Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween, and this year has been one of the most enjoyable as my wee ones have been literally counting down the days till it arrived. For that same reason it's also made October feel really long, so I'm happy the end is nigh.

We attended our ward's "trunk or treat" on Saturday night, except there wasn't a "trunk" in sight as we had it indoors...that's what happens when you live in Oregon, better safe than sorry!

It was a little chaotic at times and many people told me I was brave for bringing the babies along, but I'm trying to get over my fear of having all the children out at the same time. Plus it wasn't like I was alone anyway, Ryan was with us.

I had planned on buying the babies a costume, but when I thought about the cost for just 2 nights wear I just couldn't do it....I'll need to make them some thing in the future, although I guarantee that probably won't happen. So they wore the boys old costumes. Penny wore Peter's pumpkin outfit from his 1st Halloween and olive wore Jack's crocodile suit. They looked plenty cute.

There was a dinner, a small costume parade and then the kids walked around the church, either getting sweeties from some one in the hall or entering one of the rooms people had signed up to decorate. Peter couldn't believe his luck when he realized all he had to do was say "trick or treat" and he'd get a delicious sweet in his bag...so he was running up to just about anyone he could find to see it if worked. That boy is an absolute chocoholic!

Ryan sitting in the "sweetie distribution" zone. A little bit of a downgrade from the extra comfy chair he had last year.

Ryan's favourite costume he saw was "Mr.T", wee Isaac McGillvery. He was pretty great.

Then tonight I made us a yummy sausage and vegie stew with rolls before we all got dressed up again for trick or treating in our neighbourhood. Jack was right into answering the door when the kids came and giving them a sweetie. He probably wouldn't have cared if he'd just stayed home doing that all night. He kept saying, "nice costume", and "happy halloween" to the folks, it was cute to watch.

I headed out with just Jack and Peter while Ryan

stayed home with the babies. It was a fairly cold night and neither of the boys cared to stay out too long, but we still hit about 12 or so houses. They were more than content with their loot.

I asked Jack if he'd remembered to say "thank you" at this house and he ran back to say it just as the girl was closing the door, she loved it.

And the poor babes....they've been fussy all day today, don't know what's been going on with them, but Penelope was livid that I was taking this pic and not holding her instead. I'm a bad mum.

But then suddenly she decided to cheer right up! Ha.

Our October 2011

The babies are 2 months now. Peter is 2 and Jack is 4. I would have to say that Pete makes life the most trying at the moment.

He is so lovable, but extremely strong-willed and stubborn. It's been tough keeping up with him; I know he's struggling a little with having to share me and I'm working on being more patient and understanding. But, heavens, that kid knows how to drive me crazy...good thing he's gorgeous; I love those big eyes.

Jack is a great helper; they both are actually. In fact, they usually end up fighting about who gets to help me with something...that's when I can say, "Guys, we have two babies, so you can both get me a nappy!" And then they're happy.

I do feel like I'm finding myself again and coming out of the initial "haze", but life is very different with four small children and I'm still adjusting. What's amazing to me, however, is that I think I still want another wee one in a few years, so if I'm saying that things can't be that bad, right?! haha.

I absolutely adore having wee girls. And I love that they have such wonderful big brothers that adore them too.

Jack has been really into drawing and painting lately. He used to hate drawing, never had the patience for it...he was too busy and couldn't sit still. Now that's almost all he wants to do. He likes to draw people in love and different people holding the babies. He draws Ryan and I and some of his friend's parents. He's very sweet about it. However, he stresses to me that HE will not be getting married EVER! And literally had a melt-down when I suggested that he might change his mind one day.

Today as Jack was leaving the room he said, "mum, don't let anyone touch my toys, but it's ok if Peter does because he's the best." I about fell over! How lovely. Best friends one minute and arch enemies the next I tell you.

The babies are getting so big with plenty of chubby layers of fat on their wee arms and legs, I can't stand how cute they are. They have their 2 month appt. on Nov.1st, so we'll see how much they've grown then. I'm already missing my wee tiny babies, but they are still so small and I'm loving this stage too. They recognize and smile at me a lot and it's the best feeling ever.

My friend, Val, and I took the kids to Bauman's farm on Wednesday last week. We had such a brilliant time that we went back there again on Saturday with Ryan, Callie, and Josh. The apple cider doughnuts and apple cider juice were to die for. I'm contemplating going back again before they take all the halloween stuff down...it was that good. Oh, and the boys loved it too. hehe.

Peter, Joey, Jack, and Katie

Callie, Peter, Jack, and Josh

Leigh, Peter, Jack, and Ryan

Blessing the babes

Sunday, September 18th, we blessed the babies. My parents were over for two weeks (Sep.6th-21st) so we broke the "traditional" first Sunday of the month blessing day. I've noticed that at home in Scotland most people avoid blessing babies on testimony Sunday these days...I guess they don't want their non-member family members being exposed to some of the unusual testimonies...ha! Terrible though, testimony Sunday is great..hehe.

We didn't expect Ryan's parents to come as they had just barely moved (YET AGAIN!) to Casper,Wyoming,for a new job. But they shocked us and said they were going to drive all night to be there...18 hours! Ryan's wee sister, Rachel and her new husband, Logan, also drove a distance of 10 hours from Fallon, Nevada, to attend (we hadn't seen them since before they got married). It was really nice having everyone there. Unfortunately, Callie's husband, Josh, had Army drill, so that's why he's missing.

And, yeah, my boys NEVER stay still...this was the best family shot. At least Peter's looking at the camera.

The men that participated in the blessing were Logan, my father in-law,Chris, Ryan, and my Dad, Alan. (Missing is Ted Stock, a good friend of ours from the ward).

My wee darlings looked so beautiful, Ryan's mum made their dresses and headbands.

Ryan's parents, Chris and Liz, with the twins.

And my parents, Alan and Margaret. I loved that they were able to be there so soon after the birth...my mum was the best help and I needed her so badly during those first few weeks, I still do. Some days I don't cope very well.

The twins slept during their beautiful blessings and for

all the pics...it was great.

And the wild, but handsome big brothers, who sat quietly during the blessings, but were very animated and chatty through the rest of sacrament..boy, they loved all the attention they got from all the family present.

Dearest wee olive and penelope, we are so lucky to be your mummy and daddy, we love you both more than words can say.

Note: There was a funny, but awkward moment when Ryan and I went to trade babies after olive was blessed...we both looked at each other like, uh...how do we do this? Made one attempt, failed, and then managed. Lots of smiles and some laughter from the congregation. Slightly embarrassing :)