Fall Fun!

We welcomed our first serious cold front of the season.  Highs in the low 70's and lows in the high 40's.  Quite lovely.  Outside is our favorite place to be.  Especially if it is windy.  For one reason or another, the wind gets George and Clara wound up.  They are quite entertaining!

George likes to find the faint outline of the moon in the afternoon.

He is really good at it too and makes sure we all see it.

Check out my pearly whites!

 

Roar!!!!

Chasing each other.

Running to Mommy for safety from Georgie.

George pretends he is going to drive off now.  

When asked where he is going he usually answers, "Pop-pop."

Waving and saying, "Bye bye."

 And here is our first child who is now 6 years old.

Coincidentally she loves the nice weather too.

Sweet Bailey.

Early Birthday Present

John and I got the twins an early birthday present this week.  I've had my eye out for a used double jogging stroller/bike trailer.  One of my fellow KAMOM members was selling hers for a steal and I grabbed it.  I was so excited that I found this for two reasons.  1). The hope of actually jogging one day (oh motivation where are you?)  2). For all the fun we will all have riding bikes as a family. 

A big thanks to my parents for giving John and I their bikes that they no longer use.  Today we took the twins for their first ride.  It was so much fun!  Neither John nor I have gotten on a bike since high school.  While I only had one close call with a tree, I felt like a kid again!  It was incredibly fun riding a bike through the trails I used to ride when I was younger.  I am looking forward to weekly rides and exploring new outdoor spaces with George and Clara! 

Let's go Daddy!!!

Ready to go!

Happy Mommy!

23 Months!

How did we get here?  One month away from their second birthday?  I am not sure where the time went.  Honestly the first year of the twins' life felt like an eternity for me.  It was a lot of work.  I was adjusting to my new life as a stay at home Mom.  They turned one and life got put on hyper-speed.  This past year has flown by.  There were so many fun "firsts."  Their personalities have become clearer to John and I.  They are constantly on the go and their communication skills are constantly improving.  They sweeten my life more each day.   I have enjoyed this year so much.  I kind of don't want it to end.  Especially since I've heard so many scary stories about having 2 two year olds.  And honestly the "fun" has already begun....

Just so you know the "terrible twos" start before the age of two.  The tantrums started at around 18 months and then it has only gotten crazier as we've gotten closer to the actual second birthday.

When you are out with two toddlers there is a 100% chance of a tantrum. Not just any kind of tantrum but the arched back, screaming, kicking, flailing kind.  The good one.  These moments have been our latest challenge.  And it never ceases to amaze me how quickly they can snap out of it.  You say the right thing or do the right thing and all of the sudden whatever was wrong is completely forgotten and they have total control of themselves.  Amazing.  Wouldn't it be hilarious if adults still did this?

I know it is developmentally appropriate.  It's a part of growing up.  I know it is how they try to assert their independence.  It is also because their communication skills are still developing.  All of that information doesn't make it easier in the moment.  Especially in public.  As my Mom always says, "This too shall pass, Meghan."  And as my Dad always says, "When it is hard, put your head down and push through."  And so I do.  And so I am sure we will all survive this latest phase of toddler development. 

And it certainly helps that we have two of the most adorable toddlers on the planet.  Sweet faces.

Twins First Texans Game

We went to the Texans game this weekend with George and Clara.  We were able to use John's company tickets which are on the director's level.  This is a great place for kids because behind the seats there are tables, chairs, and couches.  When the twins needed to burn off some energy they had the space to do so.  George and Clara were so good and were really excited to be there.  They cheered along with the crowd and learned to say, "Texans!!!"  We didn't win but it was a super fun day!

Heading into the stadium

Checking out the field

Watching the game in our seats

 

 Eating lunch

Goofy smiles!

Running, running, running!

Go Texans!!!!!!

Pumpkin Patch with Friends

Our yearly adventure to the pumpkin patch was so much more fun because we went with our good friends The Carters.  I know that these kiddos are going to be great friends just like their parents are.  We enjoyed our time with you Jake, Maria, Allison, and Kate!  Let's make this a yearly tradition!

George, Allison, and Clara climbing the pumpkin mounds!

It's a race!

Pumpkin Queen of the Mountain!

Here I go Mom!

George loves pumpkins.  Just like his Mommy.  He was one excited boy!

We want this one!

Checking out the spider

The Snack Pack! 

Someday we will get a photo of these three smiling at the camera.

Hi Kate! Such a good baby!

Goats!  That like to give kisses.  Yuck!

Waiting for our choo-choo train ride

Cuddle time with Daddy

Allison riding the train

Giggling girls

Hold on tight buddy!

Fall Feast

I love to cook.

I am no chef.  We'll leave that title to my big brother, but I love to try new recipes.  Change them up a bit.  Make them mine.  It is relaxing for me.  Truth be told since my monkeys were born, I haven't been so creative in the dinner department.  It's hard to supervise two kids and manage a meal cooking away on the stove.  Now that they are a bit older and can occupy themselves for short periods of time, I am able to spend a little more time in the kitchen.

Hence, the Fall feast...

If you didn't know already, I love Fall.  So this week I planned on having a Fall themed dinner for our Friday night Family meal.  On the menu...sauteed squash, roasted red potatoes, and pot roast.  For dessert...pumpkin caramel cake.  Yum!

Sauteed squash and tomatoes

Roasted red potatoes

Pot roast...delicious.

Find recipe here.

I omitted the carrots and added a can of Italian seasoned diced tomatoes.

I saw this at our grocery store and bought it but was skeptical.

The kids helped me make it and it was delicious!

I am sure I will make it again before this lovely Fall season is over.

Adventures with Pop-Pop

We've spent so much time walking the greenbelt trails since the weather has cooled off.  The twins love the exploration and the time running around outside.  It is amazing that they can walk for almost two hours.  Sometimes we are lucky and Pop-Pop joins us on our adventures.  We love our time with Pop-Pop!