Pumpkin Carving

No Halloween is complete without pumpkin carving. I always remember loving pumpkin carving as a kid, and then after about five minutes of getting all the seeds out I was done and my dad was left with all the hard work. Dads are the best. That's about how it went in our family. Gavin grabbed about one handful and then said, "I want you to do it dad." He danced to Halloween music and helped carve, but mom and dad were left to all the fun.

 

Ruby was a good helper and didn't want anyone helping her with that spoon while she got all the pumpkin goop out. Then she took her little marker and made masterpieces all over those pumpkins. She is our little artist.

 

I'm pretty sure my kids have the scariest zombie/monster faces I've ever seen. They were doing this all October long.

Ruby is 2!

My cute girl turned two last week! She is such a joy in our home and reminds me all the time that life is for loving and playing and remembering to enjoy the simple things.  She loves to read books, or flip through them while talking about all the pictures. She loves to color. She means business when she has a crayon in her hand. I use my magic eraser almost every night after dinner to remove her crayon drawings from the kitchen floor. She starts on her coloring book, but somehow it always moves to the floor. Crazy girl. She is independent, and already wants to pick out her own jammies every night, and put her clothes on all by her self everyday. She has to climb into her seat in the car all by herself. Brush her teeth all by herself...the list goes on and on. She has the cutest little laugh. She loves Gavin and always is excited when we pick him up from preschool.
I can't imagine our home without Ruby. She is the sweetest little girl, and I am so happy we were blessed with her two years ago.
Ok, these pictures are in no order. I was too lazy to fix them.

We had a fun day at the zoo on the birthday girl's day.

She was so cute with her little baby from Grandma Gerber. Changing clothes and all.

Got some jewelry from Grandma Merrill...such a little girl.

Pre-school

Yep. It happened. Gavin had his first day of preschool this past week. He was so excited and ready to go. Such a bittersweet day. He is still my baby and I can't believe he is old enough to be gone three days a week for 2 1/2 hours. I miss him when he is gone but it gives me and Rubes some quality time. Preschool is good for him and me. I'm glad he is happy and having fun. I hope kids are nice to him and I hope he is always nice to others. I hope he always feels safe. I love my little Gav man.

Gavin is 4!

Yesterday my sweet boy turned 4! He is growing up so fast! He is such joy in our home. He has so much excitement and love for life. He loves playing in the sandbox, playing with his cars, doing puzzles, and being social. He loves playing with friends, and makes them wherever he goes. I love my happy little four year old...more than anything.

For months he had been telling me he wanted a Spider man birthday party so that is what he got. A few little friends came, and they had lots of fun playing Spider man games and eating cake.

We also celebrated on his actual birthday with just our family. We had the traditional Shaw family ice cream birthday cake. It never disappoints.

Love my little boy and his cute little personality.

His Spider Man pose.

Birthday meal of choice: hot dogs and Cheetos...and I threw in a pasta salad. ;)

We had to light the candles a second time so this cute girl could get a chance to blow them out. Love those big lips of hers.

 

 

 

Park and Puddles

We get A LOT of thunderstorms here. It feels like it has rained all summer so far. But on the positive side what kid doesn't love a good rain puddle to play in. Ruby and Gavin are in heaven in those puddles. Not a care in the world...just splashing around getting wet in fresh rain water. Nothing better.

They also love to help their dad out in the yard.

 

 We found this great metro park just a couple minutes from our house...Three Creeks Metro Park. We Lots of pretty trail to run and ride bikes and a couple good play grounds. It has become one of our new favorite spots. Oh, and I love this picture. These two love their daddy, and he loves them more than anything.