One Year Pictures

We did two shoots for their one year because I wanted both candids and studio photos.  Since today was the first opportunity we've had for Nathan to be off since their birthday, we headed to the Picture People.  This was the first time we've used them, but they did a great job... and trust me, this was no small feat.  I was literally wiping sweat from my face after chasing both of them every single time we put them "in place."  It was exhausting.  Professional pictures haven't ever been the easiest thing with two babies, but now that they are running, it's chaotic.  (& no, not walking... running).  Luckily, I have adorable babies that made all that hard work worth it... :)

Playing

Playing in our "ball pit," which is our swimming pool from the summer filled with a big bag of balls from Walmart.  Not surprisingly, it is their absolute favorite thing in the house (and it cost hardly nothing to make).

& Playing outside with our best friend, Connor :)

(One of the best parts of having twins?  The built-in playmate part :)

The Great Pumpkin Search

October has been a busy month for us... birthdays (of course the big 1 for Tyler & Caroline, but did I mention that Nathan turned the BIG 3-0 just four days later?!) as well as a few trips to play amongst pumpkins.  We found a local pumpkin patch called Harmon's Tree Farm, and supposedly it was the place to go.  We really enjoyed their petting zoo, but the vast, open-air pumpkin patch we sought after was not to be found.  They more or less had pumpkins in boxes (as you can see below), but we did really enjoy the hayride and the petting zoo!

While on the the hayride, the driver pulled over in the middle of a corn field and said this was our opportunity to take pictures with "all the pumpkins!"  HA!  There were literally two hay bales and a few strategically placed pumpkins around them.  We tried for a good picture, but decided at that point to keep searching for the great pumpkin patch.  :)

The week of everyone's birthday, we decided to go spend a few days at the beach.  While out to dinner one night, we passed by a local church and saw that they had a decent sized pumpkin patch out front.  We felt kind of bad that we weren't going to buy one, but decided to stop anyway (between two pack n plays, a double stroller, and all "stuff" that comes along with traveling with twins, we seriously are packed to the brim in the Pilot).  I wasn't quite prepared for how wild Caroline and Tyler would be at this place, so these were the best shots I could get.  99% of the ones I took were honestly a blur.

We haven't given up on finding a true local pumpkin haven.  When Nathan isn't working 7am-7pm shifts (which will be only one day until November 1st - boo), we're going to venture out in search of one.  I can't say I mind, though... I absolutely love October and all the fun stuff that comes along with it.  Our house has been decorated with mums, pumpkins, and fall-scented candles for weeks now.  It seriously makes me happy to drive up and see  the "Fall is in the air!" flag waving from our front porch, and I'm going to milk it for as long as I can :)

Our Birthday Bash!

We had such an awesome time ringing in the big "1," & we really appreciate our friends and family that came to celebrate it with us (since most of them had to travel to do so!).  I had been planning this little soiree in my head for quite some time, but seeing it come together in a way that everyone really enjoyed themselves made me smile.  I spent almost the whole weekend leading up to the party (it was on Sunday, the 17th) in the kitchen, but I must admit... it was worth it.  The cupcakes, the giant cupcakes, the cookies - yummy.  Most of all, seeing Caroline and Tyler go to town on them might have been one of the highlights of 2010. 

*See that banner?  I made it myself, and it only took me from midnight till 4am one morning to do so - ha!! :)

Playgroup friends!

Sweet Grandparents!

Opening presents!

Tyler went first in the new cozy coupe, so he had to show Caroline the ropes.

Sweet family!

& FINALLY, let them eat cake...

I can't even attempt to tell you how priceless the cake-smashing was.  Tyler just couldn't get into it at first, but Caroline, oh my word.  She didn't even hesitate.  She started pounding that cupcake like it had done her wrong, and the more the crowd laughed at her, the more she ramped up.  Suffice it to say, she can put on a great show.  I'll gladly post a video of this in another post as soon as we get those uploaded!

This girl knows what to do with it, for sure.

Tyler decided he'd just as soon share his with Connor, as usual.

We had a ball celebrating the day with everyone, and it's still hard for me to accept that my babies are ONE!  My, oh my, how a year does fly. 

If you're wondering about the precious jon jon and bubble suit that Tyler & Caroline wore for their party, do yourself a favor and check out Chasing Charlie Designs!  Jordan is super talented and made these for us when I simply asked for something to go along with our theme.  They were absolutely darling and we got so many compliments on them!

After cake, T & C took a quick bath but rejoined the party in their "1" onesies.  They were simply too wound up to even attempt to go to bed, so we let them run around and enjoy their guests (and their gifts!) for as long as they wanted.

 Eventually, everyone had to leave and the kiddos had to go to bed.  They clearly didn't want to, and it was a chore just to get the balloons out of their hands.  I think they enjoyed their big day.  :)