Our Autumn Adventures

OUR ARNOLD FAMILY

OCTOBER 2010

This fall has been the most amazing, most jam-packed and most eye-opening time we have had in recent years, obviously. Not only have we been juggling life with jobs and the economy, we have been juggling life with our lovely son. Though our family time as a threesome is short with mom and dad working opposite schedules most days, we have definitely taken full advantage of our special days together. Both Pat and I can say that seeing life through the eyes of our baby is incredible. We are awe-struck every day that this bright-eyed, happy, curious little boy is ours. He has grown so fast, and has such a huge personality that fits his name. We often marvel that he is truly a miracle. We have began some great adventures and traditions this fall and we are always excited to share a few moments and snapshots with you...

We definitely took advantage of all the fall activities this year. Our first stop was a pumpkin patch I grew up going to. They still have all the same games and photo ops that they did back when I was a kid. August measures a little over 2 feet here. Stay tuned for his growth spurt as I am sure he will be towering over me and maybe his dad someday soon. He is in the 90th percentile for height for his age.

An adorable photo of dad and son aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express.

October 1st was Auggie's first actual food experience with rice cereal. As with most babies, it took a few times to get the hang of it, where it wasn't on his face and hands more than in his mouth. However, now he is really enjoying a variety of fruits and vegetables for breakfast and dinner. It is a blast having the opportunity to make all his food at home with all the great fall produce! His new favorites...bananas, peaches and avocados. Now if only his parents ate so well...

On October 10, Uncle Roger inspired our family. After months and months of training, he ran the Chicago Marathon. Pat and I agreed there wasn't a chance that we were going to miss seeing him accomplish his goal. We took Auggie in the stroller downtown Chicago armed with coffee and a camera and fought our way through the crowds to catch Roger at the 8-mile mark. Here Pat and Auggie sit in anticipation of catching Rog in action.

Auggie and I are prepared to cheer Uncle Roger on with a sign and some noise-makers. It was a great, great morning!!! We love you Roger and are so proud of your major accomplishment!

There he goes!!! So fast, we almost missed him! But looking great!

After the race, we spent a few days in Door County on a little vacation to celebrate Pat's and my 7th anniversary. We had a great time just being together, driving around, eating at our favorite restaurants and catching upper Wisconsin at the peak of its autumn colors. Everyday we had the indoor pool to ourselves and we would float around in the water, playing and relaxing. Thank goodness he is finally a water baby!

On a brisk walk, we stopped to take a photo on the golf course where the view is simply spectacular. And a picture wouldn't be complete without that famous tongue sticking out!

Daddy and Auggie take a picture on our land before they take a walk and go exploring. Our pine trees that were planted last year are knee to waist high! How exciting!

Our family went with our BFF's, the Tsuji's, to Edward's Apple Orchard to pick pumpkins, indulge in apple cider doughnuts and enjoy each other's company. Here, a precious kiss from my little love.

Cousins...

Once August found the perfect pumpkin, we had to carve it!! Daddy did an amazing job making a pumpkin with two dimples, a huge smile and a raised eyebrow, just like our little man! Special thanks to the Tsuji family for buying Auggie his first ever pumpkin! It turned out so great!!

Our little skeleton sits next to his pumpkin twin. Great carving job, daddy!!!

Good Grief!! After much debate, our little munchkin was Charlie Brown for Halloween! How could we resist with that perfectly round head and face? I will share that my friend Candace always says that life (holidays in particular) becomes so much more fun when you have kids. She is so right!!! It is like being a kid again yourself!

Two little Halloween Treats! Jaxon and Auggie (or should I say a monkey and Charlie Brown) pose on Halloween. They are slowly getting used to having to pose for the camera with Aunt Jill and I around!!

Happy Halloween!!! Hope the rest of your years is filled with TREATS!!!

We'll keep you posted with our tricks and treats as winter sets in! Yikes, right?