Cousins

My brother & his family have been in town from Washington for Thanksgiving & so we have had nonstop cousin time together. I love how much these kids just naturally love & care for each other. All the siblings (me & my 2 brothers) have kids now & it's brought a whole new season of life that is really special. It's the best & brings me so much joy seeing them all together. 

They call themselves the "Twin Busters"

Damian constantly being smothered & kissed. 

Grandpa teaching them young & making them into Texas Longhorn fans.

Ruby & baby Cal - I could die she's so cute with the babies!

My brothers holding each other's babies. Love seeing these boys be such great dads. 

Family Pictures

Love this family of mine!

Halloween

The kids went with the classic costumes this year - Ruby was a witch & Noah was a mummy. They both had very specific ideas about how they wanted to look - Ruby wanted all black, no tights, simple (I think she's going to have the best style when she gets older). And Noah wanted to be wrapped head to toe "just so" (I can't tell you how many times I wrapped that kid up for various parties & I am so glad it's over with because that was a lot of work! There's a fine line between wrapping a mummy too tight & tight enough so that they can still use the bathroom.) Halloween really kicks off the holidays & brings so much excitement with it. This year we were actually even a little chilly on Halloween night which I don't think has ever happened. We had a full week of Fall Festivals, school parties, costume parades & of course trick-or-treating with friends & cousins. We had everyone over to our house for dinner & then took the kids trick-or-treating. They continue to only last a few streets & then are ready to come back home & dump out their candy & begin the trading. It was a great night & another great Halloween! 

Noah Turns 6!

This little cutie turned 6 & I'm continually reminded that my baby isn't much of a baby anymore! At 6 years old Noah is endlessly curious & always has a long list of questions ready to discuss with me. He's funny & loves to make people laugh, he still has a deep, raspy voice, he's sweet as can be, & he attracts people like bees to honey. I'm not sure how we ever got lucky enough to get this little boy, but we sure do love him. Happy Birthday, Noah!!!

This boy loves presents & toys more than the average kid!

He requested a Reese's cake this year

Birthday party at Uptown Jungle=Noah's version of heaven  

It was tough to get any pictures because he was on the move the entire time. 

1. Keep smiling. You've been constantly smiling since you were a baby & it's one of your most endearing traits. Also, so much more is forgiven when you have that beautiful smile on your face;)
2. You'll worry less about what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do. 
3. Brush your teeth twice a day & floss. I'm sure you'll be sick to death of hearing this from your dental hygienist mother, but seriously, just do it. I just feel like you're going to be okay if you're brushing & flossing your teeth on the regular.