Colors of Fall

Although it is late September and still 95 degrees, it's officially Fall. I am definitely ready for a change in weather, change in activities, and change of clothes. I got my mums today, school is in full swing, and there is bound to be some relief in temperature soon. When I think of fall, I think of rich orange, red, and yellow colors. Funny thing, I'm also picturing my sweet Rutland's hair color! I can't count the number of people who are starting to notice that Rut Rut is finally getting some hair and that it is coming in "red" or as we gently correct them "strawberry blonde". The other day I was swinging him in the yard, and noticed the little strands of hair blowing in the wind as he went back and forth. I was so proud! He's even started rubbing the top of his head just to feel it. We keep saying that as more hair comes in it will probably turn more blonde, but that is not happening so far. He's been bald for so long, I can't imagine what he will look like with hair! In addition to gaining some locks, at 18 months Rutland is so full speed ahead, it's difficult to keep up with him. He is very fast, especially when he's running AWAY from you, and is fearless, as the newest knot on his head shows. He's frustrated that we don't always understand him, but he is getting better at getting his point across when he needs to. He's quite the little charmer, just like his daddy. We've started disciplining him more and he has quickly learned that a kiss and hug go a long way in getting momma to put that spanking spoon down. I know we have a long way to go, but I look forward to the day when he can be trusted to stay in arms reach in the front yard and will sit almost all the way through dinner at the mexican restaurant. But for now, I love my WILDMAN (and every hair on his head)!

Not looking too red here-makes me think he might be blonde

Look at all those fly-aways :)

He loves to swing - the higher the better.

His hair looks more red in this light

Sweet brother and sister!

Check out my latest goose egg - it right on top of the last goose egg that had just started to go away!

Caroline's first day of school with her teachers Mrs. Anne & Mrs. Libby and sweet friend Tate.

Eating her breakfast in my room before school starts - she does NOT like waking up early!!

We love our birthday presents!!

Ever since Caroline's birthday (Aug. 14th) she has thoroughly enjoyed her birthday presents. I have to say, I had no idea the $5 Cinderella book that came with elbow-length gloves and a wedding veil attached to a headband from Walgreens would be her go-to gift. But honey, she wakes up and that is usually the first thing she has to put on. Of course one of her 4 new Disney dress-up gowns is #2 on the list. Dress-up is a BIG part of our day. One of her other FAVORITE birthday presents was the Disney Princess castle pool. While we had to wait a week to use it because of rain/cloudy days, the day we broke it out was over-the-top exciting. We will definitely be deflating our little princess and storing her safely for next summer. She has enjoyed her art easel too, but it's a little harder to find times when Rutland is asleep to use it. He's just in a very "busy" stage (I hope it's a stage) and can NOT be trusted with a crayon yet. We love our Tinkerbell umbrella and use it frequently while sitting on the couch watching TV. It's more for looks than actual functionality of course. More like an accessory. And then there's her big gift - her new bike! I knew going into this gift that we were not very interested/accomplished at riding our "in-like-new condition" tricycle. However, with 3 year old "Bike Day" coming up in the spring, we needed some motivation to learn how to pedal, ride a bike and wear a helmet. She loves the baby doll seat on the back of the bike and the pretty streamers on the handlebars. She's also pretty content to just push her babies around on the bike, or let mommy push her while she "pedals" up to Harris' house, but we are working on it. So far not too much progress though. As usual, some of her most favorite gifts she got for her birthday are books. We read everyday before nap time and every night before bedtime and many times in between. So thank you family and friends for some fun, fun times!

We hope the wedding came before the baby and stroller!

We do everything in dress-up clothes - we have lots of alias throughout the day.

Watching a little Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with my umbrella.

You never know when it might rain :)

Wearing Snow White and opening her Belle dress.

Still wearing Snow White and opening her art easel.

Closing her eyes before her "big" gift - her bike.

Putting Minnie in the baby doll seat on her new bike!

Taking Minnie for a ride - please note the Tinkerbell shoes.

"I wub my wedding veil!!"

The Princess Castle Pool.

Christopher was super excited this was going on his finely manicured lawn!

Rutland could NOT get his footing in this pool.

He slipped every time he tried to get in and out of it.