Helping Pack

Nickolas took the liberty to help daddy pack last night.

Where are we going?

And, of course, multi-tasking. Didn't realize Cookie Monster took calls at that hour.

No daddy -- where did he go?

My New 'Do

Mommy hasn't been keeping up the pace lately with pictures and entries -- something about midterm assignments, daddy being sick earlier this month, me being sick, etc. We're all better now for the most part and finally enjoying some fall weather. The leaves are changing and I got a haircut last weekend. It's a bit short, but it will grow.

With daddy in my new fall fleece and haircut.

Fall Fest

Nickolas had fun day today with his friend Bryce at Cox Farms for their Fall Fest. They had apple cider, hayrides (where Nickolas fell asleep), slides, animals, and little pumpkins to take home. Nickolas had so much fun, he took a nearly 3 hour nap once he got home up to the time that's normally his bed time! We'll see how late he ends up staying awake tonight...

Back to our Kentucky roots -- literally, how Dan learned how to drive.


On the hayride -- with friends Bill, Olin and daughters, and Monica who told us about Cox Farms.


The perfect pumpkin.


Which one do I want?


Bryce and Nickolas.

The Nickolas Show

Nickolas likes to climb the ottoman on the other side of the divider between the dining room and living room in order to get nice and high and play with things on the divider. He often reminds us of a news anchor at his desk the way he babbles since it comes up to the perfect height on him. Here he is playing with a few toys including a "breaking news" flash from Nickolas.

Sweet Dreams

Checking in on Nickolas tonight, it was hard to resist capturing this intimate moment with his teddy.

Served on a Platter

Bon Apetit! Nickolas loves this big blue Tupperware bowl. He enjoys being pushed around the apartment in it, loves to pretend to stir his blocks, and especially loves it when daddy lifts him off the ground in it.

Feeding Myself

I've nearly mastered the art of feeding myself with a spoon. My yogurt gets a little goopy, so when that gets on my bib, it's not my fault. I haven't learned the art of tapping the excess off the spoon so the goop doesn't end up on me, but that will come in due time. Right now, it's just fun to eat my food at my own pace and try to get as messy as possible.

Sliding

Nickolas had fun at the neighborhood park over the weekend trying out his new 'hiking' shoes. Daddy was right there running around with him and going down the various slides and digging in the sand. It was awfully hot and humid out, so mommy sat and took pictures.

Shoes - check; stroller - check; teddy bear - check!

Down the small slide.

Making a volcano.

Race with daddy up the spiral.

I've graduated to the big slide!

Cousin Fiona

Nickolas met his cousin Fiona over the weekend who was in town for a visit while she was in the states from Scotland. Fiona had a fun summer working at a camp in Maine and was able to see quite a few states and cousins. Dan is first cousins with Fiona's parents who reside in Glasgow. Nickolas had a ball with Fiona and she was so helpful with him. She also got to see some of the sites in DC. Aimee and Fiona had so much fun, she went along with her on her next destination -- New York City -- to ensure she was set for her next adventure with her camp friends to Toronto. So, while Aimee was there, she couldn't resist catching the US Open Men's singles final to cheer on another Scot -- Andy Murray who didn't fare so well against the amazing Roger Federer.

Bye Marla, Thanks for Coming!

Marla headed back to Colorado today. Nickolas had a fun day with her. They built a mega structure with his mega blocks -- the largest and most complex to date. We also took a hike in Great Falls National Park followed by some frozen treats at Milwaukee's Frozen Custard. Thanks for coming to visit!