A few fall memories

Seven rather random and fun little memories.

 

1. A week or two ago, we had some very warm and balmy weather, and Kateri convinced me that we really should make use of her little pool at least one more time before the cooler weather comes.

 

So we set everything up, and great joy was had by all one-year-olds.

 



The water was a little chilly! But that didn't keep her from playing in it!

Sebastian was very intrigued by Kateri's water shenanigans and no amount of distraction could convince him to shift his attention.

Soon, little guy, soon enough. Before I know it, you will be out of my arms and running around and splashing your sister with all the energy in the world. But for now, I get to enjoy you right here, in my arms!

Kateri's preferred method of extraction:

I guess she's not a risk taker?

2. The other day I went to Walmart to pick up some groceries. Thanks to Laura who gave me some raisins for Kateri, the trip went really well and both kids were quiet and even (is this even possible?) fun. I kept thinking, 'This really is amazing. Can shopping PLUS kids actually equal FUN?'.

Finally it was time to check out, and I pushed the cart up to the line at the checkout counter.

Well, as soon as I started unloading groceries, Sebastian commenced screaming. He was in the ergo, so I commenced bouncing. Kateri was in the cart, so she decided this was the ideal time to turn around in the seat and somehow get multiple appendages stuck through the bars.

Meanwhile, the checkout lady (whose uncanny eyes were such that you were never quite sure *what* she was looking at) surveyed us with apparent distaste or disapproval or something. Or maybe it just seemed like that because whenever I thought she was looking at me I smiled and she never smiled back.

So, Kateri started up with her loud shrieks as she crammed yet another hand or foot thru bars that were never meant to fit any humans arms or legs, and Sebastian's wails became even louder. And I thought as I bounced Sebastian even more energetically "I will just put this last gallon of milk on the belt and then address my firstborn who obviously is in no immediate danger of falling anyway since half of her is entangled in the cart."

 At that point the checkout lady looked at me (but it didn't look like it, however she was facing my general direction) and said with a completely flat affect and zero facial expression, "I think she's stuck."

Then I glanced back and saw the (apparent) bachelor behind us with eyes wide open in horror.

It was so funny! With some effort, Kateri's hand and feet were un-entangled, and moments after we left the checkout line, Sebastian ceased his wails. And they behaved great from there on out (30 second span to the car! but it counts ;) We are probably leaving horrible impressions on people. But, really, people just need to take life less seriously!

3. We had a lot of dreary rain last week, and so we did whatever we could think of to combat the cabin-fever that comes with it.

One thing we did was go to the mall to just walk around. Kateri could not believe her luck in being able to walk on her own. She was very good about holding my hand!

She wanted to explore everything.

Even tables were exciting!

She also enjoyed delicious libations while perusing the racks at H&M.

And I fought my fear of the fomite and let her play in the kid's play-place (although I still shudder when I see these pics. . . uggg).

 

There were some other kids there as well which made Kateri very very happy!

All in all, it is a good option for getting out during the cold months, although I think it's pretty safe to say that we all prefer Chick-Fil-A :)

4. We also were blessed to go see Aunt Gigi and Uncle Dick, which was so much fun for both of the littles, though I unfortunately only have one shot of the visit.

Kateri had a great time and especially loved when great Aunt Gigi showed her some pictures!


5. Kateri has a new favorite toy. She is not picky and is more than happy to push either Sebastian or herself on it.

She is quite good at getting some serious momentum going.

Thankfully no one has been hurt . . . and I am planning on retiring this swing to some other location soon!


6. After a particularly rough day, Pat kindly sent me on a solo run when he got home from work. When I came back home, this is what I saw:

All three enjoying Signing Times!

7. Usually I hold Sebastian most of the day, but come the evening, it is K-bear's turn:

Bonus:

This week we also went to Burke Lake with Laura and Mimi, which was a blast. They have a great playground which the girls loved. And the weather was picture perfect, and such a treat to enjoy the fall color. Unfortunately I did not get many pictures, but here is one of the highlights of the trip, from Kateri's eyes.

Eager excitement

 

As the birds approach:

The geese were quite audacious and had no fear of people. I pretended to go to chase one to try to scare it off, and it just stood its ground, even though I got to about 1 foot away. Hence, Mimi bravely took up the stale bread and was the only one to feed the geese because they were just a bit too much for Kateri and Charlotte!