It's been a busy fall for all of us. We were losing hope that mom and dad would be able to visit during their southerly migration (anyone else thinking birds?!). We played it day by day and were so thrilled when they arrived at our house. We coaxed them into staying a few days longer than they had planned ("but you can't miss Emalie's first Halloween!!"). The weather cooperated, too-- it only snowed once while they were here. ha ha ha......They arrived when it was in the 70s and departed when it was in the 70s, so no worries for their travels. With the path they took to get to here, they're lucky they didn't get snowed in enroute to us! We had a great time together-- nice, quality time. Dad rested and behaved following his surgery (don't ask him to put together any puzzles any time soon.....), mom and I shopped with our 3rd generation little girl in attendance, Sven got some guy time in with a hunting trip (guy time in, meat in the freezer not in, unfortunately) and Nikolas did what he normally does-- bounce from one activity to another. It's times like these (and pretty much all the other times throughout the year) that I really wish I was able to provide for my children what was provided for me: grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins living nearby. Their departure was sad and our house still seems quite empty. I guess we can only hope that the migration Gods smile upon us in the spring. Mom, Dad-- we'll leave the light on for you!
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Who enjoyed playing kitchen more-- Emalie or Grandma?!
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Hunting packing and preparations underway.
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| Is this the 1st, 2nd or 3rd puzzle they worked that week? I lost count! |
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| This may appear to be an ordinary moment for most families, but this is a monumental moment for ours. We were warned not to 'let anyone hold' Emalie for the first 3-4 months after bringing her home (advice from bonding and attachment experts). This photo marks the first time that someone held Emalie outside our immediate, little family. Grandma was so, so happy! I was so happy that Emalie was comfortable and trusting with them, too! |
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| "Nikolas! What is this?! Look, look!" |
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| Emalie loves her first fire in the fireplace. |
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| The other little girl in the house was getting a little jealous...... |
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| Too precious-- Grandma feeding Emalie as Grandpa looks on. The waving game that Emalie created for her and grandpa to play was so cute and fun to watch. |
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| Proud grandparents and happy baby. |
Our Halloween was a bit unusual this year. Last year, we went trick-or-treating for the first time in our neighborhood. This year, Nikolas was looking forward to helping his neighborhood friend with their 'haunted driveway'......but then his friend moved out of the area in early October. This was really hard on Nikolas. Instead of trick-or-treating, Nikolas decided to scare people in our driveway as they trick-or-treated at our house. Well, it didn't really catch on and Nikolas wanted to give up on the whole idea a few hours into it. We did take Emalie to a few neighbor houses-- she could have gone all night long! I was worried about having her go up to houses and have people 'in her face', but it didn't seem to bother her at all! She kept trying to go for 2nds and 3rds at the candy bowls! All of the commotion did have an effect on her-- at bedtime she cried and cried. She was nearly impossible to settle. She was completely overstimulated (and no, she didn't eat any of the candy!). Hmmm.....I wonder if she'll look forward to Halloween next year...... Anyway, is she not the cutest, little ladybug you've ever seen?!
Nikolas was going to wear his costume from last year (his choice). Then, at the last minute, he decided to instead wear all black with only the mask. Emalie was not keen on the mask. This series of photos, when she discovers who's hiding under that mask, is really adorable.
Out of focus and in the dark, but so happy to have them celebrate Halloween with us!
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| I'd say she's looking a little tired.... |
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| I should count how many hugs these two share in a day. It really warms my heart! |
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| The festivities are winding down and we're all looking a little frazzled. |
Here are a few of the photos that Mom took during their stay:
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| "No, grandma and grandpa....please don't go...!!" |
Hope you all had a safe and happy Halloween! Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here?!?
PS- Sorry AGAIN for the double-post....it would help if I included ALL of the photos and videos the first time!
