Monday, November 21, 2011

Octvember!

It's that time of year again and there isn't a morning that goes by without a seagull (the same one everyday perhaps?) sitting on the neighbor's chimney, warming its toes (yes, they have toes). It snowed last week (not enough for even a skinny snow-angel) and all our trees are naked. Autumn is here and almost gone so, I thought I best get our fall festivities posted quick before winter is upon us.  

There was a break in the windy, wet weather right before Halloween so we scooped up the girls and headed to a local pumpkin farm. Good thing Holden wore red or we may have lost her in the corn fields! She certainly is not afraid to get right in the muck of things.


Determined to pick her own pumpkin, regardless if it was larger than her.



Thankfully, pumpkins make good resting places too. 



Iona likes pumpkins! I mean, reeeeally likes them!

Since Michael and I met we have made a tradition to commemorate All Saints Day with a hike to a local lake. We take time to remember those who have passed. 

We read a poem together and throw a pebble into the lake to watch the ripples; symbolizing the countless ways one person affects the world around them. 

This year we also included an impromptu leaf circle dance, of course. Oh, and a yummy snack complete with hot chocolate. Traditions certainly change when children are involved.  :)


Our fall days have also included trips to the playground and trips to our backyard. Hours of fun entertainment can be had at either place.

We are lucky enough to have a beautiful maple tree steps from our front door. The girls had a great time playing hide n' seek!





Iona found a flower. It tasted good.


We certainly hope your fall days have been filled with joy and adventure! 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

365 days of Iona...


Iona Pyxis VanQuickenborne is a year old! 
What a whirlwind of sound and movement our house has become these past months. Iona is a speed-crawler and just about as curious as any cat I've ever met, which makes for a dangerous combination at times. She loves to be where big sister is, doing what big sister is doing, regardless of where or what that may be, or if she has been invited. And let's just say she has spunk. That's the nice way of saying she is loud and opinionated and often if she doesn't get her way then she'll let the neighbors know it. But she is warm and soft and cuddly too. And her smiles and giggles are precious. According to medical percentiles she is rotund, short and has a large head, but according to us, and those who know her, she is amazing, beautiful and spirited. 
Happy Birthday happy Iona! We're so glad you've come!

She has perfected her scrunched-up nose smile in the last year. 

Unfortunately Iona and Holden were both sick the week of Iona's birthday so we postponed her party a few days hoping she would feel more festive. She was still a bit under the weather when we finally celebrated with balloons, presents and cake, but she did pretty well and she had her big sister's help in opening all her presents, and playing with them too.

When Iona wasn't looking, big sister Holden was "helping" her with her next present. 

A little bit drippy and droopy but still excited about her new toys!




Of course, I fretted over making her a nice banana bread birthday cake in the shape of a bunny, which was promptly turned upside down and disassembled before we could even finish singing happy birthday! She nibbled a bit here and there, smeared a little behind her ear, and then that was that, she was finished. Next year I'm sure will be a different story.  :)


On a side note: sorry for the long delays between blog posts...I blame the girls.  :)