Kamryn Kate

If you've been paying any sort of attention over the past nine years, you will know that I adore my nieces and nephews more than anything. I'm so thrilled to welcome Kamryn Kate  to our family. Born October 20, 2015. 7 pounds 10 ounces. Practically perfect in every way... Except that I'm in Utah and she's in Wisconsin and Aunt Traci is struggling a bit with that. How am I supposed to be the favorite if I can't get in there right away and establish my position? Tell me that....

Proud Papa

Beautiful Mom (approx. 2 hours after giving birth, but don't think I'm angry about that or anything)

With Grandpa

Such a sweetheart. In a pink bow!

Pinewood Derby

And then one day you're giving "the seal clap" at the Pinewood Derby with all the other weirdos. 

Not quite sure how I got here. But we're having fun!

Pumpkin Patch

Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin patch. I love the colors of fall, the crisp air and sunshine, the abundance of candy corn. 

Let me just say that Mickey is pickier about pumpkins than any kid in America. He prefers round, not tall, dark in color, with a substantial stem. Big - but small enough to still carve - and not so big that he can't carry it. And he needs to discover the pumpkin himself, not have someone else point out the perfect pumpkin to him. I thought we might have to set a timer and tell him whatever pumpkin was in the wheelbarrow when the buzzer went off was the pumpkin we were leaving with. But I think ultimately he was satisfied with his choice!

 We love pumpkin patches THIS much.

Goats, where they belong, in fenced in areas at pumpkin patches, with teenage boys standing guard outside the pen reminding people not to touch anything.

Someday I'd actually like to drive a tractor. In a dress, obviously, because I've just come from my day job. (But I'd make Dahlia hop down before I started the motor. Safety First.) Fun fall night!

Christmas Wish List

Mick and Dahlia discovered my first bike on Saturday. Now Dahlia thinks she needs a "banana bike" for Christmas. We'll see...

Adventures in House Hunting

Jason and I have been looking at our housing options. My two bedroom apartment doesn't seem quite right for us and Mickey and Dahlia- and as of yet I have been unsuccessful in convincing my Dad to sell his house to us for half price. (I'd also take his piano so he wouldn't have to worry about moving it - because I'm nice like that. You can see that this is a deal of a lifetime, for my Dad.)

So instead we've been working with a realtor to look at houses.

My favorite house-hunting moment so far was a house where each bedroom housed an animal of some kind. A cat, an iguana, a lizard etc. I wisely had second thoughts before opening the door to the backyard - and sent Jason out ahead to do some detective work. Good thing too - because his initial inspection revealed five goats. I started shrieking to our realtor, "I will not live in a goat house" and the showing quickly came to an end.

So the search continues...

Also, I recognize that I'm not a parent and have no business criticizing those valiant souls who participate in the noble work of parenting. BUT. Anyone who leaves their pre-teen children home alone knowing that two sets of realtors and various strangers are coming by to walk through their house, is an idiot.