And the winner is...

An attempt at some professional looking pictures that capture Taffe... not too bad! But I gotta give professional photographers credit. The subject and I had a difference of opinion about whether we should be playing with stroller straps or frolicking in the leaves. After a brief discussion we have three I like... good thing since we haven't had "real"photos since last October!

Pumpkin Time

Every weekend there are so many fun fall activities! We had a great surprise when we ran into cousin Charlie.
The boys couldn't be any cuter or happier than on this merry-go-round.

Taffe attended Cardin's Pumpkin Party this weekend. He painted his pumkin red with gold glitter. Classic.

WDW

It's hard to summarize a trip like the first visit to Walt Disney World, so there are a lot of pictures.

Good morning! We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and this is our view of the savanna. Taffe is probably mooing or growling at some African animal.
Giraffes... just hanging out in the savanna.

We visited the Animal Kingdom on the first day. Here's Taffe with Grandma and Grandpa with the "Tree of Life." This park was amazing with all of its wildlife and nature trails. It felt so different than being in a typical amusement park.

After nap, Taffe would get to go down to the pool which might have been his favorite part of the whole trip. He would play until he was chilled, and still not want to get out!

Showing Gaga the water spouts.

Of course, we made it over to the Magic Kingdom. Taffe rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, and we think he liked it!

He also went on Peter Pan's Flight and then got to meet Peter Pan.

Our attempt at a classic MK picture.

While it may not look like it, Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride was Taffe's absolute favorite ride!

But playing in the spray fountains was also really fun too!On our last night, we had dinner at the Animal Kingdon Lodge where our view was the savanna.

Taffe thought it was great... he could moo loudly at all the African cattle.

No rules in Disney World: Ice cream for dinner makes for one very happy child.

Family photo near the fire pit. I started feeling the baby this week. He/she must have liked all the excitement!

Trying on the mouse ears. He looks soooo cute, but refuses to wear them.

What a great trip! Can't wait to go back when Taffe is a little older!

Fall Festival at the Farm

Our playgroup ventured out to Cox Farms today for the spectacular Fall Festival. What a difference from last year. Taffe was barely crawling and there few activities he could actually "do." This year, he was not that into the pumpkins, but he loved the slides, hayride, pebble pond, and the trains (shocker!).
Why does she keep making me stand with pumpkins?

Showing off his pebble throwing skills to McKenna.

Seriously the best idea ever. He was suppose to throw pebbles into the water. Genius. Taffe was very good at this activity.

And the trains. He could have played here all day.

So which grandparent is going to build a wooden train in our backyard?

20 months

Taffe is really coming into his own person. He's "developing independence" as I have read in books and heard from my mom. That "developing independence" causes quite a commotion at times. Full on screaming, "No, no, no!" moments. But 23 out of 24 hours a day, Taffe is perfectly delightful. He now says "Byes" to everything (multiple times if you don't leave quickly enough), and he is creating phrases like "dada shoe." Taffe loves to his choo-choos, and he loves bath time. He thinks playing "boo" is the best game ever, and he is a pretty darn good dancer.
Oh-oh or Single Ladies is his favorite jam of all time and he requests it by name. This little man will charm your socks off... just don't try to make him wear socks to bed.

Here he is making muffins.
And helping Grandma make cupcakes. Grandma let him lick the spoon which just about made his week.

Showing dad the primitive human's nose at the Natural History Museum. (I think he may have picked its nose too.)

Saying "Woof!" to all the mammals. Hmmm, not sure a walrus woofs but close enough!

Playing with older and wiser gf Caroline. Taffe loves visiting with her. Caroline is always showing Taffe all the big kid things to do.

And playing with Ella. Ella and Taffe are very close in age and had a lot of the same desires. But overall, they played really well together...just as long as Taffe doesn't have to share his choo-choos!Sharing ice cream with his best friends... always a good time. :)

Just Brushin' My Teeth

Boots and Pjs are a good pairing.

Animal Farm

During one of the gorgeous fall days last week, I took Taffe to a local farm to check out the animals. The first animal he saw received a very loud greeting of "BOOOOOOO!" Which in Taffe language is "moo." (Still working on those bilabial sounds.)
He was curious about most animals and loved the birds, as always. He's checking out some peacocks here by giving them a "Cheep-cheep" greeting.

But, he is not a fan of the animals we could get close to! Even the stinky little piglets, he wanted nothing to do with them!

We took home some miniature farm animals to keep the lesson alive, and they are a favorite new toy!