Fun, Or Not - in the Exersaucer

We finally decided to bring out the Exersaucer for Alyssa.  For the most part, she enjoys it for the first 5 -10 minutes and then decides it is time to get out-- and get out fast.   This is a bit different experience than with Shay, who loved to hang out in it as long as you wanted (or needed) her too.  Alyssa prefers being held and carried around with you, watching whatever you are doing, but the exersaucer can be a runner up sometimes!

 Yes, she does wear clothes most of the time at home-

but she just spit up on her outfit

 Shay helping Alyssa play

Get me out of here- now!

7 Months

Its hard to believe, but Alyssa is 7 months already!  Some new things she has done in the last month include sitting on her own (we have the boppy just in case), rolling over both ways, standing with support, and starting some crawling movements (which go no where).  She continues to laugh with or at her sister, talk, spit up, squeal and not like being on her stomach.  According to Shay, "Lyssa" is too little for a lot of things, but she is getting bigger every day!

Typical Alyssa Face- Holding Air to make her cheeks even bigger

 Our smiley, spit-up baby



Alyssa's Baptism

Alyssa was baptized at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday November 14th.  This is the same church Brett grew up, we were married and Shay was baptized!  Alyssa was a peach through the service and enjoyed smiling at the congregation when pastor TJ introduced her.  Shay's role was to give Alyssa her gift of a fish necklace, and she did a good job.  Afterwards we headed to Jean's to celebrate which included a delicious brunch with parents, grandparents, and cousins.
 

Dad

Dad's first attempt at pigtails

The shirt say "Daddy is my Hero"

The fist pump is just for added effect

Brett is an awesome dad.  Both Shay and Alyssa just love having him around- he plays make up games with them, runs around and makes them laugh- a lot.  I have been gone a bit more recently and Brett has picked a few things I normally do, hence the first try at pigtails- not too bad.

Friends

We are so lucky to have good friends.  Many of our friends live close- from a couple minute drive to an hour or two.  We also have a few a bit farther, in Atlanta and Seattle.  Either way, we are happy to spend time and just have fun.  Shay and Alyssa have also joined in recently, and it is so neat to see our kids becoming friends (okay sometimes it may be forced friends right now, but we will still take it :)

 Shay, Alyssa, Breck and Cullen

 Shay and Breck (2.5 years), Cullen (7mo) and Alyssa (6mo)

 Patrick and Shay

Alyssa and Annika (3mo)

Alyssa and Cullen

This past week was a good example of how we have relied on and also hopefully helped friends.  Amie filled in as babysitter for Shay and Alyssa so I could attend Heidi's baby shower.   Catharine and Ryan watched the girls when Brett and I both had to work late one night.  The Bliss's used our bathroom/showers since theirs was in repair for the week (hence the nice bath picture of Shay and Patrick).  We visited the Burns family and were able to have fun and good conversation.  Angie and I figured out how to rebook our entire cruise (including excursions, table seating, etc) to the Bahamas (which was cancelled by accident) in just less than 2 hours --yeah teamwork!  Our life if full of good friendships, just the way we want it!

Halloween x 3

We were able to celebrate Halloween a few times this year.   We celebrated the holiday by getting together at the Kurtz's house the week before,  a party at Tracie's house, trick or treating in Duluth at the Nature Center, and handing out candy at Amma's house on Halloween-- what a celebration!  For two parents who don't do a great job with the "holiday stuff", we may have out done ourselves this year.

 Shay the Giraffe handing out candy to trick or treaters

 Alyssa and Mille the Frog

 Aunt Julie supervised the ordeal

 Hmm.. just a halloween onsie and no costume, but a scary face

 Celebrating at Tracie's

 Quick stop to see Cousin Taylor the Fairy

 Trick or Treating with Breck

Goodbye Grandpa Buzz

Brett's Grandpa, William (Buzz) Hall Carroll passed away last night, due to complications from a fall he sustained last week while winterizing his boat.  Buzz was a father, grandfather, athlete and coach.  He was an amazing role model of how to lead an active life everyday.  Buzz will be missed dearly.  We hope he is at peace (with the love of his life- Audrey).  Bless you Grandpa and Great-Grandpa!

Apple Orchard Take 2

Every year we head to an Apple Orchard with Heidi and Josh.  Next year, another little one will be joining us-- probably in a bjorn with Heidi :)  As our luck would have it, we seem to be able to pick a day to go where there is crazy weather.  Last year was gusts of wind and raining.  This year it was almost 90 degrees.  90 degrees in an apple orchard is not too fun.  I think we were all sweating by the time we were done and Shay was the only one who had eaten an apple.  Needless to say, we enjoy our time with the Arndt family and look forward to our annual trip :)

 On our hay ride up to the apple picking

 Trying to see the llamas

 One hot, sleepy baby