Halloween!

We had a Star Wars themed Halloween this year, with Nicholas as Darth Vader and Daniel as Yoda. We had gotten the costumes before D's accident, so it was fortunate that Yoda's robes fit pretty well over his cast! Of course, Daniel did not want to leave his ears on, but once we started trick-or-treating, he got distracted and didn't notice me surreptitiously slipping them on.

Daniel was determined to get those ears off!

In other developments, Nicholas is definitely at the questioning stage. I am willing to bet that if we counted, he must ask several hundred questions a day. Many of them are rhetorical, and he is never satisfied with the explanations we attempt to give him. So, my very intelligent husband has started saying, "What do you think?" whenever he asks one of these impossible questions. Surprisingly, it often works! Of course, we realize that this is a normal part of growing and learning, and are thankful that he is curious, even if it's maddening at times!

Cast Update

We took Daniel in for another set of x-rays this a.m. After looking at them, the doctor asked me if there was any way that something could have gotten into his cast. At first I said no, but when I saw the x-ray, I noticed a familiar shape about halfway down his broken leg. We had played with dry beans earlier in the week (an activity that the boys enjoyed so much I was patting myself on the back for my creativity!), and sure enough, one of the darn things had made its way down there. Doc had to "window" the cast, which means that a hole had to be cut into it to get the bean out. She then replaced the cut-out and taped over it.

In better news, the cast is coming off on Tuesday Nov. 17! Just 2.5 weeks from now. Needless to say, we can't wait!!!

Posted are pics of the boys from this week playing with beans, at Busch Gardens, and eating caramel apples we made.

The First Week

We have made it through Daniel's first week in the cast. I can't say that it's been easy, but we are thankful that he is healing, and will hopefully be as good as new in a few more weeks.
The surgeon says that he most likely will NOT need physical therapy after his cast is removed. His x-rays yesterday revealed that the bone looks good, and the healing process is moving in the right direction.
Our biggest issue right now is discomfort during the night, which is keeping him awake for hours at times. He really would like to turn over and move, but his inability to do so is waking him up. Also, he is frustrated and discouraged at times. Please pray for patience for Daniel and the rest of us as we cope with these changes over the next several weeks.
Above are some photos of him (and Nicholas) taken this week. (Also see below for two other new posts from today!)

Pumpkins and the Homeschool Room

We converted our dining room to a school room about a month ago. It is working really well so far! I love having a place to keep all of our school and art supplies, and the boys like their new table and chairs (not to mention the chalkboard). Nicholas is reading small primer-type books (think Dick and Jane), and it's awesome to hear him read!

A few days ago, we were able to go to the pumpkin patch. We pulled Daniel in the wagon, which worked well, and even got to go on a hayride! Fun!

Apple Picking

The day before Daniel's accident was absolutely gorgeous, so I decided to take the boys to Carter Mountain in Charlottesville for apple picking. I'm SO glad that we were able to get out and do this before he broke his leg. Looking back at these photos almost brings tears to my eyes. I don't think I'll ever take it for granted again that my kids can run, jump, and play!

August/September Funnies and Daniel's Birthday

Oh, this is so pitiful, but I am finally going to post some photos from Daniel's second birthday (which was almost TWO months ago)!

Forgive the lateness, but enjoy the pics. Daniel was a lucky boy this year! He got to celebrate with Grandma Jo at the end of July, our family foursome on Aug. 1, and then with Grammie and Aunt Tori on his actual birthday. (The boys and I were taking a trip to Mississippi on his birthday, and stopped in Nashville on the way there.)

Visiting with Grandma Jo

We were able to visit my dad (aka Granddad Randy), grandparents, and brother's family while in MS. I've included some pictures of the boys with their Mississippi relatives!
















Bev's Paternal Grandparents (Mamie and Paw Paw)

Bev's Maternal Grandmother (Ma Ma Mac)

Splashing at the sprinkler park with cousin Caleb

Erin and cute little Jonah

Now for some recent funnies (quotes from Nicholas):

• Bev: Nicholas, do you know what season is coming up after summer?
• Nicholas: Yes, I do! Football Season! (a child after his father's heart)

• Nicholas: Mommy, maybe you can put on some lipstick so your lips will look pretty like your cheeks do. (Can't tell if this was meant as a compliment or not.)

• N: Mom, I really like the yellow macaroni and cheese a lot better than the orange kind.
  

Go Gators!

We headed back to Gainesville last weekend for the Gators' first home game of the season.
It was a great time, all the more so because we were able to see (my brother) Michael Shawn, Erin, and their sweet boys. Nicholas and Caleb had a blast together, and said many times, "I love you," over the course of the weekend.
The big boys went to the game with us, while the little ones stayed in the hotel with Erin's dad.

Chris, of course, was just thrilled to see Tebow in the Swamp. If you think Tebow fever is big in the rest of the country, you should see Gainesville!