Halloween Festivities!

Berit has gotten some good use out of her chicken costume.  First, she had a Halloween parade/party at school.  I went to pick her up when it was over, and she didn't want to leave!  She was having so much fun!

First time seeing a pumpkin

Group shot!  A combination of the Tues/Thurs class

Carving the pumpkin with Ms. Lesley

Ms. Meredith shows me the inside

After her party, we went and surprised Auntie M at work!  She loves the mirrors at the salon! 

Then, the next day, we had some friends over for dinner, and all the kiddos wore their costumes. 

Elena (Minnie, of course!) and Berit

Elena, Berit, and Luca (Mickey!)

Chicken, Minnie, Mickey

Giving Luca a kiss

Noah joined the group

THEN, the next day (Saturday) we went to the Highlands in Denver to attend a Halloween Carnival with the Reid family. 

Off we go!

Having a fun time!

Cutest chicken ever!!!!!

Tuckered out after the day's events.

Now, that leads us to the official day of Halloween!  We carved a pumpkin (well, Daddy did), and explored the goodies on the front porch. 

What's in here?

So fun! 

My chicken little!

Playing with the gourds.

Finished pumpkin!

There will be no candy for this little lady....she has decided that she does not like brushing her teeth. All of a sudden, teeth brushing is not for her...this, the little girl who used to love it.  Oh, well-- women have the right to change their minds.  But until then, no candy! 

A few fun trips....

Last week, Berit and I went down to Albuquerque to spend a few days with the grandparents, and we also got to meet baby JOY!!  Then, from there, I packed up and met Steve in Phoenix so we could have a nice weekend with some of our friends.  Berit stayed behind in ABQ and had a blast.  I don't think she missed Mom one bit.  It was my first time leaving Berit and I was really anxious about it, despite the fact she is 17 months and it's about time I did it!  But she split time between my parents and Steve's parents house and really enjoyed herself! 

17 months!!!

Yesterday, Berit had her 17 month Birthday.  Lots of changes going on this month.  In my mind, she's no longer my little baby-- but growing up into a fiesty, lovable and FUNNY Toddler.  Here are her latest milestones: 

• Definitely starting to use the word "NO!".  Also reguarly says "Mama", "Dada", "Yaya" (Maya), "Yes".   Other new words are "baby" and "yum". 
• Blows kisses.  Instead of saying "Muuuuuahhh", she says "Ahhhhhhh-B"  It's so cute! 
• Has figured out how to climb onto the couch, and can now 'escape' her play area that we set up in the living room (climbs over the ottoman which blocks her in). 
• Notices planes flying overhead.
• Now can sign "please". 
• Beginning to imitate a lot more.   If we make funny faces, she will do it too. 
• She's not really walking anymore...she's running. 
• She is obsessed with looking on pockets.
• Loves to take showers! 



Loves to kiss herself in mirror!






Attempt at a 17 month photo....not very easy these days! 






Beautiful Bean!

Lock your cabinets people...

Caution- This little lady can be destructive.  Berit's latest favorite past time is playing in the cupboards, cabinets, pantry, spice rack-- you name it, she opens it.  She loves to take everything out, organize it, and then put it back (but definitely not putting it back the way she found it).  It's fun to watch, but not much fun to clean up.  Especially when she decides to open the cereal box and feed it to Maya.  But we have now strategically placed everything that she can open in higher shelves, so as to avoid a mess (hopefully).  Maya seems to always be on the prowl-- waiting for her to drop something!

Lil' Bronco

Here are some pics of Berit sportin' her new Broncos gear.  We didn't win, (although Tebow almost pulled it off) but she sure looked cute! 

Visit from Grammy & Bob-o!!

Last weekend, we had a great visit with Grammy and Bob-o.  They arrived Friday night, just in time to see Berit in her Twins pajamas that they got for her this summer! 

Saturday morning, we took a walk and then went to Golden for lunch.  It was the best weather, and we enjoyed a little deli that we had discovered when our friends from SLC were visiting. 

Sunday morning, Grammy participated in the 'Race for the Cure.'  This was her 21st race.  She is dedicated!  After we picked her up downtown, we went to a pumpkin patch, and Berit had a great time walking around and pointing at pumpkins!  We had awesome weather the entire visit...temperatures felt more like July, rather than October.  Berit is certainly getting some extended use out of her summer clothes! 

Finally-- here is a look at our little family at the pumpkin patch last year vs. this year.  Time is certainly flying by....

Berit 4 months

Berit 16 months