Why do my children look scary?

Colin was snapping pics of Samuel yesterday while he was watering his tomatoes and I just noticed that this looks like some sort of mug shot or something. I think there were a lot of pictures of Colin like this as a child (oops, I hope he doesn't read this!). Also, when I took pictures of Jude, he looks like that creepy female that morphs into a bad character in that Ghostbusters movie - does anyone remember her? I think her name is Sygorney Weaver in real life. Anyway. Also, here are some pics of Samuel on a pile of chips that Colin's co-worker so kindly donated to us and of Samuel this morning inspecting my "new" sewing machine. I purchased it off craigslist for my birthday - watch out - I have a feeling MANY Christmas presents are going to be sewing projects!

This has turned out to be a birthday week for me - yay! Date night on Sunday was fabulous with Colin - we went to Bridgeport Village for dinner at Pastini and a movie ("No Reservations"). Colin even briefly went into the MAC store with me! On my birthday Colin cooked all day, including a cake, and cleaned everything up. The only responsible thing I had to do was change Jude's diapers and feed him. And last night I got dinner at Gustav's with Colin's family - what a treat! On Friday, I will be leaving for a girls' weekend at Lincoln City - I plan on reading at least a quarter of a book...we'll see.

Photo Shoot w/Samuel

Since I am bored out of my mind (Colin has been working many days and for various reasons I can't connect up with friends), I decided to take on Samuel as a subject this morning. He would only sit in a chair, thus limiting my ability to take creative shots, but I messed around with my camera program and took some artistic liberties. Doesn't the first one look like Jim Halpert from "The Office"? Funny.

Crazy Eyes

Jude's eyes went a little crazy when the flash went off - and Samuel insisted on putting Jude's hat on like a homeboy. Jude also has an obsession with sucking his thumb - but I can't complain about a self-soothing baby! I actually get out on a date with my husband this weekend - I will have to reacquaint myself with adult conversation...

Fun pics of the boys

This is before bath time yesterday. It's amazing that I got them both to smile at the same time!

Post-Dedication Breakfast

After Ruby's dedication at church yesterday, we gathered at Callae's house (thanks Callae!) for some grub and fellowship. Of course I took a picture of the food - it was soo good. Tami and I got stuck at the kids table - sadly, we fit right in =). As Samuel is in a new phase of not wanting to be photographed (I can't tell you how many photos I have of his back - I'm beginning to feel like paparazzi), Jude ended up being the only one to allow pictures.

Jude smiles?!?

Well, Jude was all smiles for Grandma Mary today. What a muffin! By the end of the day, Samuel was getting rabbit ears from Colin (the maturity in my house never ceases to amaze me) and Jude was screaming his head off from exhaustion (I did drag him out shopping to the MAC counter and Victoria's Secret. Poor kid). Oh well! Tomorrow we get to see Baby Ruby dedicated and have a delicious breakfast with friends after. In other news, our once black moldly bathroom has morphed into this creation of my husband's handiwork. He took this bathroom down to the foundation and built it again, including the cabinets, the concrete counter top and all the tilework!

Play date in Sherwood

Well, the boys and I finally made it to the Athey play date in Sherwood and everyone had a great time! We were all there to meet Jillian's new addition from Vietnam - a precious baby girl named Savannah. Samuel decided that the sand pit was the place to be with Eli (of course, there were tractors over there). It might be the last one until next year - the cold is starting to set in here. This is Jude's "judging" face, as usual. He is just like Colin as a baby - pretty serious and very independent so far - very much the opposite of Samuel.

Apple picking

Here are some pics of our family outing to Mollola (actually Marquim, if there is a difference). It was last minute and Jude did NOT love the car ride. Oh well, we will be enjoying apple crisp, apple sauce, muffins, etc....