8 months

Our little man Archie B turned 8 months, almost two weeks ago. (I am so behind!) I know I always say this, but seriously...where has the time gone? He is getting so big and here are a few mentionables at this age:

• Crawls all over the place and is now pulling himself up to stand
• Loves, loves, loves his Daddy! Every morning he's looking around to find his Dad.
• Also loves to eat! People food that is. He still has no teeth, but manages to mash most things with his jaw and swallow. If you're eating, watch out! He'll be right at your feet!
• Nicknames: Archie B, booper and Handsome-Strong. He'll respond to all three.
• Puts absolutely EVERYTHING in his mouth! My other two didn't do this, so I have to keep an extra eye on Archer at all times!

It was awfully quiet the other day. As I looked around I caught this little guy sneaking a sucker which he found on the floor in the pantry. I love this shot!

indian chief

Caden came home from preschool on Thurs. dressed like this! Pretty much the cutest indian I've ever seen! I got the camera to take a picture and said, "smile!" Caden's response: "No, Mom. Indians are mean. I have to make a mean face!" So here's his best indian face. Oh, and I did let him know that not ALL indians were mean.

ornaments

Lexi's school had a fun fundraiser the other day. They had Creative Hands come to the school and bring pottery ornaments that the kids could pick out and paint. Lexi and Caden each had a lot of fun. Can't wait to get them back and hang them on our tree!

A story I'll tell...

Clint captured this the other night.

This is our nightly ritual with the kids. They love reading stories. In fact, they love chapter books that they can sit and listen to. I love how interested and intently, even Caden, listens. Whether it's Clint or I we never go to bed without reading first to the kids!

NO MORE GUM!

Caden just came into the den, where I am busy trying to update my blog. He says, "Do you like my hair Mom? I cut it!" Ahhhh, I jump up and say, "you what?" The look he had on his face quickly turned to shame as I asked why he cut his hair? I led him right into the bathroom where I see the evidence on the floor, in the sink, and all over the stool. I then notice there is gum still stuck in the ends of some of his hair. He said he threw his gum in the air and it landed on his head. What in the world? What goes through a 4 year old mind? Now normally this might not be such a big deal considering he's a boy and we can buzz him and let it grow back in. BUT we have family pictures Sat. and I kind of wanted his hair to look good! After me freaking out a bit, getting him all cleaned up, and trimming a few hairs by Mom to even things out...I think it's going to be okay. Let's hope! He got a long talk about not EVER cutting his own hair and if he ever has a problem to come and get me right away. And as far as gum goes...he won't be getting it again for a loooong time.

there are benefits to blogging!

One of my favorite things about the holidays is receiving holiday cards from loved ones. Last year I was not about to send out cards because I didn't want to have pictures taken being big and prego. This year the time is fast approaching for cards to be sent out! We still have pictures that are yet to be taken...but we're working on it! Once the pictures are taken the next task is to decide what cards we want to use. Shutterfly has great cards/calendars/and invites for your holiday needs.

They have SO many cute Christmas cards! http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cardsstationery/christmas-cards Here are just a few of my favs!

Or if you want to beat the rush you could send out your cards early this year and surprise everyone with Thanksgiving cards!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/thanksgiving-cards

Or if you're hosting Thanksgiving at your home, wouldn't these be fun to send out?

Another favorite of mine during the holidays is attending parties! Shutterfly also has such cute invites for your party.

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations

These are the ones I love:

love these for a fun, casual evening!

or for a more formal night:

If you're interested in Shutterfly's holiday promotion check it out! http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Goodies Galore

Since when did Halloween become a week long holiday rather than just a day?

I have to say I felt like we lived in our costumes all week with all the fun parties. We started the week with a fun Birthday/Halloween/FHE party, had school parties, the ward fall festival, the school fall festival, and then laid low and passed out candy on Halloween. The kids loved it and Caden would have slept in his costume if I'd let him.

Fun face painting at the school.

Lexi didn't want to wear her costume to the school fall festival. So she wore her Halloween shirt instead and got a cute sparkly butterfly painted on he cheek. Caden didn't wear his mask, so why not paint one on?

It was still too warm out for Archer to put on his full costume.

Donatello??? So I'm told!

Clint couldn't let the kids have all the fun!

cupcake walk

My 50's sweetheart, Donatello (Mr. muscle Ninja Turtle), and my sweet Tiger.

Love this! Hopefully we can get one with all 3 next year!

Lexi didn't really like the glasses to go along with her 50's get up. I tried to convince her that they "make" the outfit! Caden was happy to wear his costume and take as many pic's as I wanted.

Archer being silly! Love the face!

He thought it was fun to play with the pumpkin bucket and put it on his head.