Isla turns two!

Today was Isla's 2nd birthday.  It's crazy to think that she is already two, but at the same time I feel like she should be sixteen already! Isla is so different than Knox. She is so sweet but she is so feisty. This girl has a temper and she wants to get her way....always.  But when she's sweet, she is the best-friend you could ever have. She's the life of the party and she will melt your heart with her hugs and sweet words.  She is talking up a storm and loves princesses and anything pink.  We had a blast celebrating our little girl. 

Isla's Doc McStuffins party

These are all for me? 

the princess castle and dress were a big hit!

the heels were her favorite gift by far! She's even sleeping in them.

My Dad was in town for Isla's birthday party. It was really great to have him here to celebrate with us. We had a wonderful visit with him- check back soon for an update on his visit!

-Stacie

Apple Picking Field Trip

Knox's preschool had their first field trip. We trekked out to Emmet, ID to an apple farm to pick some apples.

all the kids watching the cider press

the Apple Farm

the Cider Press

Knox picking his own apple

Knox using the apple picker

I had never been to an apple tree farm before so it was a fun outing for me too. It was a really cute trip.  We read a few books about apples, got to see the apple press and then got to pick our own apples. Knox really liked using the apple picker and he seemed to really enjoying picking them by himself too.  We even came home and Knox helped me make an apple crisp with our apples.  All in all it was a fun, successful trip!

-Stacie

What's been going on...

There hasn't been anything noteworthy going on here lately- thank goodness! I am so thankful to have life be back to "normal" for a little while.  We've settled into our routine with preschool, errands, walks to the playground.  Things are feeling more settled each day.  Here are a few pictures of what we've been up to:

Isla at the dentist- she demanded she get in the chair even though it was Knox visiting the dentist

Dancing around in our Halloween jammies

they still love each other!

Dressing ourselves to go to the store

Dorothy & the Scarecrow...did I mention I love Halloween?

potty training- my favorite!

just hanging out without our pants

Peg & Cat pretty much did the potty training for me- thank you PBS!

Isla is going to be Robin for Halloween this year.

Making a campfire in the backyard

Shopping carts at Trader Joes

Even Batman needs a nap...

This is how I found her and she was yelling for help- this one's a climber

practicing for the camping trip

Spidergirl

Knox at his dentist appointment

-Stacie 

Camping in Idaho

We decided that before it got to be too cold (ie- I am a softie) we should go camping.  So, a few weekends ago we drove the bus up to Idaho City and found a spot. It was only about an hour drive and very scenic.  We stopped off in Idaho City to check it out. It's a very small town with one little row of shops and a restaurant that sells really yummy pie.  Needless to say, I think we'll be back...

Gloria in the Idaho forest

We've only been on one other family camping trip and it wasn't really that successful. So, I had very low expectations for our trip.  Which was good, because if we're being honest it was only so-so in fun level.  But the scenery was beautiful and we definitely made some memories...

Knox running around like a crazy man

the family camp site

me & isla relaxing in the bus

We had a nutritious camp dinner (hotdogs and dorritos)and then made a fire. It actually got a bit chillier than we expected and we were not prepared for that.  Opps!

Kyle rocking Isla's baby

A few things that went wrong on our trip:  Isla didn't nap that day so she was an emotional wreck and spent most of the afternoon crying (fun!), it was freezing and we didn't bring warm clothes (ie- see the picture below), Knox had to go pee at 2 in the morning and he was sleeping on the top bunk, really the list could go on but you get the picture. Family camping is no walk in the park but for some reason we keep doing it! I have no idea really.

my solution for the cold

poor Kyle just brought shorts

I had planned on making pancakes but forgot the non-stick spray and spatula so we ended up packing it up and buying donuts at the gas station- memories people! All in all it was a fun night but I can't say that I'm sorry we'll have to wait until spring to do it again.

-Stacie