Big Boy Bed

I was not ready to do this yet, but Mark has been climbing out of his crib for months now. The crib rail had become not only an obstacle to climb over, but an acrobatic platform. I caught Mark more than once standing on the crib rail and using it to jump either into the crib, onto his brother's bed, or onto the floor! So, for his safety, we finally had to remove the rail and graduate him to the big boy bed.

I had my doubts about whether he would actually stay in it at night once the rail was down.  But, the boy surprised me! I think he crawled out a few times after I put him down that first night (I found some extra toys in there in the morning), but he never came out of the room or rolled out during the night! He also stayed put during his nap yesterday. I guess he was ready!

As for the climbing/acrobat problem, I'm not sure if we addressed the real issue...

Pumpkin faces

Thank you, Brumbra for the super cool pack of pumpkin face stickers! The boys had a blast this morning sticking eyes, noses, teeth, ears, eyebrows, and hair stickers all over their new pumpkins.

The finished project from the OTHER side. Why leave any sticker un-STUCK? That's my boys' motto! 

Pumpkins!

Being totally honest here.  This season is when I  miss the mainland the most. October is the hottest month of the year on Oahu. The winds die down and we are left with suffocating stagnant heat. It's really hard to make chili and bake pumpkin bread when you are already sweating inside your house! 

Needless to say, an overcast day and a trip Wailmanalo Country Farms pumpkin patch was just the ticket to get us excited about fall!

 

Hay ride!

One thing I love about this farm is that it is owned and operated by a Christian family. The theme of this year's pumpkin patch was "Good Seeds on Good Soil." They share the gospel on every hay ride, and give God the glory for every harvest season!

Unfortunately, Mark didn't care for the music they played on the hay ride...

Feeding the sheep at the petting zoo.

It was perfect pumpkin-picking weather.

Keaton couldn't wait to pick out his pumpkin. He spotted this one as soon as we got there.

Mark thought he was pretty big stuff carrying around those heavy "Papas"

We had to try out the sweet country corn - straight from the farm!

Yum!

Happy fall, y'all!

Ambition

Keaton has decided as of a few nights ago that he no longer wants to be singer, but an actor. How does a 4 year old who only only watches animated movies even know what an actor is? Don't ask me. But he did recognize that the voice of Tito from Oliver and Company was the same as Banzai (the hyena) from The Lion King. 

Who is this kid? 

For those keeping track, this is the third career change in the last month for this ambitious boy. So, I think hold off a few weeks before we hire an agent.

After all, "the hardest part about being an actor is figuring out how to get INSIDE the TV, Mom." 

Celebrate!

Last weekend was cause for MUCH celebration in the Anderson household. Not only did we celebrate Mark's 2nd birthday, but Daddy returned from a 24 day mission to Poland! 

Funny story: Scott didn't actually arrive until after the boys had gone to bed on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, Mark crawled out of his bed, ran down the hall and climbed in our bed (which he often does). He was quite surprised to find Daddy there! He said, "Uh oh! Dada!":-)

 

This was definitely the longest we've ever had to be apart as a family, which made it all the more sweeter that Scott took Monday off just to celebrate!

We spent Monday morning at Bellows enjoying the beautiful weather and beach. It was perfect!

this birthday boy loves the water!

He is in his element at the beach

The water was so beautiful on Monday!

Enjoying some much needed Daddy-time!

Sweet brother moment!

Talking Daddy's ear off...

Keaton was really worried about this sign. He kept warning us and everyone else who would listen to "be very careful!"

 On Monday evening, we met Karen and her boys at Chuck-E-Cheese! I said it once, I'll say it again - Monday night is the ONLY time to go to CEC! It is so much more laid back than party-central-Saturday. They boys basically had the place to themselves and had such a blast! 

Mark's favorite ride was the hot cocoa cup. He probably rode it 20 times!

Here's comes the cake!

He was not so sure about Chuck E at first...

"Happy Birthday to Mark!"

He warmed up to him pretty fast... Say "Chuck E Cheese!"

So blessed!

Two!

Two years ago today, God blessed us with our second son Mark Nathan! 

Just look at him. Sweet, innocent, helpless, angelic, perfect...

Still sweet - not quite as innocent. Or angelic.

But, we love our crazy, opinionated, funny, independent, mischievous, smart, noisy, adventerous Marky just the way he is! Our family would not be complete without him and I thank God for the precious gift of this boy every single day! 

Today is a busy! We have a friend over to play this morning, and then we are headed up to the North Shore for a church retreat. So, we are putting the birthday celebrations on hold until Monday, when Daddy is home to help us celebrate! More birthday pics to come...

Superheroes

I feel so safe knowing that Superman and Batman are sleeping down the hall from me. 

 

I can't explain Superman's six pack, but Batman has been working out with me regularly.