On the way to the pumpkin patch this last week Amelia said:
"Mom, I want to get one with a frowny face...no, I want to get one with a smiley face."
Obviously, we have never carved a pumpkin with her.
And, this year she still did not want to cut her pumpkin, so we painted a face instead.
All you need is your best friend, a hay ride, a corn maze, lots and lots of pumpkins to choose from, lots of dirt to dig in and your Mom to pay for everything.
A few weekends ago we spent the weekend in Orange County & LA seeing a few sites. We had sooooo much fun!
We drove up the 1 to Crystal Cove State Park. And, while the tide was in and we couldn't explore the tidepools, we did hike on the beach to the sea cave.
Then we went continued on the 1 for lunch and then spent the afternoon at the Aquarium of the Pacific. What a fantastic way to spend a few hours. The exhibits were beautiful. Later, when asked, Amelia explained that her favorite part of the aquarium was the dancers that performed as part of a festival at the aquarium that day....should've guessed.
We stayed at a hotel in Long Beach that night, which the kids LOVED. They had so much fun sleeping in the same room as us, and exploring the really big hotel.
The next day we drove to Venice to check out the canals. They were just as lovely as I had hoped. We were practically the only people walking on the canals, and it was very peaceful, inspiring and relaxing.
Then, we got back in the car and drove back down the 1 to catch the tail end of a sandcastle competition. Amelia was sure she was going to compete, but we got there too late. We did have fun trying to replicate some of the amazing creations. I love that my kids enjoy the beach as much as I do.
Then, it was back in the car to head home.
We love our mini weekend vacations.
Miles has a blankie. It's all he needs to go to sleep at night. It's all he needs when he gets hurt. It's all he needs when he is sad. It's the same blankie his dad used when he was a little boy. And, it's from his great-great-grandma Mildred.
My kids had bad colds a few weeks ago, and just wanted to lay around all day. I was in the other room and came around the corner to find this while they were watching a movie...
They love each other. And it's nothing that we did. They are just completely comfortable with each other and like being together.
And, since I think they are just too cute together, I took a few more photos.
A few weeks ago we went to my parents house to celebrate Kate's birthday. I can't believe she is already 1. And, she is such a sweet 1 year old.
We all think she is so beautiful and sweet. And, unlike my children, she will go to anyone. She is very, very friendly and so endearing. 
