Carving the Pumpkins

Quinn lending a helping hand.

Nice pattern Mom

Mom's finished product!

Awesome!

We sat down to carve the pumpkins Wednesday evening and found out how Ben really feels about "his" pumpkins. Apparently, he didn't think we should be messing with them and got pretty upset about it. Chris had emptied out the pumpkins in the garage and then brought them inside so my Dad and I could carve them. Last year, Ben had a pretty good time helping us out and playing with the pumpkins, but had a change of heart this season. He ended up spending the pumpkin carving time in Grandma's lap perfectly content to watch from a distance. I think my Dad and I did pretty good - they turned out "hauntingly" awesome!

Picking Out Pumpkins

Ben with our pumpkins!

Quinn as a mouse!

Mom in a tree!

Ben as a scarecrow!

We went to the 101 Market to pick out our pumpkins to carve. We love going to the 101 Market - it has such great things! This was Ben's 3rd time there this fall!

Random Shots

Quinn asleep in the training room after a match vs. Michigan

Ben, Dad, and Quinn

Quinn having some cuddle time with Mom!

Papa and Quinn doing thier favorite pasttime - napping!

An0ther nap!?!

A few pictures of life at the Kollasch's!

Here's Quinn!

Whoa Mom - close up!

Let me drool on you a little..

Look at me - so big!

I love taking pictures of Quinn when he is on his tummy. He is starting to get so expressive and loves to babble and coo. He reminds us of a little turtle - he bobs his head around and just is so cute!

Big Brother Helping Little Brother

Ben relaxing with Bella

So nice!

Here Quinn, let me help you with this.

I really don't know why you don't wnat this Quinn!

Ben and Quinn were hanging out one afternoon and Ben was confused as to why Quinn wouldn't take a Nuk....maybe it's in the delivery method???

Evening on our deck

Chris and I had an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time on the deck enjoying a sunset. Times like these are rare these days, but we are grateful for those small moments of peace and together time.

Crash & Burn

Ben had a minor accident while "flying" his plane one afternoon. Luckily all walked away from the crash seen with only a few scratches and a new appreciation for helmets.

Fun with Grandma

Swimming!

Getting ready for the 1st day of class!

This isn't so bad!

Getting a ride from Dad

Scoring points with the teacher!

Ben took his 2nd round of swimming lessons in July/August. He moved up from the Minnow group to the Whale group. The first day was pretty rocky - Ben was That Kid who cried the entire time and ended up spending the last 1/2 of class with his Nuk. He got better every day and I have to admit, the water temp didn't make it any easier to convince him it was fun to be in the water! It was freezing!! By the end of the two weeks, he was kicking and attempting to float and putting his face in the water - he even would jump in off the float!!

Ben's Surgery (August 2009)

Ben underwent a procedure this past August to clear a blockage in his Eustachian tube and to place tubes in his ears in order to improve his hearing. The staff at Childrens West were awesome and it was much harder on Chris and I than Ben. Everything went well and Ben was home with fruit snacks by the afternoon. Going through this issue with Ben has made us so grateful and lucky that we have a healthy and happy little boy. We saw many other sick kiddos and their parents and it is so difficult to see any child live with health issues. I enjoy every second of every minute that I spend with Ben and Quinn and I am so thankful to have them in our lives!