The Beginning of Fall

Here are some more pictures from our morning at the pumpkin farm. We had to soak up the good weather while we could.

I think this is one of Lily's favorite spots

Wish Jack grinned like that (this weekend) for the players who have this guy on their uniforms.

FREEDOM

Fast Schmast

Our "lil" pumpkin

Our two hipsters. Jack's new jacket and Lily's plaid vest were courtesy of Grandma Toni and Grandpa Dave. They are such fashion plates.

Enjoying the sea of pumpkins

Grandma bought Lily a pumpkin flavored pretzel which she couldn't get enough of.

Jack had to beg his grandfather to take him on the ferris wheel (or was it the other way around?). Jack loves rides although he was clutching Grandpa Dave the whole time. Thank goodness!

Looking at this picture now I'm surprised I wasn't more anxious about this ride. I mean, carnival rides in general are a little suspect. Throw in the ominous sky and this ferris wheel looks rather spooky.

This reminds me of a Ralph Lauren catalog shot. We were taking a hayride.

Hands down...favorite picture from the afternoon. I love that Fred and Wilma have the same expression on their faces.

The Great Pumpkin Farm

We had a fantastic visit this weekend with Grandma Toni and Grandpa Dave! On Saturday we went to The Great Pumpkin Farm. This place is truly an experience. We wandered through pumpkins, livestock and carnival rides much to Jack's delight. I have to sort through my pictures but I thought this one was so sweet. We miss them already. Safe travels.

Ooooh a Shirt!!!

Jack got another package today...this one from his Aunt B. He couldn't wait to open it. I wish I had gotten it on tape because it went down like this...

"Where the Wild Things Are Guy!!! Ooh, what's this? A SHIRT!!!!"

Maybe you had to be there but it made me laugh to see him react the same way to an article of clothing as he did to a toy. He also got a new Halloween book. Good stuff. Thanks Dr. B.

A Few More School Shots

Unfortunately I had a doctor's appointment the other day and wasn't able to go to Jack's school for his birthday. I think David got a kick out of going though and he is the one that snapped these shots. The cupcakes were a hit. Jack is enjoying school. Every so often I get a few tidbits of his time there. Yesterday for example he said something about pushing. Then he said, "Atticus pushed me." Hmm, I'm pretty sure there isn't an Atticus in his class. Thought you would appreciate Maureen.

Looking rather solemn for his birthday celebration

Ok, that's more like it. I love how a.) hands are folded, b.) napkin is on the table and c.) he is seated in his chair.

Sitting "pretzel" style
Not sure what they were doing here but it's cute how they are all holding hands. I hope they all purell-ed afterward. Just kidding. Sort of.

Ooh, another train

I threw this one in for good measure. Lily enjoying some alone time. I think it's only a matter of time before she starts walking. We both have colds right now so it's been good times in the Archer house.


And, finally, look what was in Jack's book bag. It's here in writing. They can start learning hockey at age three. Yikes. It's too bad Matt wasn't closer. I'd just hire him for private lessons.

Lots of Mail

If there's a bright side to having family live out of town it is the packages and mail we receive. Jack gets so excited (see below) when he gets anything in the mail. Who doesn't? This week he got packages from my Aunt and Joanie, Toni and Dave and Nicole and Chris.

Yippee! A package for me!!

The package Ann and Joanie sent was filled with goodies but our favorite was the family portrait Joanie drew of us! It's hanging on the kids' bulletin board right now. :)

I love his face in this shot! Priceless.

Opening Grandma and Grandpa's package that was filled with lots of books. Perfect! His favorite so far is "Llama, llama mad at Mama"

Taking a peek inside

Our friends Nicole and Chris also sent a cute package with some new duds for Jack. The jeans are so cute. They look like jeans Dave would wear. Our kids are way more stylish than us these days!! Thanks everyone.

Jack's Birthday Party...Babies, Monsters, Transportation, Books and Love

In honor of Jack's third birthday we had a party with a few friends and family. It was such a gorgeous day...cool, sunny, the beginning of fall. I love autumn in Western New York but I digress. It really is hard for me to believe our son is three. We have been blessed with two beautiful, healthy children. As the t-shirt states (you all know I'm a fanatic), "Life is Good." The only thing that would have made this day better is if the rest of our families could have been here. We were able to skype with Toni and Dave (and get to see them next week) but you all are in our hearts.


Jack's monster cake. I was disappointed in the final result but he loved it so I guess that's the real measure of success.

Nicole and her little chap (this hat used to be Jack's)

Colin was all smiles (must be he loves parties)

Later on that day...Lily and Colin having a chat

Grandpa and Colin. I bet if I dug long enough I could find a picture of my dad with Kevin at this age. No doubt there is a strong resemblance!

C'mon dad, serve faster!

Lily was tuckered out between the party and the food. Looks like Rosie was too.

Aunt Geryle and Uncle Tim

I kidded these guys that they could have been in a gap ad with their matching navy hues

Jules is a natural

Megan and Lily

I adore this picture. There's just something about it that makes me smile. Those babies are beautiful and so are their moms.

Did I mention these two guys were born a day apart? If Kevin and Nicole ever move to Buffalo (hint, hint...C130 base in Niagara Falls) Colin and Sam could play against one another in football...or be on the same team! (We'd have to throw Pete's little guy in there too)

The birthday boy singing his little heart out

Jack taking a break from gifts to read (no doubt happy that Megan is nearby)

In reference to blog title...Jack was really a lucky guy and received some awesome gifts including many trains, automobiles and books. He also scored a HUGE stuffed dog (named Gerken), some awesome arts and crafts, a mail box set and even his own Indian costume (which I can't wait to get a picture of). Our living room looks like Christmas morning!

Lily wanted in on the action

Colin thought it was pretty funny how everyone was snapping photos

Aunt Geryle, Taryn and Colin. I'm so happy they were able to come. I have to soak up all the "tarbear" I can in the next year before she becomes a London resident. I'm in denial.

Lily was also singing at the party

Isn't this photo the sweetest?

Jack and Aunt Nicole playing a fishing game that Grandma Toni and Grandpa Dave sent.
I should have gotten my dad a striped monster shirt!
My sis-in law and I with the babies

Nicole made this shirt for Jack. I think she has started a tradition!

Thank you all for the lovely gifts, for your constant support and your love. Hillary was right. It does take a village. We have a fantastic village. Happy Birthday Jack (and Kate...she's now 25 and from what I understand she had a pretty amazing birthday too).

My friend Maureen is such a gifted writer. She wrote the following on her blog this week and I wanted to share it (thanks Moe) because our boys are kindred spirits and I couldn't write it better myself:

"I am very lucky to have a kid who is so curious, passionate, adventurous, persistant, and imaginative, and I hope those traits never get smothered by other people's expectations. I am really proud to be the parent of a kid who, if nothing else, definitely marches to the beat of his own drummer. A really, really, rambunctious, energetic drummer."

Well said. We love you Jack!