Santa

Bradley visited Santa for the first time yesterday. He learned to say Santa pretty well in the  morning before we went. However, when it came time to sit on his lap the very rarely seen shy speechless Bradley came out. Kind of scowled and put up with it. He wouldn't/couldn't bare to turn his head to look at the man. Even though Santa said he was a good little boy, he was a lot more happy to get down and get his candy cane. Upside - no tears. Downside - the professional photo probably doesn't have a smile.

Our at home holiday photo.

1st Snow Day

We awoke this morning to snow! It was impressive seeing that just 2 weeks ago we were commenting on how nice the porch flower boxes were still blooming. Bradley was pretty amazed and was pretty darn cute all bundled up. We didn't last long outside but it was pretty darn exciting for all the tots on the block.

Bradley also said "cheese" when he saw the camera come out - not sure how he picked up on that but he did. He's talking in this photo instead of smiling. 

Halloween & Grandparents

Grandma Diane & Grandpa Bob joined us for Halloween again this year. Which made it extra special. We were able to celebrate the big 6-0 with Bob and celebrate what Bradley probably understood as pumpkin day for Bradley.

Friday adult night out on the town.

Saturday we drove about a 1/2 hr out of Seattle to a small town, North Bend. They have an old train which runs between 2 towns. I think it's only about 7 miles and it's a 70 min round trip. They do a Halloween weekend special run. The train is decorated and the kids get to dress up. Bradley LOVES choo-choos and this was his first real size one to ride on. 

Watching the train come in to the station.

Each time the horn sounded Bradley put on the cutest amazed look. Luckily we caught it in the video below.

Sunday we went to the zoo's Pumpkin Bash where animals are given pumpkins to play with and eat. Due to crowds tall Grandpa was the only one to get decent photos of it, not me.

Halloween evening Bradley sat and handed out candy for awhile with me. He realized really quick what the deal was. So when I asked him if he wanted to go to Auntie Thereza's to trick or treat he was all too eager to get down the stairs and go. Only Grandma Diane needed a quick photo and we put him back up on top and well you can tell what happened. Probably one of the cutest crying photos we have of him yet. 

Off to Auntie T's

We also trick or treated at his buddy Zephyr's house across the street.
The 2 boys are becoming fast friends and get so excited to see each other. 

After a 4 house sweep of the block we were off to a party at our friend's, but Bradley would not let go of his stash. The stash consisted of 2 clementine oranges, one piece of chocolate, one tootsie roll and one applesauce pouch.

Checking out the other pumpkin, Jake at his party. 

All in all it was a fun weekend. And from what we could tell 

Grandma & Grandpa enjoyed themselves and Bradley too. 

Play date with Zephyr

The 2 boys are 3 weeks apart in age & neighbors. I gave them and important task of sorting beans today and well the cleaning was their idea thankfully.

Pumpkin Patch

Today was sooo exciting for me - we got to go to a pumpkin patch! I don't know why but Fall is so much more fun with a kid for me. We missed going with our friends on Saturday since Bradley was coming down with a cold & we didn't have the heart to drag him out there in the rain. Luckily today we were able to go in the sun, with a happy boy, no crowds and Rob got his pumpkin donut .

 There was lot to drive....including an "uck"

Sculpture Park

Last weekend we went to the Seattle sculpture park to enjoy the nice weather. Here are some of our fun pictures.

Bradley Updates

Words:
Doggie
Daddy
Hi (hiyeeee)
Up
Down
outside (occasionally inside)
all done
hot
eyes
mommmmm

Sounds like words:
oho oho (cho cho) also described with bouncing up and down
inkie (binkie)
uck (truck)
arr (car)

He says a lot of phrases and you can hear him ask questions.
I've heard him ask "what's this" and point something out
There was a day he asked every time we were on our way somewhere the same question that sounded oddly like "where we going"?

Signs:
all done
more
help
water
eat

Milestones:
zippers
climbed & stood high chair
goes down slide by himself
uses spoon & trying to master fork
opening lids with teeth


Favorite Foods:
Blueberries and then any other berry
zucchini
corn on cob

Dinosaurs & Turcks

We have entered the boy stage - Bradley loves trucks ("ucks") and dinosaurs. He points out all the trucks on the road. The dinosaurs are thanks to an Auntie Cory book, "How does a dinosaur say good night". There are days we've read it 5 or 6 times for him. Since today was a sunny but chilly fall day, I pulled out a Grandma Wanda sweater gift from last year and we was so excited to wear it. Loved pointing out his dinosaur!

Everyday activities

Scary Tomato Soup

Bradley's favorite activity - reading in his room

Bradley's 1st Camping trip

This past weekend we hit a local state park and stayed in a cabin that didn't have running water so in our book that counts as camping. Didn't take the best photos of our positive experience, but our little camper did really well. Bradley stayed away from the fire (Mom & Dad's biggest camping fear) and loved running around through the forests and exploring the beaches.

Rob's impersonation of Bradley running

Father Son Heart-to-Heart