Halloween in Oregon

One of our last moments in Oregon at Grandma and Grandpa Merrill's house was spent doing a little Halloweening. We carved pumpkins. Ruby was the cutest little elephant ever. Gavin was the scariest ghost you've ever seen...seriously...he had some crazy ghost eyes. He had fun trick-or-treating and checking out all his candy. Ruby was pretty excited about his candy pile as well.

 Ruby was a little cautious about Gavin the whole night. She kept staring at him, and pointing at his face...wondering who was really under that white face.

 I know Ruby's head is totally blurry, but I love this pic with Gavin giving her a little taste of his sucker.

Girls Weekend (Plus One Boy)

While I was in Oregon the kids, my mom and I headed to Black Butte with my aunt Marian and two cousins, Paige and Hallie. We stayed at their beautiful cabin all weekend...relaxing by the fire, going out to breakfast, and dinner, walking around the fun shops in Sisters, swimming, and playing at the park. I was so excited to go back to "the cabin" (as Gavin refers to it)...it's been over six years since I had been there. Our family and the Collins' family would go there every other year for Thanksgiving...one of my fondest memories and family traditions. We love Black Butte, and loved being there with our favorite people. 

Leaves and Walking

Today was a beautiful day so we headed outside to play in the leaves.

 

 Then Gavin said, "take a picture of my guy mom." So I did.

 And Ruby climbed on the sandbox.

 My parents beautiful trees.

 This little beauty has been walking all over the place lately. She started about a month ago, and there is no turning back. She is always on the move, and loves to take your finger and guide you wherever her little self wants to go.

 

 And another..."Mom, take a picture of my rock."

Here's to more beautiful fall days.

Growing Up

I am sitting here while Ruby sleeps (she was up with a stuffy nose numerous times last night), and while Gavin is at the library with his little friend Valerie. My friend was so kind in taking him with her crew since I opted to stay here with my little sickie. It is quiet and calm.

As Gav got situated in his sit and asked if Ruby could come I smiled and said, "not today...have fun buddy...I love you." "Love you too mom." He is such a big boy heading out with his little friend without me. I can't believe how big and grown up he is getting. I love this little guy.

 

California Weekend

Back in September we (Gav, Ruby, my mom, Aunt Marian, and myself) headed down to California for a long weekend. We had so much fun with family down there. We first stopped off at my Uncle Grant's home and rode the train He BUILT.  A little background... Trains are huge in my family. My Grandpa Shaw was a huge fan of trains, and he built a small one that my mom and aunts remember riding when they were little. My Uncle inherited this same love for trains and now has one he built...pretty cool. I'll have to post some pictures later of the train...the photos are all on my mom's phone. Gavin loved going for rides on that thing. So did I ;).

After visiting with my aunt and uncle we headed to my Aunt Karen's house where we ate good food and had fun laughing and enjoying being together. Oh, how we wish we could see all of our California family more often...we miss you guys!

 

Gavin and cute Emmerson (my cousin's little girl...so first cousins once removed??)

 Gain helped Uncle Larry make his delicious whole wheat bread.

 We took the kids to a little kiddie park. I think they had a good time. ;)

 And of course, no California trip would be complete without a trip to the best Chinese restaurant (seriously...nothing compares), Szechwan.

 My cousin Nora and Aunt Nora.

 Dan, Whitney and little Emmerson.

 The finished product.

 Ruby loves Uncle Larry, and I love her cheesy grin.

 Just another silly face from Gavin...showing off his fresh picked tomoates.

 My cousin Diana, Whitney and little Emmerson.

 

P.S. Thanks Nora for all the pictures. :)