Last visit to Nonna and Nonno's in California

Maren:
This last weekend we took a quick trip down to Nonna and Nonno's house in California to help them with a big yard sale because they are moving to Oregon!  We left after mommy got off work on Thursday night so she could drive while we slept but I was so excited to see my Nonna and Nonno that I would not fall asleep!  We pulled in to their house just after 10:00 and I was still wide awake!  Auntie Sue came up for the weekend to help take care of baby brother and I so mommy could help and I really enjoyed playing with her.  I was very careful to inform many of the people that came to the yard sale that I was not for sale!  Not only could they not buy me, I would not let them make offers on my mommy or little brother either.  One of the days at the yard sale a little girl showed up dressed in her Elsa dress just like me!   Turns out she is only a few days older than me and also loves "Frozen"!  I really wanted her to stay and play for a bit but unfortunately they couldn't.  While I was down I got to visit Miss Marsha and her horse Dyson for a quick ride.  She even put a saddle on for me this time.  She gave my mommy lots of good information about what kind of horse to look for when they are ready to get one.  I think I am ready now but I also really think I would like to have a unicorn.  Not sure how to choose....
After a busy weekend full of yard sale stuff and helping them pack we headed back to Oregon.  Next time I see my Nonna and Nonno it will be in Oregon!  I can't wait. 

Maddox:
As you already know, we went to visit Nonna and Nonno this last weekend.  I hear that they are moving to Oregon to be closer to us which is pretty exciting.  I was a good boy and slept the whole trip down which allowed mommy to drive without stopping.  Auntie Sue came up to help take care of me so my mommy could work and she absolutely adored me.  I was a really good boy for her like always and really enjoyed it when she would take me for a walk outside in my stroller.  I also just liked any snuggles she would pass my way which was quite a lot. 

Birthday Bash

Maren:
I turned four a few weeks ago now but I just finally got to have my birthday party!  We were out of town and pretty busy around the actual date of my birthday so I waited patiently.  Of course, I requested a "Frozen" themed party and my mommy really delivered.  She hung a bunch of her snowflakes up and turned our house into a winter wonderland!  Our dining room table was decorated with snowflakes and each of my friends got their own place with a sparkling tiara and wand.  There were 10 princesses running around the house!  My mommy made some very special food... we had sandwiches of course, Olaf noses, Reindeer snacks, Han's frozen hearts (strawberries dipped in white chocolate), and Olaf swimming in a pool of jello!  My favorite part was the cake... an Elsa princess cake!  It was beautiful! 
Mommy also made a really fun piñata that looked exactly like Elsa.  She built it a bit tough and we had a hard time breaking it... eventually mommy just had us tear it apart to get a hold of all the goodies.  Overall, I think it was a great success and I loved my party.  I'm already making plans for next year! 
I got some really great birthday presents... lots of "Frozen" stuff, of course!  But, I also got fully equipped to be a ballerina!  I got a couple of new leotards, tights, my own ballet slippers, and a sequined lined tutu!  Plus, I got the most amazing black, shiny clicky-clacker shoes for tap!  I had my first class today and it was pretty spectacular.  My teacher Miss Kimberly is fantastic and I love her! 

Maddox:
My sissy just had a pretty spectacular birthday party... 10 little girls running around our house was a very exciting thing for me to witness.  I really love all of the decorations that mommy put up.  Especially the snowflakes!  I like to watch them twirl and spin!  But, I think that overall the balloons were my favorite.  I really liked the squeaking noises they made when I rubbed them and I liked chewing on the little taggy piece at the end.  I guess my mommy used to do exactly the same thing as me... I put the end in my mouth and then pulllllllled!  None of them ever popped though which was a really good thing. 
I also got to tag a long to dance class this week.  I really wasn't so interested in watching my sister dance... I just wanted to steal mommies phone away!

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'.... Maddox is a rollin'!

Maren: 

It's Harvest time and fall is in the air!  The nights are getting cool and mommy and daddy have been super busy storing food for the winter.  This last week we went over to Miss Heathers house to make more applesauce and then she and the kids came to our house to help can pears.  Our shelves are filling up.  One afternoon daddy decided it was time to make some cider since we have been too busy to do it over the last few years.  I was super excited to help and even put on my new Anna dress that Miss Heather made me for my birthday.  Unfortunately the dress is a bit big and doesn't have straps so it ended up being more like a skirt!  While Jace was here and the mommies were canning I showed Jace all of my new dress up clothes.  He really liked my "Ursula" dress but decided that it was a Batman costume.  He sure looked pretty!  The day that they were here daddy took all three of us big kids for a ride in the trailer behind his tractor.  Bella was a bit scared at first but Jace and I held her nice and tight and I think she had some fun. 

 

Maddox:

I am now officially 7 months old!  I am getting so big and am so proud of myself for all of my new accomplishments.  I finally rolled over from my back to my tummy on September 3rd... just a few days after my 7 month mark.  Once I get to my tummy I just hang out and wait for someone to help me sit up but I will figure it out soon and before you know it I will be crawling.  Then watch out everyone!
This last week my daddy picked a big bunch of blackberries... and I LOVED them!  But holy cow!  What a mess I was afterwards.  We went straight to tubby time to clean me up.  Now that it is fall, the harvest is in full swing.  Mommy's friend Heather came over with her kiddos and they spent a full day canning pears and making more applesauce.  I just sat and played with Bella or slept.  A good boy like always. 
Mommy got me a new walker like I used over at Auntie C's house and its pretty fun.  I haven't really figured out how to move myself forward at all, but my sissy has no problem being my chauffer.