Pumpkins Everywhere!

I love fall and I love our annual trip to the little pumpkin patch down the road. A visit to our pumpkin patch has been a tradition for us since Lucas' first pumpkin season. When he was almost two he already loved pumpkin shopping so much that he took the two little pumpkins he had picked out to bed with him for weeks. He's a bit older now but the excitement for pumpkins has not decreased.

Here is a quick flashback to our past visits to the pumpkin patch.

2011

2010

2009

Haley - 6 Months



Our Haleybug turned 6 months while we were at Disney World. She is more interactive, more talkative, and makes more faces every single day. She is such a sweet, sweet baby and such a joy to be around. Just recently her daycare teacher asked me if I couldn't leave her there and take one of the other babies home instead. I told her I was pretty fond of my own as well. 

I got the chance to do a quick little photo shoot while we were in Florida. I just love how her quirky little personality comes out. I do need to be careful that Lucas doesn't see who Hales snagged to be her photo shoot buddy. Morris wanted a little camera action as well.

Haley is loving her solid food. She chows done every time she has the chance. She loves eating applesauce out of the squeeze packs (just like big brother). It's great for me to have a snack I can pack for both of them. She also loves peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. We still enjoy our mommy-Haley feeding snuggle time as well even though she does have trouble keeping her attention on drinking rather than the world around her.

Haley is still sleeping in the co-sleeper next to my bed but I feel the day drawing near where she will be able to try to hoist herself out of it and I will have to let her sleep in her big girl crib. It's going to be a sad day for mommy. I love hearing my baby girl breathing right next to me at night.

Haley is a flurry of physical activity as well. She is sitting better and better and can turn herself from back to stomach easily now. I know she is just waiting to get the hang of crawling so that she can get to all those fun toys we have lying around. It's going to be time for me to get rid of all of those choking hazards soon. We'll see how I will explain to Lucas that he needs to clean up his Legos after playing with them.

She just had her 6 month check-up. Her current stats are:

14 pounds or 6.4 kgs (7%ile)

26.5 inches or 67 cm (50%ile)

We love you sweet baby girl!

The Magical World of Disney

At the beginning of October, Nana, Matt, and I braved Disney World with a 3 year old and a 6 month old and we lived to tell the tale. We started the vacation off with a febrile little boy on the plane but Lucas rallied and with a fairly steady dose of tylenol and ibuprofen in his system had a fabulous time exploring Mickey's world. 

We stayed at the Beach Club Villas. The resort had a fabulous pool, was within walking distance of Epcot, a boat ride from Hollywood Studios, and a quick bus ride to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. So convenient. It was perfect for little kids and coming back for afternoon naps and pool time.

Day 1 we tackled the Magic Kingdom and a little bit of Epcot. What big excited eyes the kids had. I can only imagine what it is like to see Disney through a three year olds eyes. He loved driving on the Speedway, riding the Buzz Lightyear ride, and flying Dumbo. We also got a sneak preview into a soon to open Beauty and the Beast attraction where Lucas got to act out the beast. He had the cutest roar. 

Waiting for the gates to open. Mickey sticker: check

Proud of his Mickey sticker

In the evening we strolled to Epcot which was so close! A little rain ended our evening but with a kiddo poncho and a rain cover over the stroller we were set. 

Matt joined us a day late. Work, work, work as always in the cardiology world.  So we repeated Magic Kingdom. Lucas adored the Mickey Welcome Show so was excited to see it a second time. The day was perfect. Lines were short and we got to do tons (Matt and I even got to sneak away for a ride on Space Mountain)! And Lucas braved Splash mountain and thought it was fun!! Proud of my little daredevil. 

Back row, middle, with his hands up ... yep that's my three year old!

Animal Kingdom. Another fabulous park and new experience for me. Enjoyed the great sets and beautiful scenery, amazing safari, Himalayan Roller Coaster, Dinoland, and the Festival of the Lion King. Hot, hot day!! Lucas' new misting fan was a life saver.

Finally hugs with the Disney Characters! One happy little boy!

At Hollywood Studios, we started the day with Disney Live on Stage with Lucas' favorite Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Hales enjoyed the show too.

Saw the Muppets and had to take a picture for the Whitley.

Matt and I braved the Aerosmith roller coaster. Love that one. Rode it for the first time with my mom when I was in college and had so much fun. I had forgotten how fast this one starts out. I am prety sure my stomach was in my throat. 

Haley watching Beauty and the Beast Live

To get out of the heat we spent the afternoons getting out of the parks and into the pool. 

The last night we switched rooms and resorts and moved to the Boardwalk. We enjoyed the change of scenery and the little ice cream store right on the boardwalk. Even Hales took a bite of Double Dutch Chocolate and Vanilla swirl. She was a fan. That's my daughter!

Disney wore the kids' butt out. L & H were both asleep most nights at 6 pm (that's 5 Nashville time). Lucas even passed out mid dinner in Matt's lap one night.

The kids' early bedtime and Karen's sweet willingness to stay in with the kids gave Matt and me the chance for date nights. We spent our first date night at Downtown Disney with dinner at the Cuban Cafe and La Nouba - Cirque du Soleil. Amazing show!! Just wow. Got drenched by rain right before. Dress soaked, sticking to skin. Smeared mascara. Wet hair. But loved running through the rain with the hubby. Was laughing all the way. These are the moments we remember. And hubby saved the day and made me walk into the next store to buy a warm jacket. Was nice and toasty all through the show.

The second night we headed to Epcot and enjoyed a lovely evening strolling the world showcase with a beer sampler.  Ended the night with a chocolate crepe. I do have a weakness for chocolate so I couldn't resist. 

It was a wonderful trip and our little boy was back at his energetic normal self by the time we went home. All smiles at the airport in his new Mickey shirt. Couldn't wait to tell all his friends about his trip.

And a shout-out to Nana. Thanks for making the trip happen and for all your time and planning! We had such a great time!