trick or treat

We just couldn't wait until Halloween to score some candy. We went to Bastyr University's Halloween event thinking it would be a lot cooler than it was. Trick or treating was fun since it was Hailey's first time. She quickly caught on that just by just saying "trick or treat" you get candy! She was very polite and thanked everyone. Towards the end she was even saying "happy halloween" as she walked on to the next person. I don't think I've ever mentioned what a sweet tooth this girl has. She LOVES candy, as most 2 year olds do I'm sure. We let her pick one treat from her bag and of course she chose a lollipop. I didnt realize it was a blow pop until I saw her gnawing away. Before I could say don't swallow the gum, it was long gone. Joe didn't believe me that it will take 7 years to digest. So I googled it and...he is right! I've come to find that being a parent makes me second guess all the old wives tales our parents told us.
p.s. this is not her real costume. We didn't want her to ruin it so pulled the dress up box out and put this together in less than a minute as we were heading out the door. I kind of felt sorry for her as we were passing by the other kids in their well put together costumes. To avoid confusion we ditched the wings after the 3rd person asked if she was a princess or a fairy. Poor girl, the crown is pretty hideous!

fall fun

Bob's had slim pickings this year but Hailey didn't know the difference and we managed to find a couple of keepers. We went on a weekday so the cow train & hay rides weren't running. We may just have to go back on a weekend so that Hailey (we) can experience all that a pumpkin patch has to offer. I asked Hailey if she could turn this pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern and this is what she drew! She knows her shapes but hasn't attempted to draw them yet, I usually draw them for her and she just colors them in. I don't know about you, but I see triangles & squares! I was so excited I grabbed the camera and made her pose with her picture.

this box = hours of fun

this one makes me laugh

opening her Halloween treat from Great Aunt Mary (thank you, again)!

terrific twos

You would never know from these photos what a little twerp Hailey has been lately. She has been definitely testing her limits. I've found that there really isn't any advice or book out there to help you prepare for or manage the terrible twos. What's scary is I keep hearing the threes are worst.
So with that said, Auf Wiedersehen our sweet, but whiny little two year old! Daddy & I are headed to Leavenworth for Oktoberfest with the Lord's! Have fun with Grandma & Grandpa Hinton, I'm sure you'll be a complete angel for them all weekend...
"I love you any way you are, I love you because you're you!"

reptile zoo

Is she really my kid? Hailey LOVES snakes, spiders, worms - you name it... I on the other hand can't stand anything creepy crawly, even at her age I wouldn't touch a worm if you paid me. I'm still asking myself why I suggested going here. Thankfully everything was contained and I was behind the camera. It's actually pretty cool and is a perfect (inexpensive) way to spend a rainy day. I'd recommend taking your kiddos there. They even have some little critters available for adoption.

cougette

helping Dad work on the jeep

checking out her new pet spider
(we later released him to his family)
photoshoot

flex those muscles

somebody just might be turning into a daddy's girl

randoms from the week

we love to color!
Mostly I'm posting this one because I want Hailey to have proof that A. she has a Mom, and B. that I actively play with her all day...every day

this is what happens when you don't supervise your 2 yr old in your bathroom
the best part was hearing her say "look Daddy" and hearing Joe say "what are those?"

Hailey's first experience licking the beaters
one of my many fond memories from childhood