Trick or Treat!!

Halloween was so much fun this year. I decided last minute to dress up with the girls, and we had a blast. Late in the afternoon we stopped by our favorite chocolate shop....what better place to go trick or treating than at an artisan chocolate store??!!

We turned a lot of heads as we walked in with our costumes on- (who wouldn't stop to stare at 3 pretty butterflies) and took a photo with our favorite chocolatiers! Luckily, all of the ladies working today had on costumes, so we didn't feel so much out of place. The girl on the far right is Amber. She has become buddies with Corinne. We have really enjoyed getting to know her as she has such a sweet and genuine personality.

We got back home and our friends Kevin and Crystal arrived for dinner. Their son Austin was Cat in the Hat (and boy was it a cute costume!!)

Corinne's butterfly- Audie's Dragonfly

Corinne really got the hang of trick or treating. She led the way through the neighborhood and marched right up to each door and confidently said "Trick or Treat". I was surprised as I thought she would be more timid. But she did great.

Happy Halloween!!!!

Audie

I took these pictures of Audie last night- she was in a great mood. Corinne spent the night with Grandma, and I went out with a friend, so Audie got some good alone play time with Dad. When I came home she was stomping her feet and giggling with excitement, and she opened her arms to give me a hug.

It feels so good to be the girls' mommy. However, I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. When I talk to Corinne on the phone I get a lump in my throat because I just cannot believe that my daughter is holding a conversation over the phone! She sounds so little, but talks like an adult. Audie brought me her shoes this morning because she wanted to go outside. Both of the girls are doing things for themselves, and they are not babies anymore! I wish it were possible to capture time.

Corinne's 3rd Birthday

It came to the end of the day yesterday, and I hadn't taken Corinne's birthday picture. I had bought her a new dress to wear for some pictures, but It rained and rained all day, we have colds going around, and I thought crusty noses wouldn't be the cutest for a birthday photo shoot. So, to say we had a picture taken ON her birthday, I took a few snapshots.

A few weeks ago, I tried to teach Corinne how to pose for a picture. Bad idea. She has taken it way too far. She tilts her head all the way to her shoulder. She smiles rediculously. She makes funny faces. Hopefully we can tame it into a calmer style. But here are the pics of the day Corinne turned 3!!

In the picture below, she is not yawning. She is being silly on purpose. She thinks she rules the roost.

Got a good one with her and dad.

Here is a picture I took today. I still would like to do more "birthday" pictures, so I will post more when we get them done.

Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Dale will be here this weekend to celebrate with us both the girls' birthdays.

More pictures of the girls

We decided to take advantage of the nice weather tonight and take some more pictures of the girls. I have been having so much fun with my new camera Matt bought me, so it's a good thing our girls are beautiful to photograph. Although, I am realizing I can take picture after picture after picture- and get about 2 good shots. Eyes closed, on the verge of crying, looking away, distracted by someone or something are just a few culprits of making it hard to get a good picture.

I haven't gone through any of these pictures in photoshop, but I wanted to post them while I was on the computer. And for you grandparents, aunts, uncles, whoever you are that look at this blog and are waiting for a picture from us....be patient, one is coming! I am wanting to get a good picture of them to get printed off- but I want it to be really good.

August 27

Happy 1st Birthday Audra!

Today is Audie's first birthday. I can't believe it has already been a year. It has been a wonderful year and so cool to see the changes and growth in her. She has such a sweet nature and spirit about her and always content.
Happy Birthday Aud! We love you!

Audie got birthday money in the mail yesterday from Great G's Helen and Vernon. With it she bought this new dress and a couple other outfits. This morning I took the girls out and took a few birthday pictures.

Who is Who?

I thought these two pictures showed a glimpse of the girls same features. The top picture is Audie on our trip to Seattle, and the bottom picture is Corinne when she was a little over a year.

Weekend in Seattle!

Matt has been in Seattle for work the last week. He found out he was going on short notice, and we decided it would be a good idea for me to join him for a few days during the weekend. It was such a nice break for me to get away. The trip was perfect for me. Just long enough to relax a bit, and see some new scenery. Corinne stayed here with Grandma Joyce and some family friends for a few days. There is so much to explain about the trip, but I will try to do it shortly as possible. I uploaded many more pics to facebook. Blogger is much slower with the upload, so take a look at the rest of the pictures on facebook by clicking here

The first day into Seattle, Matt and I visited Pikes Market. I can't explain how amazing this place is...Fresh fish, fresh fruit, flowers, veggies, spices etc. Amazing smells, amazing sights, it was great.

Second day we had an awesome brunch at a place called Salty's, and then walked along Alki Beach.

Monday, my RA from college, Allison, drove in to visit. She is several hours away so it made me feel very special that she took the time to see us. She was such a blessing to be with for a couple of days.

The above and below pictures were taken at the Seattle Aquarium. Audie was a trooper the whole trip. She was agreeable and easy. Below is Allison and me outside the aquarium.

This picture may be too small to really see- so look on facebook for the bigger pic. But in Pikes Market at one of the fish stands, when someone buys fresh fish, they throw it from the ice table back to the guys behind the counter who wrap it up for the person to take home. Well, they threw the fish over my head. I'm talkin' a big fish. I think the guys enjoyed it too much. But what a fun job to have! And a great experience and fun for us.

Alki Beach

This burger is from Red Mill burgers, voted best burger in Seattle many years in a row. I'd say it is one of the best burgers I've ever had. Definitely top 3. (And I'm hard to please!)

Holding a live lobster.

this is one of the vegetable sellers at the market. I wish I could explain what this experience was like. But there is no way I could explain the size, the smells, the people, the atmosphere, etc. I loved Seattle. I loved the "artsy-ness", and the "ecclectic-ness". Such a fun experience.

Great company with Matt, and it was awesome to see Allison again. I'd definitely reccommend Seattle to anyone who hasn't been!

This morning we took the girls downtown to play in a waterfall. I have been playing around with my new camera and photoshop, so here are a few I put together.

Pretty Audie

A Wonderful Wedding Weekend.

PHEW!! What a crazy weekend! Emily and Clayton were married this weekend, and as I type this they are probably boarding their plane to Jamaica! Congratulations Emily and Clayton!

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. The day went pretty smooth. I was the matron of honor, and Corinne was the flower girl. Saturday ended up being a long day for Corinne, and she was pooped. She ended up not wanting to carry her basket down the aisle, but she made it down, walking beside me very timidly. She was absolutely beautiful and I was proud of her for being such a trooper.

We tried hard all day to get a good family picture....but you know how that goes...especially with two tired kiddos.

My mom and Audie's toothy grin

It was a great day. I think after a few naps for us all we will be fully recovered!

As soon as the professional photos are done, I will let you all know and post the link to them. In the meantime, if you want to see more pictures of the wedding, the rehearsal dinner, and emily's bachelorette party,

click here

Golf

Matt's parents and brother Scott were in town this weekend. Saturday morning, the boys went golfing and I joined them for the last 9 holes. It was my first time out, and it was a lot of fun! I think I have the golf fever now.

In other exciting news, Audie is now making her way around on 2 feet! This past week she has really gotten a hold of her balance and walks around most of the time.