Ohio, Here We Come!

We have missed Ohio and my brother's family so much over the last year! We had such a wonderful ward there, it was a beautiful place to live, and a great situation for our kids because a few of their Goates cousins were close by. So several months ago I booked a trip for just Boston and I to go visit during my favorite season! Ryan is the best husband to let me go, and to take off a few days of work to take care of the big kids. He's seriously the best!
Traveling is interesting out of Sacramento airport. It's just under 2 hours of a drive to get there, plus there are only 3 flights options to get to Columbus. Our flight was at 5:55am, so given that and the drive-time to the airport I booked a hotel for the night next to the airport and took a shuttle at 3:30am. Yuck. But it was well worth it!

This boy was an awesome traveler! He slept most of both the flights. He was happy and easy for me.

I noticed my older brother Jason was on the flight with me. ;) Creepy, huh!

We got there friday evening, and were SO excited to finally be "home" at Ben and Amanda's house! It has always felt like an extension of my own home. We did a lot of living at their home while we lived in Canal Winchester. And I sure missed all these people.

These cute backwards-boys!

Ben was so nice and let Amanda and I go to the mall to walk around and get dinner. Boston wasn't a happy camper, but good thing Aunt Amanda was there take a turn.

Of course we got some of our favorite ice cream and I really loved a jewelry store that we walked through.

We facetimed with our family in Paradise a few times. I love all these cute faces!

Lots of good baby giggles for Aunt Amanda!

I really enjoyed seeing so many friends at church on sunday and the few I was able to catch up with at lunch or at their homes. I went to Noodles & Company with the Christleys. I sure miss all these great people!

I also taught Owen and Ava how to play Tenzi and we played a whole bunch of times. Owen is a super fast learner and we had a lot of fun!

 On saturday we all went to Chestnut Ridge to play on the playground and see the beautiful scenery. It is one of my favorite places! So gorgeous in the fall. I also gave Amanda some quick lessons about her camera.

Me and my buddy.

 Sometimes ya gotta let the kids veg out with a show.

 I loved seeing the Langes two nights in a row!!

I finally got an Ohio magnet... now all I'm missing is a Las Vegas one.

I was so sad to head home after such a perfect visit, but I did miss my family. I'm so glad we went! It's a long travel day but so very worth it. I would do it again tomorrow if I could! I loved spending so much time with Amanda and catching up. I hope it isn't too long before we can be together again.

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

Last year we found a fun new pumpkin place an hour south of us. We had a great time last year! This year, we went back the first weekend of October and it was NUUUUTS. We need to remember next time to avoid saturdays, but we didn't have any other options so we decided to brave it. It was still fun, but way overcrowded and a little too warm.

Look at those handsome dudes.

Panning-for-marbles is their very favorite part.

We took a hay-ride to pick out our pumpkins.

I found MY favorite punkin!

Rosey cheeks = not fall weather

All of our pumpkins on display. I love this time of year!!

Boston Lee {5 months old}

Boston at 5 months old:

-20 ish pounds (giving mommy some back pain and sore arms)
-started eating solids (sweet potato, peas, squash and baby oatmeal so far)

-is close to growing out of his baby carseat 

-wearing some 9 month but mostly 12 month clothes

-starting to sit up by himself for short periods of time

-blows raspberries 

-loves the bath, mama, and when his siblings play with him

-doesn't like to sit in his highchair if he isn't being fed, and screams as high-pitched as possible

-grabs anything near him and holds on with super strength

-likes to eat his toes and anything he can grab

-naps 3-4 times each day

-sleeps at night from about 8pm until 6:30am, waking up 2 or 3 times, but I only need to nurse him one time.

-is very ticklish in his ribs and under his chin
-tried swinging for the first time and could spends hour in it!
-hair is getting thicker

Big feet!

Chillin' with daddy and Bear-Bear.

Boston likes to play in his jumper although he doesn't know how to jump in it yet. He is only 6 pounds away from being too big for it, so he is enjoying it while he can even though he is technically not "mature" enough for it.

"Mmm, I like FOOD!"

He has the biggest, bestest cheeks to kiss!!

I adore those cheeks and chins!

 Even though Logan was partially in the way, I love this cute moment I caught!

 Cuddling with his big sibs before bed is everyone's favorite time of day.

First swing experience!

 First time wearing a 12 month outfit... at 5 months old. And making mommy sad. :( 

 Practicing sitting up.

 Left: Logan at 11 month. Right: Boston in the same outfit at 5 months. Ahhh! He's huge!

 Cute brothers.

He rarely falls asleep on me like this, and I just love it so much!

"Is there food on my face?"

We all adore this BIG little man so much. I can't believe he is already 5 months old and that his baby stage is slipping away so quickly. He is the size of a toddler... but the fact that he is still gushy and a bit wobbly helps remind me that he is still my baby boy and I can still treat him that way. I cuddle him as much as I can! He is such a happy, smiley boy and we love him so!