October in Austin

After most of October being in the upper 90s, Fall (weather) has finally arrived in Austin, and it's amazing. The nights are cool in the 50s and days warm up to 70s/80s... so beautiful and reminds us of why we live here.

We've had a great October with ACL, pumpkin patching, cheering on the Royals during the playoffs and World Series, and lots of park/bike/outside time soaking in the weather. Justin and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary on 10/23 with dinner and My Morning Jacket concert. Super fun night celebrating with The Hacks!

I've recently realized how grown up Eleanor is. She's been very particular about her clothes (hates anything with sleeves/certain fabrics/designs/etc). So, I decided to take her shopping. To an actual store. I buy almost everything online, so this was a stretch for me. Anyway, she loved picking out clothes and trying them on in the dressing room. We then had a lunch date and had such mature conversations... where did my little girl go???

Eleanor has talked about certain boys at school having a crush on her, loves watching movies of all kinds, and can actually carry a pretty good tune. We're phasing out her marathon naps and only allowing her 1 hour of nap if she chooses or needs it. Otherwise, she has quiet time with us and then quiet time in her room by herself while Brother sleeps.

Fisher idolizes his sister and wants to do whatever she's doing. So, we constantly talk about how she has to set a good example for Fisher. Fisher has become Captain No. He literally says "no" about 314x/day. Buddy can't stand being indoors, and when he's outdoors, it's constant commentary - "Truck! Bike! Bus! Dog! Duck! Turtle! Baby!" And he won't stop shouting/pointing at the said person/object until you acknowledge that you see it too.

Here's a visual month in review:

We kicked off October with Austin City Limits. Erik Lund and Josh Ediger came in from KC to make the weekend a memorable one.

Phi Kappa Psi Boys

Parents Day out

We're not ashamed to have graduated to the chair/parent section

Eleanor and I escaped the frat house to have a coffee date. She exclaims, "Mommy, I really like our girl time!"

Cinnamon roll excitement

We went to Five Below, and I told Eleanor she could pick out one treat. This is what she chose (flossers) and shouts, "This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!"

My handsome boys all dressed up for our family photo shoot

We left our bubble and trekked out to a pumpkin patch in Elgin. While we were less than impressed, the kids had a ball.

Train ride

The crew - Fisher, Eleanor, Grant and Landon. This is the best we could get of all four kiddos.

E's tree pose from yoga

Justin adding a level of PG-13 related material to our field trip.

Driving the tractor

Buds watching the animals at the petting zoo

Rubber ducky race

This mischievous boy on the prowl. I turned my back for about 30 seconds to find him operating the oven. 

One of our new favorite spots in Austin - the rooftop at Whole Foods provides the best view for Fisher's favorite construction site in Austin. He could sit here for HOURS yelling "Truck" "Whoa"

All because I wouldn't let him ride his bike in the street. This was minute ONE of a full blown tantrum that lasted THIRTY minutes.

Static slider

Gearing up for basketball season since we don't have much of a football team to cheer for.

No big deal, just lounging at the dentist. 

She chose scary teeth as one of her prizes from the dentist.

Lunch post dentist appointment.

This guy...

Buddy loves his bike rides with Daddy.

Sister works on her balance bike.

Real life bath time. 

Fish and Grant cheering on the Royals for Game 2 at music class.

You have to watch this a couple of times. Starts with Fisher hysterically giggling to him completely focused on a movie that Eleanor is watching.

New hand-me-down boots that were never worn. Fisher was trying to get the hang on walking in cowboy boots...

We love Andy's gelato!

There is a giant park behind these boys, and all they can focus on are the trash trucks circling the neighborhood.

Fisher not only jams to music, he now pretend lip syncs.

Eleanor is all about Annie (the movie) these days, and surprisingly enough, Fisher will sit still and watch movies with her.

Rain play in the alley during a weekend FULL of rain.