Avery is getting bigger every day, big sister is getting . . .bossier? She still loves to hold her and has become quite protective of her little sister. Mom is getting ready to go back to work fulltime next week and things will be very hectic - so my apologies for lagging on the photos. We have plenty, they just don't seem to be making it on line. Spoil Alert - Halloween is this Saturday and the girls will be dressed as . . .and no, I did not force this on them - it was Maylen's idea. They will be PEAS and CARROTS! The idea actually began with Maylen talking about being a horse - but she informed me that she could not be a horse - Why? Because horses have 4 legs, and she only has 2 - ahh, to be 3. But she feeds them carrots - so she could be a carrot and her sister could be an apple. Try finding an apple costume....or a carrot. So, we bought peas instead (thanks Kim) and I made the carrot costume - with all that extra time I have on my hands.

Pumpkin Patch

Phoebe and Maylen waiting patiently on our wagon ride to the corn maze
Bradyn, Connor, Maylen & Phoebe with their "freshly" picked pumpkins. I quote fresh because historically when we visit a pumpkin patch we expect the pumpkins to be connected to a vine . . .usually extending from the dirt. After paying 5 bucks for the kids to do the corn maze and "pick your own pumpkin" we pulled up to a dirt patch with small pumpkins scratter every few feet. It was actually perfect for their age - but maybe "select your own pumpkin" would have been a better description. The farm really was cute . . .but it did take an hour to get there . . .and there was a Redskins game on . . .daddy would have been more enthused had it been closer and not Sunday football, unfortunately last time I checked Fall is always football season.

The gentleman driving the tractor could have used a lesson on people skills - after all we did pay 5 bucks for our kids to bend over and select a pumpkin from a dirt patch. Let's just say you'd better sit down as soon as you climb on the wagon, otherwise "Uncle Earl" here is going to give you a piece of his mind.


Completely oblivious to the corn, pumpkins or anything else non-pacifier

Hangin' out on the wooden ship . . . which I did notice lacked a fall zone, had a very steep slide and a sliding pole down the middle (hidden from obvious view). I hope the pumpkin patch has good insurance.

Beach, Sushi and Other Luxuries

Aunt Kate sent Maylen a play sushi set! She had some hard questions about what each piece was called . . . I love sushi, but I'm not well schooled in the japanese phrases.







































4 Generations of wise women . . .

Lunch at Morgan's Tavern, our New Bern favorite.



















Maylen loves to lay next to Avery and coax a smile from her. . .sometimes we coax screaming instead.







































Avery's first trip to the beach. The weather was very fall like when we visited this September.

Happy 3rd Birthday Maylen! (89 photos), by Erin Brandt

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

weeks 8 and 9 (16 photos), by Erin Brandt

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Growing like a Weed

The boys came to visit this afternoon - both boys will be big brothers soon - we're hoping to even out the teams! So far we're 3-2 boys. C'mon team kelly!!!

We love Aunt Kim!

Snooze . . .side note: Chris hates this sweater, I love it.

Avery's first wedding - congrates Kyle and Lea, we had a blast.

My Review of Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat & Base - Extreme

Toys R Us

The KeyFit 30 infant car seat accomodates infants from 4 to 30 lbs. The car seat harness has one-pull tightening & loosening for quick harness fitting. The thickly-padded infant insert gives extra support for a smaller baby around the head, neck, back & bottom. The carrier shell is lined...

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat & Base - Extreme

Safe but not perfection

Erin mother of two New Bern, NC 9/13/2009

 

4 5

Pros: Sturdy, Easy to Adjust, Easy to install, Safe, Stylish

Cons: Heavy

Best Uses: Preemies, Infants, Newborn

Describe Yourself: Parent of Two or More Children

Bought this infant seat for our 2nd daughter after buying a cheap infant seat for our 1st and finding it had too much movement even when properly installed. This seat installs much better, very secure. We were seeking safety in a crash and I believe the seat would be much better. Like all things, it has a few downfalls. When installed, the seat is large (depth wise). I was forced to install on the passenger's side of my Acura TSX because my husband can't fit in the drivers seat with it installed on drivers side. Others warned the seat is hot - and it is, my daughter is often damp-feeling when I lift her out - but it IS summer in the south. The seat does not position on shopping carts as my other would. Now, this really isn't safe to do regardless, so maybe that's why - but if you're looking for that feature this is not the seat for you. Lastly, the seat is heavy - even with my newborn. Add all these items up and I come to the conclusion that the seat is heavier and bigger - most likely because it was built for safety, not convenience. Afterall, that's the point.

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