Happy Halloween!

After taking many many pictures trying to get one with the hat on we finally got out trick-or-treating. The first couple of houses Alyssa went up and got her candy but after that I had to carry her to the porch, she was a bit nervous. Dad decided to go home and pass out candy and we met up with some of the neighbors so she had fun chasing them from house to house but with all of the decorations we kept getting side tracked. After a while she insisted on being carried so we decided to go home and help Dad pass out candy.

This is where the real fun began! She had more fun waiting by the door for the bell to ring and helping hand out candy than she did trick-or-treating. Sometimes she wouldn't let us close the door, she stood waiting and would occasionally walk out and peek to see if there were more kids coming.

Pumpkin Carving

We had such a good time carving our pumpkins. Alyssa was such a mess, as always. I guess we should have stripped her down first, oh well. She took had to use both spoons and she put the pumpkin mess from one pumpkin to another. When Dad finally got most of the mess in a bowl she dumped it out on herself. Needless to say I didn't get my toasted pumpkin seeds this year, instead I got a lot of laughs.

Breakfast in Bed

We were having a lazy morning so I fixed a bottle and cut up some apple and we just snuggled in bed.

Lombardi Ranch

Today we went to Lombardi Ranch to pick a pumpkin. They had many activities for kids as well as food and entertainment. We started out walking along Scarecrow Alley where Alyssa got to run along the path on her own, she only ate dirt a couple of times which was surprising. She didn't seem too interested in the scarecrows but she would stop and stare at people as they walked by as if she were frozen.


We set off to find the perfect pumpkin. I thought we would just let Alyssa pick out which pumpkin she wanted. Oh no, Michael was bound and determined to find "a perfectly round one that was a little flat on one side for carving." I guess it was for the best anyway, Alyssa stopped and patted many pumpkins, all of which were too big for her to pick up. Not to worry, Michael and Alyssa both found what they were looking for and I got some decorative gourds too!

Oh, corn on the cob. We used to get delicious corn on the cob in Spanish Fork. I have been so disapointed in what I can find at the stores here in California, it just isn't as good. Well, they had corn at the ranch that was just as good as I remember it should be. In fact, Michael said it was the corn he had ever eaten. If I can drive thirty minutes down the road and get it fresh off the farm, why can't I get it at the stores? Anyway, as you can see in the pictures Alyssa loved it. She enjoys most any food but Corn on the cob is one of her favorites.

Alyssa's New Room

Michael and I spent last weekend getting Alyssa's new room ready for her. Michael painted and put up the blinds and I am still in the process of moving all of her clothes. It takes a while because I have to put away the clothes that no longer fit her and it is sad. Then we put many of her toys in the room. we still need to decorate but we do have the beautiful quilt that her Grandma made for her. I had to put up a picture of it to show off how talented my Mom is. Isn't it gorgeous? Thank you Mom we love it.

Alyssa loves playing in her new room and even though she isn't sleeping on the bed yet she enjoys climbing up on the bed and getting back down again and back up and down. It is strange what kids like to do.

Lunch with the Girls

A couple of my friends took me to lunch for a little baby shower. We all have one-year-old girls and they love getting together. We went to Soup Plantation and for dessert they have mini ice cream cones. These were easy for the girls to eat and were very convenient while we visited, in fsct, I think Alyssa had four of them.

Here are some new pictures of Alyssa doing her favorite things. She can now push herself around on her train. It is so fun to watch her get on and off, somtimes she just finds it easier to fall to the side.


She still loves her walks, in fact, she was running to the mailbox with us and she took a bad spill and got a bloody nose.

Potty Training?

We decided to get Alyssa her potty a little early. We set it up yesterday and today she went poo poo in her potty. We know this is only the first of MANYsteps in potty training but we are so excited for her.
She is showing her success chart, she gets a sticker for going potty in the toilet, flushing, and washing her hands. She had so much fun with her new potty! That sounds strange doesn't it?

All Dressed Up!

Today I had an appointment with the doctor and the girls there just love Alyssa, so we got all dressed up. I had to take a picture she looked so cute in her new dress. Thanks Grandma!

Walking the dogs

Alyssa loves to take the dogs for walks. She lets us know she wants to go by bringing us our shoes or her shoes, or the dogs leashes. It is so cute!



She tries to open the front door but she is still a bit too short so when we open it for her she lets out a squeel of delight. It melts my heart, so we go for little walks several times a day even though it is hot! Oh btw, I know the shoes don't match but we got these the other day at WalMart and she loves them. She started running as soon as we put them on her little feet. I'm going back to get pink ones too.

Messy Messy Messy

One year olds are messy!

While Michael and I were working in the garden Alyssa played in the mud. She also helped us pull weeds and a few flowers as well.



She likes chocolate, just like her Mother.

One of her favorite past times is unpacking Moms purse. Since I wasn't watching what she was doing I had lipstick all over the bed and the carpet. Now I put the lipstick in a sipped compartment of the purse. FYI the lipstick came out with "Soilove" it is a laundry stain remover that has also worked on blueberry stains.

One morning in San Diego with Grandma, Alyssa climbed in bed with her to wake her up. Well anyone who knows Grandma knows there is always licorice around. Well she had fallen asleep before she could eat her licorice and Alyssa found it that morning and had a great breakfast. So the other day I was rumaging through the bag of snacks that we brought home and found them. Alyssa was eating lunch and I thought I could sneak it past her, not a chance. She remembered licorice and demanded that I share with her. Funny thing is when it was gone she continued to finish her peas and potatoes.

Look Who's Walking!

Yesterday was a big day for our family. Alyssa took her first steps as Michael and I set her up to walk to each other. We had to bribe her with puffs and ice chips but we were able to get five steps!



This morning she stood up on her own without holding on to anything.




Then she started walking without any help at all. She is so proud of herself, but not as proud as her parents.