Brother and sister snuggle time

Gavin looks so content in Olivia's arms.  He has lots of smiles for his big sister.

 Sooooo snuggly.  Gavin has loved to nap with Savanah since the first time she held him.

Olivia is always watching over Gavin.  No one gets near him without going through her first.

These two pictures were taken with a cell phone...the quality of the picture is not all that good but I can't resist posting them since we are all together.

Bowling

Bowling turned out to be a great way to have fun and beat the cold weather.  Who knew Olivia would be so good?  I suspected!  =-)

Yes, those are pigtails!  Super cute.

Strategy is key.  You can almost hear their conversation just by looking at their faces. 

Cousin Luca picks up a spare!

Daddy's shoulders

Enjoying some Daddy time.

Big Red Chair

Gavin one day old

My babies, of all ages.

Olivia is officially a big sister...and a little one all at the same time.

Welcome Gavin Daniel Melville

November cooking and playing

Hey...get back here!

 Who?  Me?

 Making Grandma Melville's zucchini bread recipe.  We started by measuring very carefully...

 but then found it more fun to just get right into it.

It's been great weather for some play dates.  Below are some pictures from our friend's/neighbor's house.  They have chickens!  The helmet wasn't necessary in order to handle the chickens but Olivia just really liked wearing it.  =-)

 It's Celeste's turn to wear a helmet.  It's very fashionable these days.

A big high five for a great day of play!

                              

How do you potty train a monkey?

With patients.  Lots of patients. 

Actually, Olivia is doing really well at the whole potty thing.  I believe it's her Mom that just hasn't put in her 100%.  I'm not consistent and I know I should be.  I think Mike is waiting for me to bust a move so that he can follow whatever the plan is that Olivia and I lay out.  When we are home Olivia has not been wearing diapers.  She has big girl underpants and she tells us every time she needs to use the bathroom.  My problem is when we leave the house I rely on diapers b/c I am not sure I have the energy for accidents in public.  Tisk tisk Mom.  It's time and we are going to do it!

Happy Halloween!

People that know me know that I love Thanksgiving, am getting back into Christmas and like birthdays ... but the rest of the holidays I've always had the "take 'em or leave 'em" type attitude.  Bahumbug right?  I know.  Mike on the other hand, thinks all holidays should be celebrated ... especially where children are concerned.  So it's safe to say that THIS YEAR it is b/c of my husband that Olivia and I went costume shopping and trick or treating.  After seeing how much fun Olivia had being in costume and trick or treating I think I'm actually looking forward to all of the upcoming holidays!  Just look at how happy our little buccaneer is!

I love the expression on Olivia's face in this next picture.  Technically this jack-o-lantern could be considered her brother's first costume.

Mike says he's not artistic but I disagree. 

One of our local libraries held a 'come in costume' storytime and Olivia didn't have to be asked twice to go!  The binoculars and backpack are not technically part of her costume but she doesn't go many places without them.

above:  reading with Auntie Lynna.

below:  spying with her binoculars from behind the table.  sshhh.

After the children were read several Halloween books there was a craft.  I love the googly eyes on Olivia's pumpkin .... almost as much as watching Savanah and Olivia working together.

Cousin Luca in his handsome pirate costume was the inspiration for Olivia being a buccaneer.  What a great Halloween.