More of Fall 2011

Teach a child to play solitaire, and she'll be able to entertain herself when there's no one around. Teach her tennis, and she'll know what to do when she's on a court. But raise her to feel comfortable in nature, and the whole planet is her home.

~Joyce Maynard

Learning

Discovering

Admiring

Enjoying

In awe

Playing on nature's slide

Fall is a perfect time for us to spend outdoors! The pictures above are from a hike we took a few weeks ago to Twin Falls.

As you all know, Chris' favorite pass time is fishing. I hope this passion is something he will instill in Nicholas and Christian!

Ruby and Tessa came up and spent a few days with us, Nicholas was so happy to be reunited with his hiking buddys!

What do we do on our rainy days in Seattle?

Oh, we manage...with lots of fun!

Happy Fall, y'all!

Happy Birthday Dear Mimi!

We wanted to wish Mimi a happy birthday. While we couldn't be with you today, we are so glad to have gotten to see you a couple of weeks ago!

Any reason to sing and have cake, Nicholas loved celebrating Meem's birthday a few weeks early!!

We all had such a good time!

While Mimi was out here she saw that Nicholas did not have an Eagles Jersey that fit this year, and yes, we as a family dress in Eagles gear every game. Notice what he has been wearing this year in the picture below.

A little big in Dad's old jersey.

Game Day!

So, what do you know, we get a gift from Mimi on her birthday...hey, how did that happen?!

He's so proud in his new jersey. We even showed up to the park this afternoon and he shouted in excitement to his friends, "Look at my Eagles jersey!" Now he's ready for the next game, as he has been asking all week if he can watch the Eagles game again! Now, let's just hope this brings them a little luck!

Thanks Mimi! We love you and miss you!

Day Light Savings

As a friend said today, "I think time change was designed to torture parents with small children." While most people are excited to gain an extra hour, I always know that my kids will not take advantage:). I know it is suppose to create shorter days, so why did today seem so loooong?

Early wake up + haircuts + a trip into the city = sleepy boys.

Yes, Christian got his first haircut today. He did great, quite a difference from the tears Nicholas shed at this age. But, it was sort of sad. He was just starting to get some curls in the back and I thought it looked so cute. We decided to go for it, since someone subtly told us people were going to start commenting on how pretty "she" was. I do have to admit, he does look like quite the handsome boy now with his new haircut!

Happy Halloween!

The Halloween festivities do not just take place on the 31st in the Ranalli household, it's month long and lots of fun. From pumpkin patch field trips to dress up birthday parties, October sure was a spooktacular month!

Spiderman and Friends at a dress - up birthday party!

Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Remlinger Farm.

Boo!

Nicholas loves dressing up now, this was a random day this month. He loves dressing in his super hero cape, race car driver, and fisherman vest.

He also loves playing the part!

Nicholas and his preschool teacher, Ms. Auerbach, on Halloween.

Spiderman gets right to work!

Nicholas' preschool class on Halloween.

Watch and learn, boys!

Pull it out...

and scoop!

The jack-o-latern is carved, costumes are on, we're ready for friends and trick or treating!

Busting a grub before trick or treating.

While the littlest pretend their cooking.

A first for Christian, trick or treating!

He got the hang of it in no time!

He was even brave while the big kids were scared of this spooky witch.

Running house to house with friends,

so much fun!

Happy Halloween ~ 2011!

Oh yes, can't forget, even Spiderman likes to get his groove on!