Are you ready?

Are you ready for the season of pumpkins? Ya know, where everyone on facebook is putting pictures of their adorable kids at pumpkin patches or in painfully precious costumes. Where everyone is blogging about all their trips to pumpkin patches and talking about how they are sipping on pumpkin spice lattes. 

Well I hope you are because I will be one of the ones to be posting about all those things! 

I will wait another few days though because currently us Oregonians are enjoying 80 degree weather and I am thrilled about it. I adore the fall time, it is gorgeous and crisp and cozy, but our summers are short here so I definitely soak them up.

The sunshine today did not stop me from a little fall crafting session though. Randi and I got our pinterest on and made felt pumpkins for the girls to play with. It was super easy and it's super fun.

 You just cut a pumpkin shape out of orange felt, a stem out of green felt, and then a bunch of different pumpkin face pieces out of black felt.
Then you let your little one make a bunch of different faces...

 ...but not before you yourself have fun with it :)

The laughing pumpkin

The tired kitten (those are suppose to be whiskers, I know, they didn't turn out too good)

The angry unibrow pumpkin

The surprised pumpkin

Argh matey!

Randi had the brilliant idea of adding stitching around the outside of the pumpkin just to make it look even better, and it does just that.
So the moral of this post is:

• I like pumpkin spice lattes
• I will be posting a lot of pictures of my kids at pumpkin patches and most likely they will look the same except they will be on a different day
• Making felt pumpkin faces is not just for kids

What's her name?

Is it Reese? Is it Makena?
If you know us in person than you have probably been confused when we talk about Reese. I call her Reese. Because that's her name. The one we decided on before she was born. Ya know, the one we put on her birth certificate right after she came out of my hoo ha.

"Haha, you said hoo ha, you're funny Mom!"

Well, Brian likes the name Makena because he came up with it. So that's what he calls her. Even though we decided to name her Reese.

I don't get it either.

At first I was very mad about it. I was like, "Knock it off!! Her name is Reese! Shulalala!" {That last part is just a weird noise that I probably made}. And then I decided to not get worked up about it. Mainly because he wouldn't stop and I didn't want to live all mad at my husband. Yep, I took the high road. It feels good up here on the high road, but I'm starting to feel bad for my poor child who is probably a little confused about her name. I've brought it up a few times and it never gets resolved, so now we are at the point where we may just wait and let her decide when she gets older. 

But I could really use some suggestions on what to do. So give me your thoughts and opinions!

Adorable operator standing by to hear your opinion...

Some Bria love

Since we just had Reese's birthday it's been all about her lately so I want to make sure I don't leave out updates of Bria.

Her friend, Sophie, had her 4th birthday party and it was at this place called Bliss Cupcakes. The kids got to decorate a cupcake and then eat it, Bria was thrilled about this. Then after that they decorated paper cupcakes with glitter and stickers and markers. It was a little kids dream, CUPCAKES!

Kenzie and Bria also played ring around the rosie

It was pretty stinkin' cute

Attempting to capture a picture of the kiddos

Sophie's on the right, she didn't want to get too close :)

Our tree huggers

Kenzie and Bria are all about the loves, Sophie...not so much haha!

 Bria has grown up so much in the last few months. I have noticed such a change in how we communicate and how she expresses herself. She asks a billion and one questions a day which gets just a wee bit old after awhile...but she asks some pretty intelligent questions at times and that makes me smile.
We have a lot fewer tantrums these days then the 2 year old days and I am beyond grateful for that. She does get frustrated easily and tends to scream and/or cry when she gets frustrated, but I am afraid to admit that she probably gets that from me. Err, no, I never do that, forget I said that.
She is such a sweetheart to Reese (most the time) and will play with her and give her toys and food. She even shared her cookie with her the other day, that is the ultimate act of love from Bria. I didn't even ask her to, she just walked over and broke some off and gave it to her. Melted my heart.

Cute sisters

 Bedtime here is kind of fun because these two girls get all wild and crazy and adorable. Most the time Brian and I love watching them and playing with them, but I'll admit when we're tired and it's been a long day we aren't quite as patient ;)

Cuddling before bed

 I'm just in shock at how big Bria is getting. She is this little person who learns so fast and is so incredibly articulate, I am in awe of her. I am beyond proud of the girl she is and love her so much, to the moon and back.

My sweet Bria

We had a party!

So I wasn't sure if I was going to go all out for Reese's 1st birthday party. I mean, it's not like she is going to remember it and last weekend was the wedding so we've been a little busy. Anyway, my friend Randi gave me an extra shove I needed to get my butt in gear. You only turn 1 once!

I didn't really have a theme, just colors: purple and pink. Of course :)

Blueberries, bananas, and grapes

The treat table

 We did hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, fruit, veggies, all the normal bbq stuff. Then we had two different kinds of yummy cookies and oreo cupcakes...which the birthday girl DEVOURED!

Us with the birthday girl

Grammy and Reese having fun

I'm pretty proud of my homemade banner :)

Amanda and Randi, sweetest friends ever. I know I say that every time I post of picture of them but it's true!

Baby Grease (as Amanda's boys call her :) loves her Miss Amanda!

And cupcakes!!

"Why did my Mom put this bow on my head, at least I have a cupcake."

All the kids at the party! Give them cupcakes and you can get a picture of 8 kids!

 Then it was present time, and this little girl got some adorable clothes. I was squealing with delight :)

"Don't even think about eating that cupcake, I'm going for seconds after I open these presents."

"I love clothes!"

Grammy got her pickles cuz this little girl loves her some pickles

Adorable clothes

Do you see those boots?! Ahh, LOVE!

We ended the night inside with a movie for the bigger kids. Reese and Charleigh had a blast crawling around and playing with toys since the older kids were occupied...for a few minutes anyway :)

My girl caught herself a snake ;)

Charleigh crawled!! She's been doing the army crawl for awhile and just started real crawling at our house!

Dusty (Amanda's husband) is so adorable with the kids and they love him :)

I am soooo glad we did a party. It was so much fun and Reese had a blast. And just to keep you up to date, Reese is walking while holding onto things, like the wall or something, but she took a bunch of steps tonight all by herself...getting closer to having a walker!

1 year

My sweet Reese's pieces,

Today you turn 1. You have been with us for one glorious year.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I love you and how perfectly you fit our family. I remember the morning you were born very clearly because you came so fast, you were ready. I think this may be indicative of your personality, once you decide to do something, you do it.
This year has gone by incredibly fast, I can't believe my tiny newborn is now 1 and nearly walking. You have turned into a mama's girl through and through, if you catch a glimpse of me in a room it's all over, you cry and whine until I come hold you. Although fortunately if I am not anywhere near, you are content with others. Not only are you content, but you cuddle like there is no tomorrow. I can't tell you how precious it is, you nestle your head in the crook of a neck and wrap both arms around the neck. I think you make people pretty happy when you do this.
You my little Reese, adore your sister and love nothing more than when she plays with you. I for one, LOVE watching you girls crawl around and laugh together, it warms my heart more than you will know. Always remember your sister is your best friend, she will always be there. In addition to the love you have for Bria, you also have a spunky attitude and make it known when she is not making you happy. You believe that life should revolve around making you happy so if Bria does not give you what you want than you whine and scream to get attention. You have attitude girl :)
You and your Daddy share an adorable little bond centered around humor. You guys make hilarious faces at each other and you always give him your sweet little smirk after your jokes. You've taken many naps on his chest, in fact just this week your second half of your afternoon nap was spent on him. I kept telling him that he could put you down but he refused, he relishes in the moments he gets to cuddle with you. I'm not sure there is any place you are more relaxed on than your Dad's chest.
I am so happy that you are my little eater, you eat almost anything I put in front of you and I hope that continues. Your favorites seems to be grapes, bananas, blueberries, black beans and rice and nectarines.
We just started giving you whole milk during the day and like a true Holcomb you love it. We have to heat it up a little bit but you gulp it down. I still nurse you before you go to bed, but soon I think we will even be done with that. So I am soaking up these last few times I will nurse my baby, the way you feel tucked into my arms so content.
You have recently started standing on your own more often and have taken steps! We get so excited every time and you love that. I think you've taken about 4 steps before, but usually it's about 2 steps and then you dive into my arms.
I am so thrilled that you are in our family, we love you so much and you have brought us more joy than we thought possible. As much as this year has gone by too fast and I am mourning my baby getting bigger, I love that you and Bria grow closer the older you get. I can't wait to take family trips and listen to you too talk and play (and never fight ok?).
You are so loved Reese and we will ALWAYS be here for you, no matter what.
Lots of Love,
Mom

We had a little party with my family last weekend since we were down for the wedding:

Being sun to :)

"Well this is delicious, why haven't you given this to me before?"

My little piggy

It takes to long to go from the hands to the mouth

In chocolate heaven

"This is the life"

Reese Makena, 1 year old

Weddingness!

The wedding came and went and wow, it was incredible. 

Let's rewind to Thursday...

We headed down the Albany since the rehearsal was that night at my Mom's house. The weather was perfect for an outdoor occasion and my Mom and Randy's backyard looked incredible, I wish I had a picture of the set up, it was fantastic.

Grandma's and Aunts should not be trusted to watch your child when you don't want them getting dirty...she got to play in sand and water :)

As long as Bria got to play with Porter she was happy

And this little girl loved cuddling with her Grandpa

 There were lights and lanterns everywhere outside and Local Boys catered! If you don't know, it's the best Hawaiian food on the planet, so good.

The adorable couple!

 Lance and his friend brew beer and they brewed a delicious beer just for the big event. Every bottle had a label that was awesome, I wish I would've gotten a picture. It was called RehearsALE and then it said: Something bottled something brewed something delicious just for you
We practiced walking down the aisle and gave speeches and watched Jaime's amazing wedding video of Lance and Kayla. There were tears, lots of them. It was superb.

Then Friday morning came and it was time for the big day! Kayla's friend came over to Jennyy's (where we stayed) and did my hair for me which I was so grateful for! Jenny helped with my makeup and since I was feeling inadequate in the help department I offered up my services as an Aunt :) I got to watch Jax while Jenny went and got her hair done. Can I tell you I love him to pieces? Cuz I do. Cuddling with him is absolutely delicious.
Anyway, finally we packed up and headed to Corvallis for the wedding. It was hot outside, like really hot. So I was glad my hair was all up.
Kayla looked UNBELIEVABLE! Her dress was beyond gorgeous and she was very much the blushing bride. I did not get very many pictures since we were busy but here are a few:

Bria was stunned by Kayla's beauty

My sweet flower girl! Her dress was a big hit :)

I ended up curling her hair and then putting it up in a twist with a clip. 

So excited to walk down the aisle!

My sweet girl!

Grandpa with his babies

Laughing with my Mom and sisters...it's what we do best :)

My brother and I are rarely serious together

Reese and Grandma Armstrong

My Mom and me

Jaime and my Mom

Jaidyn and Abby playing with Bria, it was like having babysitters all night!

My Dad :)

Obviously I am lacking in pictures, but I will post more when I get them. The ceremony was so wonderful, Brian was the officiant and he did so awesome. Lance's vows made me cry and I think there were a few other times I might have teared up. It was so beautiful.

The dinner was sooo good and the reception was a blast. We danced and danced and wanted to dance some more but it was 9:30 pm and my girls were exhausted to say the least. Bria did not leave the dance floor, she boogied all night long. It was so much fun to watch.

So happy for my little brother and new sister, congrats Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong!