Oh October!

Now that October is behind us (and just barely) i am getting super excited for Christmas!  I have to admit that i listened to Christmas music today and it was fantastic!  I have decided that our tree is going up on Nov 11th just like old times.  I've been slacking the last couple of years because Grant would prefer that our tree not go up that early.  But...since Nolan and I will already be in MB mid December, i really want to enjoy it beforehand.  Sorry honey, you'll just have to join me in the spirit!  As the air gets a little chillier out, i find myself wanting coffee all the time.  My usual morning mug just isn't cutting it anymore.  I am more than thrilled to get my hands on my first red Starbucks cup of the year.  Eggnog latte...here i come!

My love for pumpkin continued on through the month.  I made crepes again and then a pumpkin baked oatmeal.  I found out that pumpkin is definitely not Grant's first choice of flavours so Nolan and I were on our own and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  I have yet to make these Pumpkin Spice Bars only because i've been told i won't be able to stop eating them and i don't know if i can handle that, lol!  Of course i also had numerous Pumpkin Spice Lattes, yes i did!

Nolan has been busy walking up a storm.  It is getting harder to take him places since he always wants to walk and does not want to be carried.  He lunges himself at the ground so hard that i am terrified i am going to drop him.  He now walks right past the playground and just keeps on going and going and going...i have to carry him back home, kicking and screaming.  I really hope this is just a phase because i am getting nervous for my Christmas flights.  At least he still enjoys walks in his stroller, phew!  In the last week, we have transitioned Nolan down to one nap instead of two.  This also brings an earlier bedtime for him.  These changes definitely have their pros and cons but it is nice to have him in a routine now that can continue for a couple of years.  Now if only we could get rid of these time changes.  

Grant and I had a chance to get out for a date this past weekend.  We had been really wanting to hit up a BC Lions football game and we barely made it before the end of the season.  The game was fantastic (thanks D&E)!  It was nice to enjoy some "game snacks" together and cheer on our home team.  Grant really wanted mini donuts and we had to walk across the entire stadium to get them.  He devoured the whole bag though, so they must have been good.  I on the other hand was craving popcorn which was readily available at any of the gazillion concession stands.  And all of this even after going out for a nice dinner down the street (thanks Groupon).  Of course there was a Canucks home game the same night (doesn't happen very often) and the downtown core of Vancouver was crazy busy.  It took us half an hour just to get out of our parking space after the game and we even walked out early to try and beat the rush!  All in all it was a great evening and both of our teams won :)

Oh and i almost forgot!  We hosted a Thanksgiving meal and invited our family up from south of the border.  It was a non-traditional meal with traditional twists if that makes any sense.  I had fun making some new things and we had a great visit with family.

Exploring more cabinets

Kids and their fascination with toilets...

Learning to kick

This wonderful face that happens when i am trying to make supper

Taking a ride in the truck

Thanksgiving Appetizer...Gorgonzola & Honey

Thanksgiving Salad...Autumn Salad with Creamy Cranberry Dressing

Nolan enjoying his meal

Sporting my new apron

The rest of the spread...Sweet Potato Casserole, Cranberry Sauce Meatballs, Hazelnut Green Beans & Apple Cranberry Stuffed Pork Roast 

The beautiful flowers they brought me

Enjoying dessert...Pumpkin Creme Brûlée

Trying to climb up the slide

Getting brave 

My happy boy

Having fun with the baby shower balloons

Inquiring eyebrows

Another trip to the park

Two steering wheels are better than one!

Cool dude

Having a rock in his rocking chair before bed

Going for a walk

C'mon dad, let's keep going!

On the run!

Practicing being cool with his sunglasses and cellphone

Baby push ups