We were so happy to have some special visitors a couple of nights ago.  Jason, a old good friend whom David met back when we lived in Dallas, spent the night on his way to San Francisco from Maine.  (We’ve becoming a great stopping point for those driving cross country on their way to San Francisco – my brother and sister-in-law came through on the same journey just a few weeks ago!)

So it was good to see Jason.  Davey was sad to see him go.  He told David, “He’s my old friend now too.”

Along with Jason came his two giant schnauzers named Summer and Dilemma.  Oh these are awesome dogs.  For one thing they don’t shed and they are hypoallergenic.  Better though were their personalities.  They were just hilarious but so friendly and sweet to little Davey.   He loved them immediately.

Trying to take pictures of the three of them was like trying to photograph the wind.  They were all in constant motion.  Many of my photographic attempts looked like this:

These are not small dogs.  While I love all dogs, I really love a big “neck-hugging” dog.

You’ll notice that Koko is nowhere to be found.  She tolerated the dogs fine, but she was not too interested.  She’s tired and these big dogs made her look like a little bitty girl.  She was not too thrilled about that.  She retired to her rooms upstairs.

Summer and Dilemma proceeded to take over the yard.

We were so happy to spend some with Jason and his beautiful dogs.

Yesterday Davey turned 4.

At about 7:30, he charged down the stairs ready to start the celebration.

Presents.

Smiles.

An early morning Skype conversation.

Davey chose a Mickey Mouse cake.

Then it was, “Mommy!  Can’t I PLEASE test the icing????!!!”

His friends arrive.

We sang, had cake, and then Davey, Ashley and Logan raced around the house playing and having a heck of a time.

Great birthday.

It’s been a busy week.  Halloween/David’s Birthday extravaganza to be capped off by Davey’s birthday celebration which will take place tomorrow.

On Friday, Davey and I had picked out a few things for David’s birthday.  We’ve started a tradition (Davey’s idea) where we buy something (a toy) that they can do together.  So we got this little lego guy for them to build together.

Davey wanted Daddy to open it immediately when he got home (early birthday present).  So he did.  Davey was so excited.

Then he carefully watched and helped David put it together.

On Friday evening,  we went to Boo at the Zoo.  It was cold, but Davey had fun trick or treating.

He either was not cold or would not admit to it for a long time.  Finally, he wanted his coat, and then he was ready for a lollipop!

On Saturday we got “booed”.  Someone in the neighborhood left a bucket of Halloween candy on our doorstep.  Davey thought this was just the coolest thing ever.

Sunday we celebrated big David’s birthday.

Davey loves blowing out candles with Daddy.

And of course he loves to lick the icing off the cupcake (and to not eat the cupcake).

On Halloween, Davey had great fun trick or treating with the little girls from across the street.  I did not time my picture taking well, and by the time I grabbed the camera, Davey was about to explode out the door.  So I got a few not so great pictures.

Little Captain America has had a fun several days.

So this morning we went for a snowy walk.

We took our second annual “in the snow” family photo.

Davey saw a cleared path along the sidewalk, so we had to follow it.  It is amazing to me how fast they clear the trails in this state.  It’s great.  But Davey of course (and me too) would rather walk in the snow.

I don’t know if I could have been wearing any more different colors if I’d tried.

“Daddy.  Will you make me a snowball?”

Daddy hands it off to Davey.  Davey gets the snowball all situated just right into his hands.

His intentions are pretty clear.

bam!

Yesterday we got our first big snow.  I don’t guess I’d ever experienced snow before Halloween.   The poor trees.  The leaves have not all fallen yet, so a lot of branches were breaking.

Davey tiptoed around abit before he ventured into the snow.

It didn’t take long though for him to start with the snow angels.  He needed a bit of a refresher course however, as he went in tummy first.

Koko was not thrilled.  At all.

She’d quickly had enough of this snow.

I was trying to get some pictures as fast as I could before I left for school. (I put my coat on soon after.)

So since I was gone most of the day yesterday, Davey and I are now getting ready to head out for a snow walking adventure.

Yesterday, David carved the pumpkin.  It’s become a great annual tradition.

Davey always intently watches the process.

After awhile, Davey started wandering and playing while David was left to carve.  Next year, I vow to get him a nice pumpkin carving knife.  Every year, he uses a knife that is just not quite right.

Davey’s eyes are a little tired, but I like this picture and his expression.

He returned when David finished carving so he could put the “lid” on the top.  He’d decided that this was to be his responsibility.

Then it was time for the annual slightly violent “stab the jack o’lantern” photo.

I always like to take a picture of David, Davey and the jack o’lantern as well.

Happy almost Halloween!

It was a beautiful kinda chilly day here today.

I’d passed an open space the other day that looked like it might be fun to walk around.   There was a little path, and we followed it around for a loop that maybe was about 3/4 a mile?  We really enjoyed it.

Davey picked up a stick, and he led the way.  He told us that he needed to clear the path.  He cleared it so much that he had a blister on his finger when he was done.  His skin is so soft, but it didn’t occur to me that he’d get a blister waving that stick.  He was waving with vigor though.

Such a pretty fall day.

And then David wanted to get a picture of Davey and me.

When we got home, Davey’s friends from across the street came outside to play in the leaves.  They have a beautiful red maple, and its leaves have already turned and fallen.

Davey liked burrowing into the pile.

So fun to watch them play.