Halloween Festivities

We've been enjoying the Halloween festivities. Connor dressed up as Superman for the Sutherland Halloween party this weekend and dressed as Spider Man for Disney on Ice. Mandy and Mimi came with us to Disney on Ice, and as usual, Connor loved it! Happy Halloween! We'll post more pics of Trick or Treating later on.

Connor's 1st Amtrak Ride

Grandma Jill and Pops Dave took Connor on an adventure a couple weeks ago. They took him on his first Amtrak ride from Sacramento to Vallejo to visit Six Flags Discovery Kingdom for the day! Connor had a blast and Michael and I got some much needed work done on the baby's nursery. Connor came home with the map of the park and is still referring to it and talking about all the "awesome" animals he got to see. Connor is certainly blessed with such wonderful grandparents who help us to expose him to so many rich experiences.

An Interview with Connor Michael

I wanted to start a tradition of interviewing Connor (and future baby girl) on their birthdays so that we can document their answers from year to year. I'm obviously starting a little late, but I interviewed Connor recently and these were his responses as a 3 year old. I'm going to look forward to seeing how his responses change year after year.

• How old are you? I four. (big smile on his face) (how old are you really?) Four. No I free (three).
• How do you like being 3? Well, I like being three because Daddy makes me happy.
• What are some things you like to do? Sometimes I like to play baseball. And a lot of things. (Like what?) I like to play with my Buster Posey (build a bear) and my Clifford and I like to go to bed with my Buster Posey.
• What sports do you like? Sports? Oh yeah. I like to play baseball.
• What things do you like to do around the house? I can show you. (goes to toy box). I like to play with my big Buzz Lightyear and I like to play with my computer, well sometimes I do. I don't like to play with watching TV but sometimes I do. There are a lot of things I like to do. I like to snuggle you.
• What are some of your favorite foods? Quesadillas. Mmm!  (what else?) I think tacos. I like pumpkin pies too.
• What do you like to wear? For halloween? (just any day.. what do you like to wear?) Superman jammies. Sometimes I like to wear my crocs.
• What’s your favorite color? Blue
• Where are some of your favorite places to go? Taqueria. (Where else?) Nowhere. Well, I like to ride my scooter. I like to go to John's Incedible Pizza.
• What things make you happy? When you give me kisses. And when you give me hugs.
• What makes you sad? When you get mad at me. But I really apologize.
• What do you do when you are sad? I go in time out.
• What do you do when you are mad? I go in time out. I take deep breaths.
• Who are your best friends? Francesca, Tanner, Luke, and Max. Oh and Ella and Sophia. Oh, one more... My Buster Posey.
• What are your favorite movies or TV shows? Watching Toy Story.
• What are your favorite books? The baby one (a book about becoming a big brother).
• What are your favorite songs? Jingle Bells In The Snow (his title for Jingle Bells and Dashing Through the Snow). (anything else?) No. (begins singing Jesus Loves Me)
• What do you like to do before bedtime? Read books. (what else?) Sing songs, do prayers, a get a drink of water.
• What do you like to do on the weekends? I like to play with my drums and go to Costco.

And here are some pictures from Halloween over the last few years to show Connor's growth... isn't it amazing?

Apple Hill with the Asaro Family

We had a lovely visit from Nate and Amanda and their beautiful daughter, Lena. We went to Apple Hill Saturday and then they spent the night before heading back to San Diego. Lena is just gorgeous and Connor really enjoyed getting to hold her and love on her. Good practice for baby girl coming!

We got to enjoy time with Cayden this weekend! Mallory came into town for a weekend visit and enjoyed snuggling and helping care for CJ to give Mandy and Chad a chance to catch up on sleep. My mom and dad came up too and we spent Sunday celebrating Mandy's birthday. Happy Birthday Sis!

Connor's 1st Fieldtrip

We just attended Connor's first fieldtrip with his preschool, Storybook Cottage. We went to Dave's Pumpkin Patch and had such a nice time getting to know his friends and the other parents. Connor got to pick out a pumpkin to take home, and he enjoyed the hayride, petting the animals, and having a picnic with friends. It was really neat to see him interact with all these new "friends."

Baby Girl's Room is Underway

Last weekend, my parents were up here visiting with Cayden and took Connor for awhile so Michael and I could get started on the nursery. Michael worked hard painting, and got it all done in a few hours. It looks really nice... very pink... very girly! We put the bedding in the crib soon after and I absolutely love the bedding for her. Grandma Jill and Pops bought the bedding and it's so feminine and classy. We're excited to work on the nursery more this weekend!

Sweet Baby Cayden is Home!

We are thanking the Lord to have my sweet nephew home! Mandy and Chad made this adorable "NICU Grad" outfit for him and we had a little parade while leaving the NICU. He's being doing well at home, enjoying quiet time with his mommy and daddy. He still needs prayer for his apnea, continued lung development, and just the general progression of his health. We are so blessed by him! Connor is absolutely in love and can't wait to play with his cousin!

Annual Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Once again, we had a blast at Dave's Pumpkin Patch in West Sacramento this year. The Christy's, Moore's and Navarro's came along too! It is a complete blessing to have such good friends with young kids to share events like this with. Connor had a blast riding the pony, jumping in the bounce house with Lilliana, and navigating the corn maze. Welcome Fall!

Our Family Vacation to Kauai

We had the most wonderful vacation to Kauai from September 3-12, 2011. We've been looking forward to the trip for quite sometime and it exceeded all of our expectations. We stayed at the Marriott Kauai Lagoons which was such a luxurious timeshare condo. Some days were filled with action and adventure including swimming in the warm waves, viewing gorgeous Kauai by helicopter, visiting waterfalls , and the guys golfing. Other days were spent relaxing by the pool, watching Connor enjoy the pool slide over and over again, enjoying Hawaiian Shave Ice, shopping, and touring the sights of the island. It really was the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. We went to the Marriott Luau and Connor was the star of the show as he eagerly went on stage to learn the Hula... it was certainly our highlight. We are blessed to have such a wonderful family and to have made another unforgettable memory. We talked often about Baby Girl and returning to Hawaii in a few years so she can enjoy the beauty too. Grandma Jill even bought her a cute little Hawaiian dress to match the Hawaiian shirt we got Connor. These are some of my favorite pictures (chosen from the 943 pictures we took!). Enjoy!

Cute Conversation with Connor

This conversation happened this past Saturday and I wanted to write it down to remember it. Connor's language is exploding and it's so fun to talk with him... I just want to be able to recall his cuteness at this stage.

Me: What do you want to do today?
Connor: Let's go to LA.
Me: We can't go to LA today.
Connor: Why? I want to go see Aunt Mal.
Me: LA is very far away. It would take us all day to drive there.
Connor: No it's not. LA is not far. You take a right, and then go straight and take another right. Then you go left and you see Malzor (a nickname I call Mallory).
Me: That sounds about right, but it would take ALL day Connor.
Connor: Let's go. I'll show you.
Me: (puzzled look)
Connor: I'm serious Mom.
Me: (chuckling)
Connor: I would drive there and show you. But I don't know how. When I'm big I will drive there and show you. I'm serious.

Love that boy!

Mimi took Connor to Micke Grove Zoo in Stockton this Monday and as Connor said, they had "tons of fun!" Connor stayed a couple nights in Modesto with my parents, enjoying hanging out with Poppy and Mimi, exploring the back yard, going for walks, and going out to dinner. They even went and got his 3 year pictures done for us. Here are some pictures that my mom texted me of their trip to the zoo.

Photos from Connor's 3rd Birthday Party

Here are some shots from Connor's big bash. I think I enjoyed the party and didn't take enough pictures because I don't have any cute, posed pictures of Connor with his friends or all the family that was there. Oh well! Enjoy the candid shots!

Here is Grandma reading one of Connor's new books to him the morning after the party.

Enjoying the Candy Bar favors... Opening presents... look at that expression!
Our little family! Can't believe he's 3!

Hooray!

Pinata chaos!

Connor showing his hitting skills off! Playing with the boys in the pool.

Enjoying the "Kid's Table"

Swimming with Lilliana and Sophia.

Our family, the Bollengiers. The Famous Candy Bar

Mallory and Connor playing in his new rocket from Mimi and Poppy.

Opening presents on his actual birthday. He couldn't wait to ride his scooter so he stood on it, with his helmet on, while Michael finished putting it together.