It's a Parade!

Masquerade

We're getting into the Halloween spirit this week. First up: Eric and me at a masquerade party this weekend. Look for other spooky photos throughout the week!

Week in Review

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

It's Super Ellis!

Fall Favorite

 This is my new favorite photo of Oliver. It's almost too much to handle. The curls...the coy smile...the mums...the pumpkins...the tractor...the autumn leaves. Ah! So much cuteness!

It's Corny

Is there anything more fun than scooping, digging, and driving trucks in a box full of corn? Not if you ask these kids.

Got the Blues

Who knows the blues better than a toddler?

Snuggle Buddy

Oliver enjoying some snuggle time with Uncle Logan

Bubba

To say that Ellis and Oliver have had a rocky start in their relationship would be an understatement. As of last month, Ellis was still asking for us to send Oliver to live with another family. It's a heart wrenching roller coaster at times, but I have hope that they'll be okay. I try to give Ellis the space to express his feelings and validate them as best I can. And I watch as Oliver grows and wins over Ellis' heart--by hugging him out of the blue, or kissing him first thing in the morning, or tackling him playfully outside. Or affectionately calling him "Bubba," as Oliver has been doing in the last few days. I smile and take in these moments and trust these little loving moments will take root and grow into a loving brotherhood.

Autumn Days

A really cold patch last week reminded us that we need to get out and play while we still can this fall! Before we know it, we'll be practically homebound...and longing for the days when we could throw on a jacket and play outside!

Ellis' Restaurant

Yia Yia and Papou have moved into a temporary home after their fire last spring. It's a lovely home, and if you ask the boys, the loveliest part is the backyard. There's a lot of space, filled with a swing set, a playhouse, and a treehouse. Here are a few photos of the boys playing in the playhouse. Oliver was fixated on the door, opening and closing it repeatedly, while Ellis had fun playing "restaurant." Which, of course, had me singing the Arlo Guthrie song "Alice's Restaurant." (You can thank me when you're singing it all day.)

You can get anything you want at Ellis' restaurant...including fried chocolate potatoes!

Ready to Play!

We're all bundled up...

...Let's go outside already!

Visiting

Here's a glimpse of our visit to see my parents and grandparents this week.

One Bad Motor Scooter