Van's First Halloween

We got together for a little spooktacular potluck dinner last night with our good friends, the Halls and the Barksdales. We couldn't resist dressing up the bebe's in their costumes and taking pictures! Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

Pebbles, Yoda and Bamm Bamm

Yoda really enjoys his light saber!

Pebbles and Bamm Bamm (Thank you to Betsy for making such adorable costumes!)

Van was really staying in character! (notice how he is banging his club)

if you have food, they will come

what does mrs. brooke have?

all the boys gather around

i love how they all have their hands on her!!!

mmmm banana

Tricks & Tots Pt. 1

Van's first Halloween Party (and the first of several this season) was Tricks & Tots hosted by Van's friend Vance and his mommy & daddy, Christine & Scott. Here they are dressed as a couple of monkeys and a banana!

Aunt Candace, Uncle Clay & Cole were there too!

Vance the Monkey

Amy & Jack (Sir Purr)

Betty & Bamm Bamm (pictures of Barney Rubble to come!)

The Rubble Family (aren't the wigs horrible???)

our sweet Bamm Bamm

"Really dad, you're going to let mom make me wear this???" - Cole

The Holts

Next it was time for our morning playgroup!

Rylan and Van trying to figure out what the heck each is wearing!

Sweet Ella the ladybug (and the only girl in our little group)

Van would rather chew on Tee's spoon than play with all his friends.

busy boys (us mommies sure can't relax like we used to at playgroup!)

Group shot (take 1)

Group shot (take 2)

Group shot (take 3)

OK I think we've had enough.....

"what do you think ella, do i make a good dragon?"

"Get this off me mommy!" - Van

the highlight of our day......

waiting on dada to get home

so we can go on our walk

sk8 or die

our little sk8er boi had his first crash!

sup dude!

*monday started off fabulous. i woke up to our little man saying, "mah-ma!" the.sweetest.sound. to my ears! of course i haven't heard it since but it was unmistakable! then that evening, we had our biggest crash yet. van wriggled out of derek's hand and took off down the driveway like a big boy. only problem was that his feet were too fast for his body and he fell onto his hands then right onto his face. we were both standing right there and it all happened so quickly yet it seemed to happen in slow motion too. he was so tough and didn't cry long. he was all smiles by the time i came back out with a cold washcloth.

it's hump day already??????

we have had an adventurous week at the utsey home........i really cannot believe it's only wednesday!

first, van and i went to the park so he could swing and ummmmmm, well i don't think he likes the swings very much.....

however, he did enjoy watching the other little kids play and he thoroughly enjoyed going down the slide

then we went to the pumpkin patch. van picked out some really great looking pumpkins! and it was hard, there were TONS to choose from. i think he went with what tasted best!!

and of course he asked his daddy's opinion

we've tried on a couple of costumes........

we're so excited for halloween!

Autumn Blessings

As many of you know, October is my favorite month of the year (and not just because it is my birthday month!) The air starts to cool and there is a certain scent to fall that just makes me happy. The leaves start to turn shades of red, yellow and orange so that trees seem to burn bright in all God's glory. For me, Autumn is the time of year where I reflect on how blessed and grateful I am for God's amazing love.

Our greatest blessing, Van is like the autumn leaves - changing every day. He has gone from walking around furniture to taking a few wobbly steps to full on walking with a determined look that tells us he will be running soon!

Some of our favorite October goodies:

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Pumpkin cream cheese muffins

really anything pumpkin!

playing outside

jeans and a sweater

Halloween

candy!!!!

boots

Speaking of playing outside, Mimi gave Van this really cool red wagon to push around the house. He loved it so much he wanted to take it outside for a spin.

"ok mom, ready for a push!"

getting goodbye kisses from baxter

"wooooooooo hoooooooooooooo"

We've also been to Freedom Park to play in the grass.

Next stop is the Pumpkin Patch!