Arrr Matey!

Ian's Pirate Pumpkin

Melissa's Ghoulish Glitter Pumpkin

Unfortunately, Casey didn't get the chance to carve his pumpkin this year. I still plan on "carving" it at some point so we can make yummy pumpkin seeds:) Ian and I got the chance to decorate our pumpkins, just in time for Grandpa Andrews' visit!

I figured carving Ian's pumpkin was not only unsafe, but next to impossible - with him at least. I saw this cute Mr. Potato Head idea when my Mom was visiting a few weeks ago. When I went back to Target this week I could not find them. I was so bummed! I had really wanted to make a pirate pumpkin for him. I went to Hobby Lobby to get the glitter, glue and wire for my pumpkin and what do I see...ONE Mr. Pirate Potato Head. I was so excited and it was 40% off. It was a done deal at that point. I came home and Ian "helped" me put the Pirate together. He isn't sure what to think about it though.

We're in trouble now!

Saturday we headed to Morrison, CO with Maggie & John. We were intending to check out the Red Bull Soapbox Derby. Unfortunately, we got turned away. We weren't the only ones though. The news reported 25,00o people showed up at Red Rocks for this event and they had to turn away another 25,00o people. We were fortunate to get the word from a local police officer before we parked and headed up the hill. We decided to park and check out downtown Morrison since we were there. We headed to the Morrison Inn for some mexican food and margaritas. Yum!

Once we got home we thought for sure Ian would be ready for a nap since he had only had mini naps all morning. We got home around 3 PM and laid him down in his crib, hoping to sneak in a couple of zzz's ourselves. We heard noises, but nothing unusual. Although when the noises got a little louder and more jovial, we decided to take a peek and this is what we discovered. Oh my! We couldn't believe our eyes.

Happy 9 months, Ian!

It is hard to believe our little man is 9 months old today. It is even harder to believe that he will be a year old in only 3 more months! Where has the time gone? From sleepless nights to getting a full 8 hours. From rolling over onto his back to crawling at light speed across the living room. From a sleeper to little jeans and a sweatshirt. From breastmilk to bananas, green beans, apples...you name it! From Baby Awesome to Mr. Awesome. Everyday is an adventure and we are loving the ride. Here's to you Mr. Awesome - thanks for being the best thing since sliced bread. We love you!

Pumpkins & Packers

Last weekend it was dreery and cold, but this weekend was anything but! It was sunny and in the high 70's. Casey had Sunday off - a rare treat these days. We wanted to take advantage of the great weather so we asked our friends, Kate & Colin, to join us at a local pumpkin patch. I had no idea what we were getting into - there were rides, a petting zoo, bouncers, a corn maze, a train that drove you around the pumpkin patch, and a produce market. It was outrageous! There were photo ops at every corner and young parents doing just that (ourselves included).

We picked out our faves for the year. I was obsessed with getting a white pumpkin this year. I found a cute idea in a magazine and I hope I can pull it off. Stay tuned for the finished product - pumpkin carving is on our list for next weekend! Ian had so much fun taking it all in. There was so much to see & do. I can only imagine how he will react next year. It is hard to believe that Ella & Ian will both be walking next year. Kate & I decided we should make this an annual thing. I am already looking forward to next year!

After the pumpkin patch, we headed to Uncle Jon's for THE football game. The Colts were at Lambeau Field. Ian was a conflicted fan - sporting a GB onesie and Colts pants. Too cute! I swear he said "Go Pack Go" on the way there though. Ha! We had great food and enjoyed a relaxing Sunday afternoon. The Packers won, so it was a good day. Not so much for Uncle Jon though. Ian was so spent by the end of the third quarter and he dozed off on my chest. He makes the cutest noises when he is falling asleep - it sounds something like "doi oi oi, doi doi doi." I think it might be my favorite sound in the world at the moment. Ian got a power nap in, then we headed home to settle in and get ready for the week ahead. Ian had dinner and enjoyed a book before heading to bed. Daddy read him "The Legend of Spookly the Square Pumpkin" - a Halloween gift from his g'rents Conkright. It is a cute story and he really enjoys it. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any Spookly look alikes at the pumpkin patch. I am pretty sure he was on the look out though.

Below are some pics from our weekend - enjoy!

Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Patch

My Handyman

Ian is on the go! He can make progress in a few short minutes, it seems like we are always on alert. I figured it was only a matter of time before he took interest in my plants. He was also intrigued by the glass table they were on. This past weekend we decided action needed to be taken. I love my plants, but I love my little man more:) The time has come to make our living room a bit more kid-friendly. Outlet covers, check. Plants out of reach, check. Let the fun begin!

Casey had Monday off from work, so he built this shelf for my plants in our living room. It is a fabulous alternative! I love being able to enjoy my plants, but not having to say "no" and redirect Ian every few seconds is nice too. The living room is more open now and he is busy exploring every square inch.

Chillin' with the G'rents

Ian's day care provider took her family on vacation to California the beginning of October. Once she told us about it, I rallied the troops. I didn't have to try to hard though - who could resist a day with this little man?

Casey was able to stay at home on Monday. Heather offered to watch him on Tuesday and Wednesday. I worked from home with him on Thursday. It was a treat, but I have to confess it can be challenging. I am more productive in the confines of my office, unfortunately. Thursday night Grandma Jane and Grandpa Bob arrived. Ian wasn't quite sure what was going on when he woke up on Friday, but he got to enjoy a fun-filled day with Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa. That night we had dinner at Uncle Jon's house with Heather's family.

The weekend was pretty low key. Bob's daughter, Ann, and her husband, Tim, stopped by Saturday afternoon for a visit. They live in Breckenridge, but they were on their way to Denver to see a Broncos game on Sunday. It was really nice to see them. Ian spent most of his time entertaining us. He is such a joy! His newest trick is crawling out of his pants...

Sunday night we ate dinner at Pinocchio's in downtown Longmont. Heather & Jon joined us and Casey was able to leave work early to join us as well. It was so nice to have a family dinner. Ian went to day care on Monday while Casey & I went to work. Kristin surprised Ian with a Mickey Mouse souvenir from Disneyland - he loves to chew on his ears and tail. Then, Mom & Bob surprised us by cleaning our house - it was glorious to come home to folded laundry, vaccuumed floors and dinner in the oven! I declared it "best day ever." Mom made my favorite comfort dinner - chicken casserole and mashed potatoes - yummy! Ian tried mashed potatoes for the first time. He was not having it. The only food he has ever spit out. You can observe his dislike below.

Mom & Bob joined me in Boulder for lunch on Tuesday before heading to the airport. We had a great visit and look forward to the next one!

Why I Love College Towns

Casey and I had many conversations before, during and after making the decision to move to Colorado. We talked about other places we could move to - Bloomington, IN and Eugene, OR were strong contenders. The common denominator was a major university. We have even talked about where we might go if we ever leave Colorado and Madison, WI is our top pick. Again with the college town. I have a thing for them - I grew up in one and have always loved the aura of a college town. The energy is amazing and today was just another example.

I am all about this election. I am excited about the history being made, I am interested in the platforms and I am geeked about Obama. Today I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Michelle Obama rally at CU. Awesome! Casey used to work at Farrand Hall and the rally was held at Farrand Field. He was able to stop by and say hello on his way to work while I was waiting in the long lines. That was a nice treat! It was great to see all the young kids there - although I am not sure whether the motivation was the rally or the chance to skip class. I am telling myself the former. Good for them. Whatever their motivation, it is great to see everyone out to support what they believe in.