Good times! In October we played in the leaves, went to the Dells to explore water parks with family, visited my little brother in Chicago, dressed up for halloween and parties, and spent as much time outside as possible..the weather this fall has been incredible.
Norrie is at an age where everything, everyday is a discovery. She explores and examines anything that's put in front of her. Except food - that goes right in, no time to waste there. She's a crawling machine but has been testing those legs for a several weeks now. It seems she doesn't like or hasn't figured out how to "get down" though when her legs get tired. It's as if she's afraid of plopping down. I love love love how when she looks up from whatever may have her interest, if she sees me watching her, she breaks into a huge smile. I also love watching Norrie and Conrad interact. Conrad sometimes only has to look at her, maybe say a word or two and Norrie will start laughing. "Oops" or "roar" almost always will do it. Norrie adores her big brother, and 
depending on Conrad's mood, he's pretty affectionate towards her too. He doesn't like her stink and doesn't like her drool so much, and sometimes prefers to not have her play with whatever he's playing with (like any older sibling, right?); but other times he'll ask to feed her, or help with the diaper change, or make silly faces at her. And he CAN be really patient with her, reminding her not to put something in her mouth (like the foam letter toys in the bath) or gently taking a toy away while offering her something she can play with.
depending on Conrad's mood, he's pretty affectionate towards her too. He doesn't like her stink and doesn't like her drool so much, and sometimes prefers to not have her play with whatever he's playing with (like any older sibling, right?); but other times he'll ask to feed her, or help with the diaper change, or make silly faces at her. And he CAN be really patient with her, reminding her not to put something in her mouth (like the foam letter toys in the bath) or gently taking a toy away while offering her something she can play with.
Conrad is already wondering when we'll be going back to the Dells, it was an experience unlike any other he's had. We stayed in a condo with my siblings, their families, and my parents for three nights. So every day and evening was filled with water fun and/or family fun. Apparently his FAVORITE part at the Dells was jumping on the bed(s) with his cousins though.
When we left the Dells, we headed east instead of home. We figured we were already halfway to Chicago, it was as good a time as any to drop in for a short visit. We got there mid-morning and visited the zoo, walked around the Lincoln Park area, and spent a good block of time at Oz Park. After an early dinner, we visited some more and then put in a movie. We were up early the next morning for the drive home. The kids were awesome! We made the trip back with only one stop, and very minimal fussing.
Halloween weekend was busy in the fun way. Saturday we had a birthday/halloween party to attend, then we did trunk or treating at church, then stopped at a harvest party out near where we live on the way home. Sunday we chose to keep quiet and low key. After church we just went home and stayed there. The weather was warm enough that CW could draw on and carve out his pumpkins wearing a t-shirt!
Halloween weekend was busy in the fun way. Saturday we had a birthday/halloween party to attend, then we did trunk or treating at church, then stopped at a harvest party out near where we live on the way home. Sunday we chose to keep quiet and low key. After church we just went home and stayed there. The weather was warm enough that CW could draw on and carve out his pumpkins wearing a t-shirt!
