Big Boys!

Kale is really getting to be such a big boy. He has started showering by himself. The other day, I was in my room and all of the sudden, he started stripping. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "Kale shower." He went and opened the curtain and jumped in the shower. His soap is in a pump container that he can work. He preceded to "lather up" his body and hair. This kid knows what he is doing! He's practically ready to move out on his own! 

I had to document Liam's hair as I think he is getting ready to get his first haircut this weekend. He has CRAZY hair when he wakes up from a nap. It stands up all over his head. He looks a little like Albert Einstein. I was brushing it today and noticed that the back of his hair is so long, it touches his shoulders when brushed straight down. Much different from Kale who didn't need a haircut until really recently. 

11 months

Liam turned 11 months on Tuesday. Hard to believe his age will soon be reported in years instead of months. One of the girls in my mom's group said she was surprised how "together" I was with 2 little ones so close in age. I explained to her how easy going Liam is. He is a super baby and much more low maintenance than Kale ever was (or is). Don't get me wrong, he loves to be held, but overall, he is such a sweet and happy boy. 

At 11 months, Liam LOVES Kale. He follows him everywhere and wants to play with the toys that Kale is playing with. This is often a problem, as Kale isn't always keen to share. If Kris and Kale go somewhere without Liam, Liam knows and hangs his head and cries and cries. It's so sad. He doesn't want to be with momma; he wants to be with the "boys." He is quite the climber these days. He made it halfway up the stairs this week (in an effort to follow Kale), before I noticed what he was up to. He also managed to crawl into the bathroom and up into our big chair all by himself. 

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy made it's way toward us on Sunday night. Schools and colleges and many places of work were closed on both Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of high winds and major power loss. We got lucky  and kept power the whole time. The storm actually wasn't too bad here. It rained nonstop for 2 days and was generally kind of icky. Some places in Richmond did flood, overall we were very, very lucky.

We had to be creative to keep the boys busy since we couldn't get out and about. 2 days stuck in a house is too long with 2 little ones! Kale loved emptying out his piggy bank and then putting the money back in the slot. Kept him busy for hours!

We had lots of fun snacks!  

We played puzzles, read books, colored, and played with play dough. 

Kale decorated himself (and the entire house) with stickers.

Kale's school had a trunk or treat on Sunday. We got the boys all dressed and headed out, only to find out they had cancelled the event due to the impending hurricane. Many Halloween events were cancelled or postponed due to Sandy. 

Happy Halloween!

Cookie Monster and Elmo were all smiles for trick or treating tonight!

I think Kale must already be checking Liam's mouth for candy.

Kale did a fabulous job trick or treating this year. He was so excited about getting all of the candy. He would very politely say trick or treat and thank you after each house. Liam sat in the wagon and babbled to himself. Some people noticed him and included candy for him, as well!

When we got home, Kale dumped all of the candy on the floor and started opening everything!

Liam thought he needed to get in on the action. 

Kale wasn't too excited to find out he had to share his candy with mom and Liam. 

What's Crockin'?

Salisbury Steak! This is one of Kris' favorite crock pot recipes and we are having it tonight.

2 lbs of ground sirloin
1/2 cup of crushed saltines
1/4 cup of milk
1 egg
1 packet of dry mushroom onion soup mix
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1 packet of brown gravy mix

Mix the meat, crackers, milk, egg, and mushroom onion soup mix together. Form the meat into hamburger patties. Dredge the meat in a little flour and brown in oil. (Literally, just brown the outside. The inside does not need to be done.)

Place the meat in the crock pot. The patties can overlap. Pour the undiluted cream of mushroom soup on top. Combine the brown gravy packet with 1/2 cup of cold water; whisk together and add to the crock. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Apple Pickin'

This weekend, we went to Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville to go apple picking. They were having an apple festival, so there were tons of people there!

We couldn't get either one of the boys to focus on the camera because they were too busy people watching. We did get several compliments on their shirts though. 

This orchard is in the mountains in Charlottesville. I mean, it is up there! My ears were actually popping due to evaluation change. They have apple and peach trees, a vineyard, and a pumpkin patch. 

We took a hayride around the orchard. The trees are changing here and they are absolutely gorgeous!

I told him if he would smile at the camera, I'd give him candy...

Liam has 4 complete teeth now, with 2 more coming in on the top. He eats everything! And lots of it! 

After we got finished at the orchard, we went downtown to the pedestrian mall. We walked around and window-shopped. We stopped for lunch at an outdoor cafe. At the end of the mall area, they were having a huge Halloween festival for kids, so there were tons of kids walking past us in their costumes. Watching all of the unique costumes kept Kale occupied!

Bike Riding

Kale is finally pedaling!

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