Big big pumpkin

Haven't put up a belly shot lately. I'm sure the orange is very flattering! 3 more weeks to go...

Halloween Ladybug

OK, I deserve some award for getting these up within an hour of returning from trick or treating. We opted for the free members' party at the zoo instead of going around the neighborhood. It was a lot of fun and we got a nice variety of stuff instead of just candy. There were small toys and things like animal crackers and Cheez-its too. Plus, it was before dark, which is much better for Laura. We spent about an hour there and really had fun. Here's some pics:

fashion trends

I don't know if its something she picked up in school or she made it up herself, but Laura's really been into this new way of fastening her velcro shoes. It cracks me up and makes me think of french-rolled jeans or the way we used to tie our dexters with little curly-cues instead of bows. 

Fall has arrived

We spent about 2 hours outside this afternoon. I finally got my dead flowers chopped down, and Laura was very helpful. I am so glad she stays close to me in the yard and never even thinks about going near the street. We also worked just a little more on getting the garden ready for winter and played in the leaves.

Below is a picture from a few days ago when the temperature was pretty low. She is really getting good at peddling, but still working on the steering. 

Spackling

Jim and Laura were looking for something to do between dinner and bedtime the other night, so they decided to spackle the dents in the walls. Apparently, Laura is a champion spackler. She made no mess, and didn't even get any on her hands. She was really excited to complete the job the next night. Now I guess we have to paint. Oh, and Jim's a big fan of the spackle that goes on pink and dries white. 

Finished Jack O'Lanterns

snow

Oh, and it snowed today for the first time this season. The ground was too warm for it to stick and there doesn't seem to be anymore forecasted anytime soon.

Jack O'Lanterns!!!

Laura's new bed

Jim's folks brought up Jim's old bed, which also happens to be his dad's old bed from when he was a little boy. So there's a lot of history in this bed! 

Here's Jim's ingenious system for painting the bed. It turned out very nice.

Laura's first night was a little rough. She didn't really seem too scared, just unsure about the new room. The bed wasn't a problem at all. She didn't roll out or seem worried about that. But the big-ness of the room made her nervous. It took her about 3 hours to go to sleep, but after she fell asleep she made it through the night with only one incident where she needed help with her new blankets. Her nap today went pretty well. She got out of bed a few times, but apparently tucked herself back in and slept for about an hour and a half. So we'll see how tonight goes. This picture is from the next morning after she woke up. Its very cozy to cuddle up with her on the bed! Jim and I both enjoy it.

I will try to get a picture of her whole room posted soon. I think we'll try to find some wall stickers for decoration rather than painting. 

hungry hippo

laura ate an amazing dinner tonight. She usually chows down all morning and eats nothing all afternoon. Tonight she ate a ton of catfish, broccoli and mashed potatoes. Of course, a little ranch dip was involved, but not too much. I couldnt believe it.