Halloween 2010

This year was a great Halloween.  The weather was amazing (mid-80s... probably upper 70s during trick or treat time).  A nice little Sunday, Chad did lawn work, washed his car, I made appetizers (brushetta... can you believe some of the neighbors never had it before?), then around 5:00 got the kids dressed up.  I learned that trick or treating here didn't really start to pick up until 6:45 or so, maybe because daylight savings is later.  Big B and I took a stroll with Vivian, then dropped her off with Chad to finish.  He was so, so excited. 

The Bounce House we rented with the neighbors... what a great way to entertain the kids!  Some of the moms had also put together games, like the three-legged race, bobbing for apples, etc.

Our little BumbleBee

The only full body view of Miss Vivian with the antennas an all.  She wasn't into keeping those on.

Instead she spent more time doing this... poor girl is having some major teething issues.  (On that note... girl is not sleeping well.  When all these teeth are done hurting my baby girl I will be so relieved)

Vampire Braden ringing the doorbell while BumbleBee Vivian looks on.

A quick stop on our stroll.  No, I wasn't giving BumbleBee any candy, but she was content playing with them.

The handsome Vampire. 

 I had vampire teeth for him, but of course put them somewhere so the kids wouldn't get into them beforehand, and then couldn't remember where.  I just found them this morning.

Vampire Braden with his BFF, Dolphin Mallory.  She's 5 and she lives next door... and Braden wants to hang out with her all. the. time.

All the neighbor kids!  Braden is really enjoying this family/kid friendly area, and so are we!  And the older girls are 12, and they love, love, love to take care of Vivian.  So fun!

The Oil Ranch

This past Saturday we were able to finally get away to a pumpkin patch.  It's probably a good thing we waited, while it was still in the 80s, it was better than trying this out when it was in the 90s!  The place was about 45 minutes from the house, reasonably priced and included all the activities.  Braden had a blast, and since we didn't have to fight mass crowds, Miss Vivian got a chance to roam around too!  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Right from the start, Big Brother is showing his Little Sister what it's all about.

Smiley little lady... so happy when she doesn't have to be cooped up in the stroller! (Here you can really see how long her hair is getting!)

Looking at him like this... just makes me smile.

Poor kids... it's over 80 outside and I have them in long sleeves because that's the Halloween gear I had for them.

Already tired... sat down to take a rest.  And she's "talking" to me here, from her tone, I'd say it was pretty important!

I love pictures of them together...

I even got out from behind the camera...

What is this kind of event without a pony ride (or three!)

Viv's first ride!

While Braden is in the bouncy house... Miss Vivian and I explore

This may be one of my favorite pictures ever... it captures her absolute joy as she giggles!

Dad took her in for her first petting zoo experience!  She loved it.  Better him than me... anyone remember this?

Dad with his two little people.  

One of these days we'll try and get more pictures with all four of us!

Great time at the Oil Ranch!

Unexpected...

We had a visit with old friends when we were in Illinois.  You see... The Boyds (Justin, Heather, Olivia, and baby due in March) live overseas in Rota, Spain.  We've been in Canada, Washington and now Texas.  Needless to say, it hasn't been easy to try and coordinate a time to see each other.   But something unexpected happened.  We were all going to be in Illinois at the same time... and not just that... just 15 minutes away.  How lucky were we that we got to see each other in person?  The last time we saw them was summer of 2008, Olivia was just 11 months old (almost exactly the age of Vivian when they got to meet her!).  

Many thanks to the Boyds for reaching out to let us know we'd be in the same place at the same time.  No matter the time that passes, we always just pick up where we left off!  Love and Miss!

The Main Event

The main reason we were in Illinois was because Chad's brother, Keith was getting married.  Casse and Keith have been together 5 years now and have three children (Kylie, and twins Logan and Jackson).  They got married in Bloomington, IL at Miller Park Pavilion on a (bit brisk) but pretty Saturday the first weekend in October.  Chad served as best man, and Braden as the ring bearer.  Loads of family came in from Texas too.  Things went off without a hitch!

`

Paula and her boys

Uncle Keith and Big B

Grandma and Miss Vivian

Sisters-in-Laws

A picture with all the family from Texas!   There are 23 people in this picture... 17 of us live in Texas!  Hope that's some good motivation for the rest of you!

Yes... I was the mom that packed the DVD player in case of emergency.  At this time all the boy Ramseys get to enjoy with Grandma.

Anything to entertain kids, right?  Everyone was so helpful with all the kids... and a special thank you to Christine taking a 30 minute hiatus from the reception to help me get kids to sleep!

Kids circling the cake... they just couldn't wait!!!

Just because I think she's pretty!

(And no, she isn't dirty... this new walker had fallen down and bruised her cheek!)

Saved my favorite for the end.  During the vows, Keith made his own vows to 4 year old daughter, Kylie.  Very touching!

Zoo with Friends...

While in Chicago I got the awesome pleasure of getting together with some friends and some kiddos on a gorgeous Tuesday afternoon at Brookfield Zoo.  I don't think I've been there since I was in junior high... it's big and between chasing around and tending to four different kids we didn't even make it all the way through!  The kids had an awesome time... and better yet I got to enjoy my girl friends on this perfect afternoon! 

First stop... the carousel! 

From L to R - Jill, helping out with Big B, Jack with mom, Katie and Aidan with mommy, Staci.

Vivian and I sat back as she was getting ready to take a snooze.

Little Man Aidan (4 weeks older than Viv) had just started walking...

Group shot!  And I know I'm not the only mom out there that sometimes find herself with that crazy thrown back head in the photos, it's like in my mind I think I'm leaning in and being cute while holding a 40 lb almost grumpy toddler while he's pushing me away.  I need to remember this is not a good look for me. 

Last stop... back to where we started!  Good times with good friends.  Thanks ladies!

Time for Cake!

Last month we took a road trip to Illinois (that's right, we drove straight through from Houston to Chicago... the kids did great).  We were gone ten days and got to have Vivian's first birthday party at my mom and uncle's house in Homewood.  Aside from the chilly weather, it was great and so good to see many friends and many of their little people!  There are too many pictures to share here, but I picked out a few... with major focus on Vivian's cake smash! :)  A big thank you to my mom and uncle for preparing food, renting tables and letting us host the event in their beautiful backyard.  We are also grateful to all our friends that make the trip in to celebrate with Miss Vivian!  Oh... and I must mention... the girl got tons of clothes... I knew all her "aunts" would keep this girl stylish!

Vivian with her cousin, Kylie.  I just had to include this because Vivian's face is hilarious.

Having a moment with Uncle Keith

Oooohhh... .Presents!!!

She's got it covered...

Big Brother Braden was really excited to help her... I gave him the job of opening up the cards. 

Birthday girl sitting in a chair all by herself... she's tired by now, she's skipped her afternoon nap.  Little does she know it's almost cake time!

Miss Vivian was not happy.  She just wanted some sleep...

Vivian:  Dad... what is going on?  What is this thing in front of me?  Why is everyone staring?  Why are they singing?

Dad:  Vivian... it will be ok, I promise.  Cake is good!!!

Still tears in her eyes, she tentatively starts...

No more tears!  This is delicious!

All tears forgotten...Hmmm... cake!

Planning her next plan of attack.

I AM ONE!

AND I AM DONE!