Pumpking Carving

About a week ago, our friends hosted a little pumpkin carving party. It was pretty much a night of anything goes for Miles, and as you'll see, he enjoyed himself mightily!

First taste of candy corn. I eventually had to hide the bowl. He also got into the other candy bowl with daddy and tried M&M's and Skittles. yum.

Serious carving decisions were made.

Pumpkin Days at Wheeler Farm

I just love a good photo op with huge tires!

I'm glad we have a few more years before he starts driving.

Always a crowd pleaser around here: LIGHTS!!

But the best part:

the hay maze!


After exploring for awhile, Miles started running up to dead ends and giving them a little stare down. Of course, we thought this was hilarious, which just egged him on, as you will see.

Touch-a -Truck

A couple of weekends ago, we headed out to Touch-a-Truck. It's basically a huge parking lot filled with trucks, so, lots of fun if this is your heart's love. Miles wasn't sure at first, but warmed up to the whole experience by the end.

Surprisingly, Miles wanted to go into the bouncy house. This is as far as he got. Thankfully, a nice 10-year old boy was able to help him to the exit.

The obligatory 'tires are huge' photo op.

Having a little fun running around in the back of a squeaky clean, empty moving van.
You can see Isaac running around in the background.

Having a quiet moment at the back of the school bus. This was actually soon after we arrived. I think Miles was feeling overwhelmed by all the trucks, noise, people, etc. After we regrouped in the quiet of the bus, he seemed much more excited about being there.

A highlight for Miles: playing with his new trucks on a trailer that wasn't even part of the event! That's how it works, right?

Best part of cake making....

....is licking the frosting off the spoon!

Yes, one year ago, we were baking him a fruit juice sweetened b-day cake with a sugar free fruit based frosting. Ha! How quickly things change. This is actually the frosting spoon from my birthday cake, but guess what? No fruit juice baloney for Miles this year-he gets the real deal!

Long boarding

Loves to play with Craig's long board (it has wheels!!!). Especially when his dad gives him rides up and down the sidewalk!

Evolution in Art

A fun new development, circular shapes and dots! Previously, he only drew vertical lines, so I was surprised to walk by the chalkboard one day and see circles. He learned how to make dots from watching Isaac, the little guy I tend during the week. Just figured out circles by experimenting I guess. Can't wait to see what's next!

Naked Snake Wrangling

Because that is how it's done!

True Love

No doubt about, this boy loves his cars!

Deep Midwestern Roots

Pretty much the only vegetable he's ever asked to taste without our prompting. It is delicious!

Why? (and 23 months!)

Why the lack of posts? Well, everytime I get the camera out, this is the shot I get. Miles dramatically trying to grab the camera. So, I'm guessing until this phase passes, there won't be very many cute pictures to show you. In the meantime, he just turned 23 months old. Next month, I'll have a two-year old! What has he been up to? Well, he still loves cars and balls. You can see the Mega Blocks in the background that our neighbor gave us. She brought it over while we were outside and as soon as he discovered there were cars in the box, he was overjoyed! It's funny to try to recap his growth and development. There are so many changes, but they feel so incremental and subtle sometimes, that I forget all that has happened in a month. He continues to be more and more independent. He's starting to express a slight interest in dressing and undressing himself, working on zippers, pant legs and pulling shirts off his head. Along with this, he's gotten the tiniest bit more adventurous with eating. Oh, and I've noticed a huge leap in wanting to imitate other kids. Especially if they're climbing on stuff. He's gotten pretty bold at the playground, climbing up curved ladders and railings. It's pretty fun, but also a little tough to watch. Overall, can't say our approach to two has been too terrible yet, so fingers crossed that we'll continue ahead with smooth sailing!