my newest toy

Eric got me a new lens for my Nikon for my birthday and I LOVE it! It zooms in a lot more than the basic lens my camera came in and it lets in a lot more light. I had fun shooting some shots at my parents house this week. I love that my parents live so close and we can run over to their house and spend the day together.

My new toy

Eric got me a new camera for Christmas and he let me open it early! I love it! I am really interested in photography and it's my newest addictive hobby. The camera is a Nikon D40x. I have a lot to learn about it and I actually look forward to reading the owner's manual believe it or not. It's fun to try out all the different modes and compare flash versus no flash. Here are some random shots we took with it. Anyone interested in taking a photography class with me?

Our little climber

Eric's fabulous Christmas lights

Cheese and cheese

soaking it all in

 

Yesterday I took my baby boy to register for kindergarten.  He colored happily while I filled out paperwork.  It was really quick and relatively painless process.  I must admit, I did get a little teary eyed walking out with my future kindergartner.  He is growing up so fast and I know our lives as we know it are about to change.  Goodbye sleeping in, wearing pajamas all day and going out of town whenever we want!  Hello 7:40 drop offs, making lunches every morning and homework!  Even though it makes me all teary to think about my baby growing up, I'm so excited to watch him experience new things.

 

This little guy had his four year old checkup yesterday.  The doctor's office was running behind, so we ended up waiting quite a while for the doctor.  I didn't mind at all because Austin and I got to spend time talking and telling stories. I just love his funny personality!  He was so brave as he got his four vaccines and didn't cry one tear.  I was so proud of him and once again got a little teary eyed walking out with my big, brave four year old. 

That night Eric and I took the boys to watch a Texas Stars hockey playoff game.  They loved it and we had the best time!  The stadium wouldn't let me bring my big camera in, so I took these pictures with my camera phone.  I was so sad I couldn't bring my Nikon because I would have loved to take pictures of it all.  The game was very entertaining and we actually watched the game. (Shocking, I know!)  It was so fun to watch the boys cheer on the Stars, dance and jump to the music.  We got on the big screen during the song "Jump!" and the boys were so excited.  I soaked in every minute of it and felt so blessed!

It's fun times like these that make all the hard moments worth it! I love my boys!