We love the autumn!

Autumn is my favorite season-- without a doubt! We have a huge tree in our front yard which sheds all of her leaves within a three week span of time. She started in the middle of October (I'm not sure why I think she's a she-- it's a pretty tree, so it must be feminine) and now there are only a handful of leaves left.

We had fun raking as a family this week. (Well, mostly John and Daniel-- I was too busy photographing it all...) Daniel was a really big helper, sort of... He mostly just messed up all of Daddy's piles, but it's the thought that counts, right? :)

TRICK OR TREAT!

Daniel survived his first trick-or-treating experience. Mom and Dad were very pleased with his haul. We went with Dana and the kids since John wasn't able to take a break from work. We had fun going with Ben (Spider Man), Emma (a Princess), and Spencer (a moo-cow). Daniel was a lion, although we never did get him to wear his hat... I just threw him in his umbrella stroller and off we went!




Halfway through, Daniel started getting a little cranky. I decided to give him a tootsie pop to play with to help him pass the time. Well, about three houses later, I notice that he is sucking on it. (Note: I didn't take the wrapper off.) No problem, it was keeping him happy. About three more houses later and I check on him again... He is a drooling mess of sugar and slobber and he is NOT letting go of the sucker. I force it out of his mouth only to discover that he managed to consume nearly the whole sucker while leaving the wrapper in place! What a talent! I'm afraid that Daniel is going to have Daddy's sweet tooth.

Ewww! Pumpkin guts are yucky!

We have discovered that Daniel hates getting himself dirty, just like Daddy! I was so excited to be carving a pumpkin this year, imagining Daniel swimming in the goo and making a mess... Well, he had other ideas! We cut the top off and started cleaning out the guts and Daniel was repulsed! We tried to force some of the goo on him, and he just gave us the "nasty" face (we recognize it readily because we see it every meal... argh!) and moved away. So, John and I were left to clean it and do all of the work, but Daniel loved hugging and kissing the pumpkin. What a sweet boy! Enjoy the pics!

Screaming like a lion... ROAR!

We're not quite sure how Halloween is going to go this year. Last Halloween, Daniel was a moo-cow. He looked so darned cute with his little udders and fat cheeks. This year, however, he's not too keen on the idea of dressing up. John and I tried to find the most masculine costume we could and thought we struck gold with a LION costume! (Actually, we borrowed one of my sister-in-laws kids costumes, but she's got great taste.) We tried to ease Daniel into the costume, and here was what he thought...

Oh well, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

One of Danny's MANY girlfriends...

We thought that we should post some pictures of one of Daniel's many girlfriends. This little gal, Amber, is high up on his list. She is such a cutie and is so patient with Daniel's, uh, overwhelming affection... :) She came over to play a couple of weeks ago and they got along splendidly. I figure we can consider this marriage a done deal!

Shaking Baby Syndrome??

So, John like to get Daniel riled up, but I'm wondering, doesn't this craziness border on child abuse?? :) Just kidding, dear! I love you!

Daniel just learned to fold his arms, which has to be the cutest thing on earth. When we say prayer, we can peek and see him with his arms folded and his head down (although he's peeking at us too...) He's adorable! Maybe this parenting thing is starting to kick in! :)

Fun in Sandy!

My little family went to Sandy, Utah, over General Conference weekend to spend some time iwth Gary and Michelle (and family) before they leave us for the exotic realms of Lindsay, California. We have enjoyed having them so close and are going to miss them very much. Now that Leah is nine months old, she has become quite the little playmate and wrestling partner for Daniel. It was so cute watching them. I am embarassed to report that Leah made Daniel cry more than once. Our sensitive little boy doesn't like being beat up by pretty little girls. Or maybe he is just learning really young that you're not supposed to be mean to girls?? Hopefully... :)

Here are some cute pics of the kids in action!

Happy Birthday, Johnny!

My hubby is getting old. He is turning the ripe old age of 27 on Monday. We celebrated his birthday a little bit early since we have a busy couple of days coming up. Johns favorite present was his new USC polo that he got from my brother, Chey... John promptly forgot about all of my presents once he saw the polo. Well done, Chey!

(Don't you love our purple bedroom?!)

McDonalds fun!

Pa Martineau loves McDonalds. I am hoping that my son has more refined tastes, but I don't think that's happening. Daniel went to Mickey D's and ate his cousins, Ben and Emma, under the table! My boy knows how to eat! The kids had a great time running around their ginormous playground. Daniel had great fun. I did have to keep pretty close tabs on him, though... Every time I turned around he was at another table begging for food! :) That's my boy!!

Birds of Prey!

So, Boise happens to be the home of the largest "Birds of Prey" exhibit/conservatory in the world (who'da thunk, right?). So we decided to hang out there this past Saturday. It was a lot of fun! Daniel loves all animals, and can't get close enough to them. (Daddy loves this since he's terrified of anything with fur). Our only problem was during one of the bird shows. They brought out this large falcon/hawk/thingie (I wasn't paying very good attention, apparently) but they cautioned us that there can't be any loud noises or movements. Well, Daniel happens to be full of both loud noises AND movements. We lasted about two minutes and then I tippy-toed him out of there. We had a great time, though.