A pirate, a dragon and a lion...

 I had SO much fun getting Quinn's Halloween costume ready for him this year...

 Jack's first Halloween costume: an adorable lion, just like big brother Quinn was in 2010.

 'I'm tired and I DO NOT want my picture taken!'

 

We had an outfit change when it was decided that being a pirate was much too itchy, and the soft terry cloth material of the dragon was a lot more comfortable! .. Hey Quinn, I don't blame you!

 Rooooaaaar, goes the scary lion!

 Proud mommy with her pride and joy (x2)!!!!

 Okay, finally a genuine smile from Quinn.

 Watching how to play a game at the Halloween party we went to on Saturday.

 These treats were the best part. For Quinn and Steve.

 More games, Quinn isn't so sure he wants to participate ;)!

Chooo Choooooo! (Fun at Choo Choo Bob's in St. Paul)

Indian Summer Day

Messes are fun?! YES!

 Jack: "I LOVE this! My big brother is playing with me and there are toys EVERYWHERE!"

 Quinn was using his bulldozer to push toys into a big heap.

I guess there was a method to this madness!

 Still working....

 Oh, there's Jack. I lost him for awhile in all the toys!

This picture is fuzzy, but it was so funny when I took it, because Jack had just succeeded in crawling out of the exersaucer and he has this random fish (toy) in his mouth. It made me think: This mess is getting outta control, but the boys are so happy!

Bedtime Devotions and snuggles

 Daddy reading Quinn and Jack from their Children's Bible.

Ahh, nice face Quinn! :)

Pilgrim Pies

Oh, how every day I learn something new about myself, with having my kids be the teacher!  

 

Baking today, with a 2 1/2 year old got me thinking how many times I wear 'rose colored glasses', and probably not in a good way! ...I love getting all my baking stuff out, tidying up the kitchen a bit (BEFORE I even start to bake, because I want it to look good in the pictures.) ...I know, it's ridiculous!  Then, Quinn props himself up on the chair and we're ready to begin! The Chef hat he is wearing is just the cherry on top (e.i. My plan for a 'picture' perfect memory can begin!). Ah hem, and then, reality sets in. 

 

Why would my toddler (almost preschooler), want to sit there and do everything I ask of him? Isn't it more fun to open all the containers and canisters, jars and boxes? Isn't it fun to throw a little of the flour around and eat the cream cheese (which is meant for the frosting?). Of course, part of this baking experience for Quinn, is to try every single ingredient that I have on the counter. Whether it's baking soda, salt or vanilla extract.  The more frustrated I become that he isn't 'acting' how I want him to 'act' ... the more I'm reminded that it isn't suppose to be about me and my silly expectations! He isn't an 'actor' to play a certain part in the play. He's suppose to be curious about everything. This is how he learns.  And today I learned too. To take those rose colored glasses off for awhile, let my little boy be just that, a little boy! A little spilt flour on the floor isn't going to hurt anything!  ...As easy as this sounds, I am still learning to 'let go' and let the moment/memory go the way it's meant to go... I'm a work in progress. I am learning!