Big Orange Pumpkin Farm

Now this is a pumpkin farm. Where you actually get to pick your pumpkin from the patch. None of that buying pumpkins from under a big tent like we experienced last weekend.

This morning, Kaden and I met our Thursday play group out at the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm in Celina, TX. Here we are with Amanda and Logan (standing) and Beth and Grace (sitting next to us). Check out Kaden trying to take Grace's snacks and Grace not having anything to do with it.

It was a very nice morning to be out and about. Kaden went on his first hayride today through the farm. Interestingly enough, we were on the hayride with a Christian school group and sat right next to another Kaden who was 5 years old. They became pals along the ride.

Great opportunity for some fall pictures. If only I could get the lil' guy to look at the camera and actually give me a smile.

what a weekend...

Last weekend was a busy one. Only because we made it that way. There are weekends where I just want to relax and spend time at home with my boys. And then there are those where I want to get things done. Check things off the list. I am a list kinda girl. Anyways, we started the weekend early Friday afternoon by driving over to the stone and gravel place to buy materials to complete a small flowerbed in the back yard. We started while Kaden napped. And when he woke up, he joined us outside. Playing in the dirt. Playing with the water. He was absolutely filthy when we were done. We all were. I should have taken a picture but all I wanted to do when that project was over was shower.

Saturday morning brought visitors much to Kaden's surprise. Bridget, Cody and Jenny drove up late Friday night. They had tickets to the A&M football game on Saturday. He had a blast showing them all of his toys in the playroom. I enjoyed drinking my coffee without a little boy tugging at me to come play with him. Much to my demise, here's a picture of Kaden with the Aggies.

After lunching at Wingstop with the Ags, we stopped at Buy Buy Baby to scope out a new car seat for the lil' man. Here he is holding daddy's hand walking through the store. Notice the matching outfits. Pretty cute, I must say!

Saturday afternoon, we checked out The Great Pumpkin Patch at Storybook Ranch which is within walking distance from our house. Not that we walked there, but we could have. I wouldn't really classify this as a "patch" but that's what they call it. There are just a ton of pumpkins under a big tent. You pick the one you want and buy it. We got 2 for $15.

And here's his newest trick...TOUCHDOWN! Perfect for football season. His friend Logan does this and daddy thought it was pretty cool so now Kaden does it...like ALL THE TIME. He thinks it fun. We think it's cute.

Checkin' out the animals at the petting zoo.

Sunday, we took a little trip to the State Fair of Texas. We looked and looked for all the fried food. Mainly the fried butter. Apparently, we weren't looking in the right places 'cause we never found it. We walked and walked and walked. Saw lots of animals. And even more people. It was crowded to say the least. And hot. Not really the experience I was hoping for but I'm glad we went. It was kinda weird being at the State Fair but not because we were showing our animals. That's the only reason my family ever went. To show our Gerts and steers. Really strange walking through the show barn. We all felt like city slickers with our shorts and flops on.

Kaden thought this goat was pretty cool until it stood up on the fence and was eye level with him.

Grabin' a snack!

And a lil' sip of water.

One last pic before his pals leave for the drive back to Aggieland.

11 months old

Kaden is 11 months old today. It's just crazy how the time flies when you have a child. Everyone has started asking if I am sad that he's going to be 1 soon. NO! Everyday is a new adventure with Kaden. He never ceases to amaze me with how quickly he learns new things!

Here's what he's been up to on his 11 month birthday...

Playin' in the fridge as I unpack the groceries.

Checkin' out his drill. He likes tools. Just like his daddy.

More tools... And it appears he knows what to do with the wrench.

Contemplating turning his rockin' chair over (occurs on a daily basis).

And...yep, you guessed it! Walking like a big boy.

He started taking steps on his 10 month birthday. And just recently, he started standing unassisted and then just takes off walking. It's still not his primary way of getting around (because he can get to things faster if he crawls) but he is definitely getting comfortable with the idea of walking. And I'm lovin' it!

spending some time...

Back in August, we had visitors from Missouri. Aunt Catrina, Uncle Aaron and Cousin Kamden! It's always fun to have family visit but even more fun when that includes a playmate for Kaden. Ok. I know. So what. They are 3 years apart. Kaden loves his cousin! He likes his toys too. And Kamden took more of an interest in Kaden this visit. His is no longer Baby Kaden. But "my cousin". So cute!

While they were here, I learned all the names of Kamden's toys. That of which I will not remember next time. I quickly realized that I have so many things to learn about little boys! With 2 little boys in the house who were constantly on the go, it's seemed easier and more fun to actually get out of the house. So we went to the park. Went to have lunch with Kass. Went to the splash park. The boys loved that. The adults did too. 'Cause that meant nap time was next!

We even went to mall. Walked around. Shopped a little. Ate lunch. Rode the carousel. Kaden loved that! So much that he pitched a little fit when it was time to get off :)

Here's to looking forward to many more visits and watching the boys grow up together!

yeehaw

Kaden attended his first fair last week. The oldest in the state of Texas, I might add. The Washington County Fair, that this. Even though it was hotter than you know what outside, he had a blast. I did too. Nana bought him a cool little wagon and he just loved riding around in it. Taking in all the people. All the animals. Waving. Smiling. I think Nana had the most fun though. She knows EVERYONE in Washington County. So of course, she had a blast parading Kaden around in his wagon and showing him off to all of her friends!

He even got a picture with the 2010 Washington County Fair Queen, Miss Carrie Kmiec. He doesn't know it yet, but his mama was the 1998 Washington County Fair Queen. One day I'll break out the sash and crown and tell him the story of all the hard work and dedication it took to win that title. Truth is, it won't be a big deal to him. 'Cause he's a boy!

And the petting zoo. That was an adventure. First we had to wait until all the school kids had their turn. Tons of them. And I didn't want to get in the mix. He loved the animals. Mainly the donkey and goats. How do I know this? Well let's just put it this way. He thought is was funny to pull the donkey's ears and he tried crawling on top of one of the goats while it was laying down. The pictures below are my sad attempt to snap a couple of shots with my phone while making sure my child didn't venture off on his own in the mix of animals.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Kaden's friend, Andrew, turned 1 on Thursday and we helped him celebrate at his party this afternoon. Kaden had a blast playing with Andrew's other friends, giving high fives to Andrew's grandpa and just being plain silly! He is quite a little ham! I love it!

Daddy and Kaden before the party.

Mommy and Kaden. He is waving for the camera! I love his smile with his 2 front teeth!

Kaden and his friend, Nate.

And THE BIRTHDAY BOY, ANDREW!

Andrew was ever so careful NOT to get dirty while eating his cake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW!

mmm. mmm. good.

So I know this blog is really supposed to be about Kaden. But I must brag about myself for a moment. Last weekend, I made my first apple pie. It was yum-i-licious!

No. I didn't just bake this for Kass and me. I can't. We would sit around and eat the entire thing ourselves in one day. We are bad when it comes to sweets. Can't have them in the house. We went over to have dinner with the soon-to-be Tappan's Saturday evening.

Here's the part where I brag about Kaden. We put him to bed while we had dinner and dessert and lots of great wine. Then, when we were ready to head home, we woke him up. Drove home with him wide awake. That made us nervous. Got home. Put him in his bed. He went right back to sleep without a peep. So happy we are blessed with such a good sleeper!