Happy 4th Birthday, Samantha Joy!

Ah, the sweetness of my littlest girl, Samantha Joy! On her birthday, October 25, as I tucked her in to bed, this was our converstaion:

M: "Good night, birthday girl!"
S: "Thank you for getting me a present."
M: "You're welcome. I like giving you presents to celebrate you."
S: "What did you give me?"
M: "A tent, a princess castle tent."
S: "Right."
Then we had some more conversation about her other presents and her day.
S: Grasping my neck tightly with a hug (she gives the best hugs) "Mommy, you are the best Mommy in the whole world."

You can't really teach that. I don't know where it comes from in her, but I love it. She is so expressive, in her words, her emotions, her actions, even her affection is totally intense. And it one of the things I adore about her -- the way she already goes after life. She is spunky, opinionated, joyful, fun-loving, a bit mischievous at times, energetic . . . .

Anna Kate's gym class

Anna Kate really is a teacher, and here she is leading a gym class one night after dinner. The super cute stuff, of course, was before I turned the camera on. But I got a little! And I love that Will is joining right in. 

on display

One afternoon, Anna Kate and Lucy were so busy playing in their room while I cooked dinner. Right before it was time to eat, Anna Kate asked me to come up and see what they were up to. Let me tell you - you never quite know what that means. At times, it has meant that they have "rearranged" all their things (clothes, toys, etc), or maybe they have switched beds (bedding and all!) or many other surprising but mostly harmless things. This day, they had created "displays" with their baby dolls. Aren't they adorable? Complete with a "toy box" at the foot of her bed, pjs and a robe, books and animals. 

 Lucy set up something similar but much more difficult to photograph, since her baby "Sara" is in a pack-n-play with the diaper-changing attachment on! Nevertheless, you can see their sweetness!

Dave was camping overnight one night while Kathleen visited. We always like to have a tea party with Grandma, so we did it while he was away.

 First, the girls made these fall leaves and hung them from twigs.  

There was food to prepare. The girls made and decorated sugar cookies. We made a savory ebelskiver and a sweet one too. Cheddar popcorn, fruit and veggies and tea, of course!

apple picking with grandma

Grandma Sheehan was here to visit. Of course, we went apple picking. It was a beautiful day.
Will had his usual ride - the wagon - with his Rescue Hero and apple.

He warmed up to Grandma so quickly!

We always enjoy the apples while picking. Who can resist a fresh apple off the tree?

Mmmmm  . . .. empires and kendalls. We have once again been busy with apples -- apple crisp, apples with creamy caramel dip, applesauce, and more cranberry applesauce on the way! The apples do eventually move Will out of the wagon.

But he doesn't seem to mind.

We tried to get a picture with everyone in it. Will had his own ideas, though.

It was easier with only the 3 big girls.

And another with the 2 littler girls.

An absolute essential part of apple picking is the cider and apple cider donuts afterwards! On such a beautiful day, it was like a lovely picnic. Of course, Will declines both the donut and the cider!

After picking apples, eating donuts, and drinking cider, we went to look at the animals. I think this sign is funny.

"Roar"

Will actually "roars" when he plays with his dinosaur! This video was taken at our Upstate NY Fall Getaway, which is why there is so much background noise! But, it was too cute to keep to myself!

Will with flour

Will helped me make cookies one afternoon.