No pictures to post--just a quick update!

Brookelyn:
Today she had her school Halloween party and parade. It was adorable, and her Dora costume was a hit. No one could believe she wore the wig--and isn't it ironic that this is the child who thinks everything is itchy! I got to do a craft with the kids in her class, which was really fun. I had been looking forward to seeing her interact with the teachers and her classmates. I guess my main take away is that I sure wish she followed directions that well at home!! Before I left her school, the teachers mentioned that no parent had stepped forward to be the class coordinator, so guess who agreed to take over? I am actually very excited to put together games and snacks for their little parties. All of you creative people reading this blog--send me your holiday ideas!!
On a different note, last night when I was putting Brookelyn to bed she just looked so angelic and precious. She was looking at me with those big blue eyes from behind her sippy cup, and something just struck me to ask, "Do you want to say your prayers tonight?" She said yes, and put down her cup. Very seriously she clasped her hands, bowed her head and said, "Thank you for my lunch. AMEN!" I had to work hard not to laugh, but I thought it was just adorable! Shout out to Grandpa Bates!

Braedyn:
He had his helmet appointment yesterday. Everything looks great, and we go back again next week. His head is growing at such a rate that we have been going weekly instead of bimonthly! Hey, growing that big noggin is good for something--hopefully he will get the helmet off twice as fast. Actually, the helmet has come in handy a couple of times. Overzealous big sis opened a book right on his head the other day, but no injury or tears thanks to his Razorback helmet! And, I must confess, I accidentally hit him with my knee the other day trying to lug myself up off the floor, but again, his trusty helmet saved him. Maybe we should just keep him in it until he turns 16!?
Today was also Braedyn's first real baby playdate. I met a lady at a neighborhood get together last weekend and she invited us to meet her and her friends today. It was great because Brookelyn was at school and we could have a little "baby time". He enjoyed the other babies--probably because none of them could move much either and he didn't have to worry about a two year old bouncing him around (lovingly of course).

We miss you all and will be sure to post pics of Trick or Treating!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Two Little Gobblins

Brookelyn decided to pose with her little bro this afternoon. Why wouldn't she do this at the professional picture place?

Does this make your heart melt or what?!

Boo's Who?!

It is almost scary how much the two of them look alike!!

Potty Talk

Brookelyn was on the potty yesterday afternoon just chatting up a storm. I was making dinner but came to check on her and she told me, "Mommy, ready?" "Pray your hands. Bow your head. Thank you for loving me. AMEN!" I thought it was adorable! I tried to get her to do it again, but this is all I got. You can hear a little of it at the beginning, and then we digress (as always). I will have to tell her teachers that Brookelyn is paying close attention in chapel!!

TONIGHT WE HEADED TO THE "PUMPKIN PROWL"

Brookelyn has STRAIGHT Hair

Tonight when Allen was blowdrying Brookelyn's hair, I took the dryer and a round brush and blew her hair out straight. Doesn't she look like a little girl?!

Big Sis Is the BEST!

Brookelyn has been reading a big sister book, where the big sister feeds her little brother. So, today, I gave in and let her go for it. She did a great job and he absolutely loved it.

Here are the two of them at the breakfast table-I should have taken a video so you could hear them! She was singing and carrying on, and he was just eating it up!

My Daddy Does My Hair

Have you ever seen those cute little t-shirts that say, "Daddy does my hair"? Well, Allen has started blow drying Brookelyn's hair after her bath! Here is a short little video:

TaTa, ACEE, and Jonathan Come Visit

Here are some pictures of our great weekend; we just wish that they could have stayed longer!!

Check Out My Cool Helmet!

Braedyn Got His DOC Band Today!

We arrived right on time (thanks to Dad who worked from home so that he could also watch Brookelyn).

Here I am in the exam room, waiting for the doctor to come in and see me. As you can see, I was really scared. The doctor explained to mom that for the first two days I have to wear the band for three hour intervals. After three hours, she has to take it off and wait for any redness to completely fade, and then I put it back on for the next three hour interval. Beginning this weekend, I will start to wear the band for the full 23 hours a day. The doctor said mommy has to bring me back in a week just to check my progress.

And, here I am sporting my new look! This is pre-decoration stage. Mom is frantically working to replicate a Razorback helmet (under Dad's scrutiny) on my DOC band. She will post the new pictures tomorrow.

PS. Don't you like my shirt!!?

Headed to the Pumpkin Patch Today

Wild Weekend

Well the weekend is winding down, and we are all exhausted! Saturday we took the babies to the Fall Festival at Brookelyn's school. There was a HUGE bounce house with an extra tall slide--Brookelyn absolutely loved it. You can see her on top of the slide in one of the pictures.

Today was especially exhausting, as we spent FOUR HOURS at the mall trying to get the babies' Halloween pictures. We only had to wait about 20 minutes to get the pictures taken, but then the photo printer had issues and by the time we walked out of the studio Allen's head has spun around exorsist style at least three times.
The lady behind the counter was lucky he didn't spew green puke at her! You can watch for your Halloween cards in the mail; please rave to Allen about them!!

Family Trip to the Park

Here is Daddy and Brookelyn swinging high!

Braedyn keeps a watchful eye on his big sister!

Hang on Brookelyn!

Today Allen was able to break free for an hour and head to the park with us. We had a great time!

Braedyn: Braedyn rolled over from his belly to his back tonight! Yea! Brookelyn and I had him laying on his belly in the living room, trying to get him to push up and look at us. He was doing great and finally got himself in a postion where his back was on the floor, but his legs were still laying as if he was on his tummy. Brookelyn was telling him to look at her and was rolling all over the living room floor, when he just flipped right over!

Brookelyn: She is loving school and is learning so much! This afternoon when we got home she wanted to read to Braedyn and me. We sat in her room while she read (almost word for word and used sound effects) a book Auntie Jenna had given her for her 1st birthday. I read it to her a couple of times a week, but I was amazed at how much she actually remembered! I wish I could have gotten her to read that one on camera, but she was already on to the princess book. Here is a little taste:

Moving To Dallas Video