Tatum's Baptism

Today, Tatum had her Christening. We got up around 7:30 after some snuggling in bed for awhile. Colin a bit to fully wake up. Tatum likes to snuggle under the covers and goes back and forth between us until she feels ready to get up. The kids had pancakes and took a bath.
It's a good thing that we got the kids new outfits to wear as it was very chilly here today. It only hit 50 for a high.
We left for Holy Family at 10:45 this morning. We missed the exit because we were chatting and ended up taking the long way around. Both kids fell asleep, but woke up without a meltdown (phew!!)We sat in the front row because Colin wanted to see everything. He was very curious about this church as it is not our parish, but rather the one that we were married in. Both kids were great during Mass. Colin stood up when we did and sat when we did. He even tried to answer the priest! Too funny! Tatum walked back and forth along the pew between everyone. The Cheerios also helped with the good moods!
After Mass, we changed Tatum into her dress. When we were in China, we had her dress made for her. We thought that it would be a nice way to honor her heritage. Tatum was great through the Baptism and especially when the priest poured the water over her head. Near the end, she had had enough and did try to crawl away though!
Back at the house, we had calzones and meatballs with the family. It was so nice to see everyone!

The Aquarium

Today we ventured to our favorite aquarium. It took us about an hour and a half to get there. We got stuck in a bit of traffic and Tatum was not thrilled about that.
The weather was absolutely beautiful! We didn't need our coats and the sun was shining. Colin's favorite animal was the Beluga Whale. He was able to get close up and got all excited when they came near him through the glass.
Tatum seemed more fascinated by the stingrays. She thought it was funny how they attached themselves to the side of the glass. Both kids liked the "touch and feel" pool. They put their hands pretty far into the pool and Colin held a few shells.
For lunch, we ate at the penguin cafe. Den and I had cheeseburgers and the kids had hot dogs and fries. Unfortunately, they didn't have any apple juice and that sent little Tatum into meltdown mode. She cried through the last part of the aquarium called Challenge of the Deep. We did let Colin go through it and we took our annual photo with Daddy. We have taken a photo in the same spot since Colin was 4 months old. Luckily, we found some apple juice while checking out the gift shop. Boy did Tatum's mood change quickly! Both kids fell asleep on the ride home.

Oktoberfest

Today we went over to our neighbor's house for the annual Oktoberfest. There were sausages from Cincinnati and a jumparoo with a giant slide. The kids had a hot dog and a chocolate chip square. Colin wanted Tatum to do everything with him. They both went into the jumparoo together. They both rode the swings together. They both sat on the porch swing together. It was so cute!
At one pint, they both wanted me to hold them. Julie got a great photo of it! I'm even smiling! Colin looks so big. It's hard to believe that he just turned three. When I went to put them down, they both tackled me on the ground and began a tickle fight! They both gave group hugs and were giggling incessantly. I even got some kisses! Colin laid his head on Tatum's shoulder and she played with is hair. It;s amazing to watch their relationship blossom!
After a bit of a rough start to the afternoon, the evening went very smoothly. Tatum still is having a bit of trouble with biting Colin. He is so sensitive that it sends him into tears immediately. Tonight though, she was much better and is starting to realize that it's more fun to play nice than to be in timeout.
Before bed, she even gave Colin a kiss and a hug. Colin thought it was funny and let out a little giggle.

The Great Pumpkin Adventure

Hi Everyone,
Today, we ventured out to a pumpkin patch that is about a half-hour from the house. We were greeted by Farmer Brenda. She was very enthusiastic and got the kids excited about taking the hayride. (minus the hay!) She drove us out to the pumpkin patch on her red tractor. It was a bit bumpy, but the kids thought that was the best part.
Brenda told us how to choose a good pumpkin. They are the dark orange ones with the hardy skin and dark stems. Colin went right for the first one he saw. Luckily, it was a good one! He tried to carry it, but it was too heavy. He did, however, keep it on his lap for the first part of the ride back. Tatum needed a bit of guidance. I think they were the first pumpkins she ever saw. When we picked hers, she was fascinated with it just on the ground. Farmer Brenda helped us get the pumpkins off the vines and back onto the wagon.
On the way back, the wind picked up and it started to sprinkle. We made it just in time! Tatum and Colin zonked on the way home. They did wake up in time for the pizza though. We ended a wonderful day with a bike ride around the neighborhood and tons of books before bed.