Fair Fun!

Our fair experience this year was definitely the best one yet. The kiddos were very excited about it, and that's what made it so fun. No meltdowns, no whining - just fun! This year they were both tall enough to ride several of the rides- Brantlee is just at 36 inches! Fischer came along too, and we snuck him on several of them ;)

If the truth be known, the animals were way better than the rides. We could have stayed in the petting zoo all night.

We needed an adult to ride the train, so Lolly took one for the team.

Collin decided to sit out when we got to the Bumble Bee ride. Miss Fearless rode it all by herself.

Before leaving, we had to stop for ice cream. It's just unheard of to come to the fair and leave without a nutty ice cream car. But for Collin, that wouldn't do. He had his mind set on an ice cream cone with sprinkles.

 It was after 9 when we headed home. After they finished up their ice cream, we looked back and saw this...

Poor babies. They were spent!! Especially Brantlee. She had been to Jackson that day for an eye appointment. She had NO nap that day, and her eyes were still dilated :( We got a great report tho. I'll have to post some pictures later of her appointment.

Now it's time to get all dressed up for Trick or Treating and our church Fall Festival. Minnie Mouse and Batman are quite excited!!

Pumpkin Patch '10

We took our 2010 trip to Mitchell Farms this past Saturday. Compared to last year, I think these 3 enjoyed it more, but the event wasn't any easier on the adults with these very active kiddos! Minus a few meltdowns, we had a great day ... a tiring day, but great nonetheless. Here some pictures from our day ...

Collin was a little amazed that a flower could be as tall as he is. I kind of felt the same way.

Checking out the animals

Brantlee wasn't quite as excited as I had hoped she'd be about getting a pumpkin.

But Collin certainly was!! He took the pleasure of picking out everyone's pumpkin.

The wagon ride was a hit, of course.

And swings are always a good thing.


Look at these sweet boys posing for a picture. Notice who we are missing?? Yes, that's because a photo was not in her plans at the moment... so I just cropped her crying face right out of the picture-Ha! (Sorry, Sweet B)



I think it goes without saying that the corn pit was the BEST part of all. Who can blame them?!
Look at that facial expression!


This one is just as good.

Collin thought long and hard about swinging on the rope like the big kids. In fact, he waited in line for almost 10 minutes for his turn. When it was finally his turn, he thought it looked too risky and opted out. That's our Collin :)

Before we left, B finally decided that picking a pumpkin wasn't so bad after all.

Wheels & Heels

After months of watching Collin drive his jeep and trying so hard to reach the pedals so she could drive too, we broke down and got B a car from Mommy and Daddy for her birthday. It's a smaller version so she can reach the pedals just fine. Steering, on the other hand, is an entirely different story- ha! Going to need some practice in that area ;)

She kept starring at it the day we gave it to her and saying "it's a PINK car!"

Just a minor collision here :)

Aunt Pammie gave B a variety set of heels. She loves them and feels like such a little lady in them . Guess who had to try some on too ...Much to Daddy's disgust, Collin though it was hilarious to strut around the house in these things ... but only because it made such a loud noise on the floor, right? It was pretty funny seeing them chase each other around the house in them. Even Kyle finally had to laugh too.

Party Pics

What a great day we had celebrating Brantlee turning 2!! The weather was beautiful, and many of our family and friends came to the party. Most and best of all, this curly-headed girl had the time of her life. She was very aware that this was her day ;) She squealed and screamed when each guest would arrive, and she was so excited the entire time! I wish I could post a picture of each and every guest or friend. Thanks so much for all her sweet gifts! It was a very great day.

She carried around Minnie for almost the whole party. Poor Minnie looked pretty rough and ragged by the end.

She was in awe that everyone was actually singing to her.

She did it all by herself!!

Collin and his best "girl" friend Allie. They are inseparable at school.

The second or third gift that B opened was a little bag filled with some makeup for to have for herself. We requested this, because she nearly destroys mine every morning when I try to get dressed. She. loves. it. After she saw this gift, she wouldn't put it down. She walked around showing everyone her makeup. Poppa even let her apply some blush and lip gloss-ha!!

But guess who became fascinated by the baby doll crib??

After the birthday festivities and food, the boys (including several grown men) decided to play some soccer and football. I snagged some pics of our little man being so grown up out there.

Future quarterback maybe?

Playing with some new toys and putting her baby to bed.

Brantlee Grace-

You are such a joy, little girl!!! You are so sweet, sassy, matter-of-fact, and very independent. From day one, you have made it clear that you have your own mind and your own agenda. We've learned to respect that ;) You have changed in so many ways over this past year- from barely walking to climbing steep ladders and up slides backwards, from saying only a few words to full out conversations. But most change has occurred in the area of hair! This time last year, we were so proud to just have a bow in your hair. And now we can't keep those curls under control for more than an hour. We are loving every minute of raising a princess ... well, a tough and usually dirty princess. You are so very girly, yet you are equally as much of a tomboy. You are just plain funny. But when you have your mind set on something, there is nothing funny about the situation. We pray that part of you never changes, no matter how hard it is to parent at times. You make our hearts smile, and we love you, Brantlee Bug!

Love,

Daddy, Mommy & Collin