These two.

I got out my camera the other night to capture the interaction between Ava and Bentlee. They love each other equally and I just love to watch them.

This last one made me laugh. It's like she is saying: 'um, lady? Do you ever put that thing down?'

[P.S. and the answer is: 'No kiddo, I really don't. So you better get used to it.]

Rainy day in.

We have been having full blown Oregon weather today.
The rain has been falling and the wind has been blowing all day long.
Ava and I have enjoyed looking out the window and listening to it as it slaps against the glass.
Perfect day if you ask us.

#12.

Here is to the next 12... and the many more that follow.
Love this husband of mine.

The wave.

We have been practicing for weeks and I'm convinced that she finally gets it.
Anytime anyone says "hi" or "bye-bye" to Ava, she now opens and closes her chubby little hand. I still have to help her hold it up but she does the rest.
Today, I even watched her in her jumper wave to herself for a few minutes. It was the cutest.

And, it's a wrap.

Football is officially over for this season and honestly? It was a tough one.

We didn't win more than one game and we struggled to connect as a team. But, in the end, Layton had fun. I mean, he truly had a good time and to me - that means something.

Last year, he got to be part of a team that stomped everyone we went up against. He got to have the feeling of excitement and pride. This year he got to experience how it felt to lose (which to me, is just as important.) He had a few "I wish we would have won moments" but for the most part stayed positive with an attitude of we can't win them all.

I am glad that he got something out of it. I want my kids to learn and know that life is full of ups, downs, winning and losing. It's not about how many games you win but instead about how many games you give your all for. You do your best and that's all you can do. I'm glad that he could walk away from this humbled and still be excited for next year.

It's a life lesson he learned early and I think he will be a better person because of it. Sometimes? The loser comes out the winner. It's all about perspective.

I'm very proud of my boy and our entire Mighty Might team this year.
Way to go GREY CELTS!

The 6 month old.

-- This girl is developing quite the personality. She is busy, stubborn and LOUD. Her high pitched squeals are quickly turning into annoying screams when she wants something. The other day she had her first full on tantrum when I stopped feeding her and for the last few days I have found myself having to tell her "no, Ava" in a stern voice over and over. (I don't ever remember having to start discipline this early with the other two.) Oy.

-- She is also becoming more mobile everyday. Not by rolling (even though she totally could) but instead by back-humping the floor. I'm not sure how else to explain it but that way. She lays one her back and bounces her butt up and down which results in moving herself from point A to point B. It's hilarious. I need to record it soon.

-- She is also sitting up better and better by herself everyday. Once she has it totally down I am throwing the damn car seat carrier away and moving her into a bigger one. One that won't break my back anymore by hauling it around everywhere. I think I hate it more than she does.

-- She has mastered eating solids. She gets breakfast, lunch and dinner now and because of this, she nurses a lot less during the day.

-- At night however, she still wants to eat every 2 to 3 hours. (of course, why not?) I am so ready for her to sleep through the night. SO. READY.

-- I have been trying to teach her how to wave. Yeah, yeah it might be a little too early but I swear this morning when I picked her up and took her to the living room? She flapped her right arm up and down when she saw Layton on the couch. Coincidence? Maybe. Genius baby? Most likely.

Fright night.

Like all Halloween nights - it was hectic.
Lee did the make-up on Kaylee and Cailin (and rocked it) like always... while I made a hot casserole for everyone to eat.
The kids got dressed, and I snapped pictures to post on Facebook before leaving.
We were running late, and Ava hated the hat on her costume so she screamed until I took it off of her.
We went to Beccas neighborhood to trick-or-treat. Once there, she let me put it back on her while we walked from door to door.
The older kids hung out on the deck to scare the trick-or-treaters, and once we got back they walked a few blocks themselves.
Once we got home, Ava was cranky and Layton was tired. I got her down for bed, helped him with homework, cleaned my kitchen and folded a load of laundry.
Halloween night 2012: successful and (thankfully) over.