I Feel The Need . . . The Need For Speed.

I *love* October.  Everything about it.  The cool air, the leaves, the hooded sweatshirts, the pumpkins . . . okay, so really the only thing Las Vegas has in that list is the pumpkins.  And since it's the only real piece of October we get, we do it BIG.  We visit almost every pumpkin patch in the Valley and really get into the totally cheesy "fall" festivals.

And, of course, after visiting all these pumpkin patches, we can't slack on the decorating.  We learned out first year here that carving + 90 degree temps = disgusting mess so we've embraced the painted pumpkins.  I'd say we are really starting to get the hang of it too. :)

Matty got two gourds and a small pumpkin this year.  And Daddy ROCKED the paint job.

Jonathan and I each did our own, but we couldn't leave Oskar out, so he graciously allowed Jonathan to paint his for him. Lack of opposable thumbs really puts a damper on his painting skills.

Our community does a "Trunk-or-Treat" event at the park a few days before Halloween, which is perfect for us because Matty is still too small to really get into trick-or-treating and (to be honest) neither he (nor I) need all that candy in the house.  This year, he decided he wanted to be Daddy for Halloween.  We already had the flight suit; a little spiked hair and a tiny pair of aviators brought the whole thing together.

"That's right, Mommy.  I am . . . dangerous."

And it just wouldn't be Halloween without me dressing Oskar in a ridiculous costume and making him hide from me for about two weeks afterwards.  I found this one at PetSmart for 75% off, and I caught him mid-yawn, making it appear he was REALLY getting into character.  If I was good with Photoshop, I'd draw some flames coming out of his mouth. :)

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Matthew James!

My little boy is 2!  How is that even possible?  Seriously . . . how is that possible?  Time has flown by and, while motherhood has certainly been harder than I ever thought it would be (why did no one tell me the 'terrible two's' start at age one?), it's also been more joyful and rewarding that I ever imagined.

We've had a lot of family issues going on in the Wright household that led to a complete lack of time and preparation for a "proper" party but, luckily, Matty is two, and he didn't really care.  I was able to make a few cupcakes . . . 

 . . . and call up a few friends for a last-minute "Party at the Park."  Splash pads, swings, slides:  what else do you really need a for a two-year old's party, right?  Of course, Matty and his friends didn't care about that.  All they cared about was a nearby mud puddle.  They spent a good chunk of time splashing in the muddy water and throwing dirt at the ground, the light pole, and each other.

Thank goodness for the splash pads and a free "white trash bath" afterwards.

Two precious birthday cards from two of Matty's friends,  Kaylee and Jordan.

Daddy, of course, had to work so we had another small, mini-party when he got home, which meant even MORE cupcakes.  Matthew was VERY concerned about the candle.  As I was lighting it, he kept yelling "HOT! HOT!" in the background.

 

My little non-sweet tooth (seriously--how is this kid related to me?) wasn't interested in the cupcake.  All he wanted was the sprinkles off the top . . . 

. . . and to put the candle back where it belonged.

After (not eating) cake, it was FINALLY time for presents.  We are so blessed to have had friends and family from across the country shower Matty with presents, and we had been hiding them in the laundry room for over a week.  MJ may not have really understood the whole concept of a "birthday," but he darn-sure understood that there were presents in the laundry room he was not allowed to have.  He was NOT happy about it, either.  So imagine his elation when I finally pulled them out and told them he could FINALLY have them.  He wasted no time in diving right in.

A pretty good haul for someone who didn't even really understand why he was getting presents in the first place.  Our little boy sure is loved by some generous, thoughtful people!

Our tired little boy in bed after a long, happy day with one of his new toys (if you didn't notice, tractors and trucks were sort of the theme of the day).  

Thank you everyone near and far who helped make Matty's birthday so special.  We are so blessed by friends, real family, and our military family.  

And wish us luck as we navigate the "official" start of the Terrible Two's. :)

How I Long For My Indiana Home . . .

WARNING:  This post contains picture over-load.  You have been warned.

Matty and I had been planning a visit back to Indiana this summer for several months.  Not only do we miss family, but there is no better time to escape the heat and dust of the desert than summer.  Unfortunately, a week before we were set to depart, we received word that my uncle had passed away in a tragic accident.  A few phone calls later, and we were on a plane home sooner than expected, and not for reasons we would have ever wanted.

However, my uncle's unexpected passing made us appreciate our time with family more than usual.  We took advantage of every single minute home, and I really enjoyed being able to share with Matty some of the things that make Indiana such a special place to me.  Below are just a few examples.  Enjoy. :)

One of the highlights of Mamaw and Papaw's house is always the pool.  There was lots and lots of swimming.  With Aunt Erin . . .

. . . and Mom!

There was also sweet, blessed rain! And (although it annoyed the people who live there), Matty and I absolutely loved it and ran outside every time it started to sprinkle.  Here he is watching the rain from the garage after a sudden downpour.

And, of course, rain brings puddles!

When it wasn't raining, the sandbox was  HUGE hit.  Matty asked every day to go play in the "doot."  Luckily, big cousin Gabe was such a sport and would play in there with him . . . even when Matty decided it would be more fun to tackle him.

Gabe got his revenge, though; he buried Matty in the sand.  Matty didn't mind too much. :)

But you know what's sand is NOT good for?  Eating.

Quality time with Mamaw and Papaw was a huge highlight of the trip home.  Papaw is always ready for a ride in the four-wheeler . . . 

. . . to build a fire with . . . 

. . . or to take a nap on the floor with.

And Mamaw's are good for racing down the hallway with . . .

. . . and helping fill the bird feeders with . . . 

 . . . and picking flowers with. :)

And, of course, we can't forget a little QT with Aunt Erin . . .

. . . and Uncle John.

All of these family members to hang out with left Mom with plenty of free time.  She was even able to take in a baseball game with Karen. :)

Some of my favorite moments were the times I got to show Matty some of my favorite places at home.  We went hiking at Portland Arch Nature Preserve . . . 

. . . and Black Rock Barrens.

We shared a sundae at Dari-licious and played at Turtle Park . . . 

. . . took a stroll along the banks of the Wabash . . .

. . . and watched the otters swim at Columbian Park zoo with Angie and Noah.

In addition to visiting a few of my favorite spots, I also gave Matty a crash course in what it means to be a Hoosier (because, even if he was born in Vegas, my son is a Hoosier at heart!)  That meant a little romp through the cornfield . . . 

. . . some "one-on-one" . . . 

. . . and a lesson in shucking sweet corn . . . 

. . . (which he thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of doing!)

We were also lucky enough to be there over the Fourth of July holiday so Matty got to experience some fireworks for the first time (no more red flag warnings for us!)

Matty also got to spend time with ALL his cousins from Jonathan's side of the family.  It was only one day, and he was a little overwhelmed with all the chaos, but it was the first time all the cousins had ever been together at once.  As you can see, Jonathan's side of the family is a LITTLE bit bigger than my side of the family. :)

Sad to say good-bye, but Las Vegas was calling us back (okay, to be honest, Daddy was calling us back) so we had to go.  Thanks for all the memories, Indiana.  Until next time!