Hermann Park Outtakes

Back in 2005, time was divided into two segments: pre-Katrina and post-Katrina.  Five years later in 2010, time was divided again into two segments: pre-kids and post-kids.  In the pre-kids era, things just got done.  In the post-kids era, things certainly can get done, but it takes a considerable amount of planning.  Even then, there are no guarantees.  There are some days where I honestly can’t remember certain aspects of life pre-kids!

In an effort to get our Christmas cards out before, well, Christmas, we decided to start taking pictures of the kids in early November.  We headed out to Hermann Park on Sunday.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day.  I had my trusted Nikon, a bag full of cookies for bribes, and a loving, helpful husband.

Logan did really well as the bribes worked splendidly.  Catherine, however, saw a duck about 10 minutes into our “shoot” and that was that.  She was so frustrated that we would not let her jump in the pond to get the duck.  She literally screamed and cried for the next 20 minutes.    Thankfully, the train came whistling by and she was able to forget about her beloved duck.

We got only ONE photo out of 221 that had both kiddos smiling happily.  And of course I can’t show you that as it would spoil the Christmas card but I will gladly share some outtakes.

Current trend: Logan brings a stick or acorn everywhere.

This could have been cute but no.

THE duck

Logan looks like a grown man who is contemplating a major life decision.  Catherine just looks mad.

2011 Outtakes

In hindsight, I realize that having the gnomes so close to Cat's skull was a bit dangerous.

All Saints Day - 1

Halloween night was a lot of fun this year.  It was the first time Logan trick or treated.  At first he did not want to wear his costume but after we explained that he would receive candy he was 100% sold.  We met a lot of neighbors and enjoyed the evening.  Logan was an elephant and Catherine was a butterfly.  Both outfits were gifts from friends and adorable.

Halloween night capped off a very long month of October.  Brian started a new job with Phillips 66 and was out of town for three weeks but home on the weekends (Thankfully!!!).  It was a HUGE adjustment for me but I made it and I am a better person for it.  Well, at least I think I am but Brian,Logan, and Catherine might beg to differ.

It also did not help that I got pretty sick towards the end of the month and had absolutely no energy, patience, or strength.  All three of these (and countless more) are needed to raise two toddlers.

We drove to a pumpkin patch and it was literally gone as they were sold out of  all the pumpkins.
So we made a patch of our own.

One day this bench is going to collapse as I think it only supports 50bs.

So thankful that Jana & Greg took this pic of my family!

Logan has been into making bizarre faces for the camera.  Catherine did not want to go out trick or treating.

Pretty upset.

Logan and I got matching Aubie shirts for this fall.  His is too big and mine is too small!

Two peas in a pod

Today Logan is exactly twice as old as Catherine.

Catherine was born when Logan was 15months old.  At the time Logan seemed so grown up compared to a 3 day old new born.  He was already walking and talking and down to one nap a day.  Now he is exactly twice as old as he was then and he is ENTIRELY different from a 15 month old. 

Logan meeting Catherine for the first time.

Logan at 15 months

He is 100% boy through and through.  He runs instead of walks, he speaks sentences instead of words (sometimes) and he is relentlessly curious about the world around him.  He is absolutely fascinated with planes, trains, and lawnmowers.  Batteries are a hot topic as well.  And of course, everything is always broken so we need to either fix it with the screwdriver or buy a new one. 

Typical conversation with Logan:

Dad- What do you want to do today, Logan?

Logan- Eat a “hammerburger” and buy a weedwacker.

Dad- Are you sure you want to eat a hamburger for breakfast?  We normally eat those for lunch.  Is there something else you want to eat?

Logan- Taco

Dad- What type of taco?

Logan- Taco with “dadohs” (doughnuts).

Catherine is a very quick little learner.  She has been walking now for 2 months and has about thirty words in her vocabulary.  She is very chilled out, laid back and thinks Logan hung the moon.  The second Logan puts down a toy, she immediately stops what she is doing to go and grab it.  They are two peas in a pod…or maybe two partners in crime.

Catherine at 15 months

Catherine loves to turn off the power on our power strip.  Logan cheers her on and then tells me that Cat is under desk and hurt computer.

Logan still loves to give Catherine kisses and to put her in time out.