Sneak Peek

We just got home from visiting our friends, Terry and Bethany, up near Santa Cruz.  We had such a nice time.  Will, their 3 year old, and Noah played like they had been best friends forever.  T and B are redoing their backyard and the boys had a blast "helping" the workers.  Bethany and I contemplated paying the landscaping crew for childcare on-top of what they're being paid for landscaping.  There are some great pics on Bethany's camera, I'll post as soon as I get them.

While we were there we also took advantage of the great location and Bethany's photography hobby and had her take some family pictures.  Here's a sneak peek of a few of my favorites:

 Noah looks grumpy in this one, but I still love it. :)

 This was a candid of Elliana dancing; I love it!

One last trip

Last night my sister and her girls came out for a quick overnight trip.  While she was here, we decided to make one last trip up the mountain to pick the last of the apples at Riley's Farms.  It was cold and windy...perfect in my book.  We made it just in time because yesterday was the last u-pick day of the season.  We left with a bag full of delicious Rome Beauty's.  Since Hylke's so tall, we left the picking stick behind, knowing that Hylke's shoulders would be waaaay more fun for the kids.  Elliana designated herself as the official bag carrier and refused any help along the way.  She had a few spills along the way, but it never once slowed her down.  Her very independent, very determined personality was definitely shining through.  After some picking we went to the petting zoo, ate fresh bbq'd tri-tip sandwiches, drank fresh pressed cider and let the kids run all around.  What a great time!

Who needs a picking stick?!

 My big sis and her kiddos

 The cousins

 Our attempt at a family picture

 little miss independent

 Oops!

 

Auntie Amy helping E

Halloween

We had a great Halloween.  It was so fun to watch the kids enjoy trick or treating this year--the first year that Noah was really excited about it, understanding exactly what was going on.

Elliana was hilarious!  When Noah decided that it was time for him to go back in and check out his loot, Elliana was insistent on staying out and "tick-a-teet(ing)" more.  So, Hylke and I took her out by herself while Noah helped hand out candy with our friends.  They were certainly the cutest panda and elephant I've ever seen.

 I had to stop to get at least ONE picture with the kids...you can tell Noah wasn't excited to stop...he was ready for the next house. :)

 Elliana got the hang of it and was doing it all by herself...she couldn't wait to go to each house

 Noah and Spidey...his buddy Joel

 Panda, Elephant and Spiderman

 

  Elliana all on her own

 

 This has to be my favorite picture of the night...my little escaping panda