May The Force Be With You

I'm finally getting around to posting our Halloween pictures. This year with a child we mostly focused on taking a bunch of photos of Merrick, because really that is the only reason why we even dress up babies, for our own enjoyment!
We headed over to Ladera Ranch to have dinner with family and to let Merrick go "trick-or-treating" with his cousins. Adam & I did not plan out our costumes this year so last minute I did my best at making Princess Leia buns & Adam went as...

Danny Gokey!

With Adam's glasses he slightly resembles Danny Gokey from American Idol last season. As we were outside going from house to house, Chris & Nick would pretend to be on the phone to someone talking about "Danny Gokey in Ladera Ranch trick or treating". I don't think anyone really even paid attention or even cared for that matter but is was still funny to hear.

Bob Wiley:
"Doctor Leo Marvin!"
"What if I'm looking for a bathroom, I can't find one and my bladder explodes"
The list could go on and on...

Our little Yoda

Darth Vader pulling Yoda in the wagon

Family photo

Merrick is happy the night is over!

While Adam's Away....

...Merrick & I will fly to Utah!

A couple weeks ago Adam had to fly to Italy for work and I wasn't too excited about spending 5 nights alone. My grandpa Emmett has recently been diagnosed with cancer and had just arrived home from the hospital after removing some tumors a couple days before I flew to Utah.
Merrick had only visited his great-grandparents once in July but I of course never snapped any photos. It was wonderful to see them a couples times during my trip. I loved visiting Utah this time of year but just seemed to always be cold, I didn't think the warm weather of CA would affect me so quickly. Merrick loved all the attention he received and it continued on the plane ride home. There was a couple sitting next to us on the plane & the wife really wanted to hold Merrick the second we sat in our seats. She continued to play with him through take-off, the drinks & snack, and eventually he fell asleep in her arms during the rest of the flight. I didn't know what to do with myself, I wish I had brought a book to read or something. Thank goodness for SkyMall!

Little Keebler Elves

Back in the middle of October my sisters came to Dana Point for the weekend. With the two babies we did simple activities like going for walks, hanging out at the pool and the pumpkin patch. We of course chose the hottest time of day to dress the boys up in black, long sleeved shirts to take pictures at the pumpkin patch. They were good sports and we were in and out very quickly!
The whole weekend Adam liked to call us little keebler elves and ask how the cookie making was coming a long. One night Adam claimed he heard all four of us talking all at the same time for over an hour...that's what sisters do I guess!

Adam turned 31

Adam celebrated his 31st birthday on October 2nd. He was able to take the day off so we went out for some breakfast, took Merrick swimming, he played some tennis with his brother Chris & then met up with family & friends for some Mexican food. One of Adam's gifts was a Banjo from his mom plus a Mandolin from me & tickets to see Pearl Jam tomorrow night with his brother Chad. I'd say turning 31 isn't too bad!

Merrick enjoying the balloons the next day - isn't he such a little chunk? We love our little chubby baby!

LA County Fair!

Merrick with his uncle Chad

Some of the group cooling off

Grandpa Dale, Merrick & Adam

A little sampling of some deep-fried food

Riding the fair rides - whose ready to "Tango"!
Normally I don't ride carni rides but Adam & Chris went on this crazy ride called Tango that spins & twists you until that fried food feels like making it's way back up. Adam didn't think I would enjoy it so he mustered up the energy to go again. Of course I loved it & Adam felt sick afterward.

Before the ride really started to "dance"

and after!

Last week we made a stop at the Los Angeles County Fair with members of the Marquis clan. It was a hot day but that didn't stop us from consuming some deep fried White Castle hamburgers, veggies, twinkies & snickers as well as our favorite Mexican Funnel Cake pictured here. Merrick did great at the fair, just enjoyed the company & relaxing in his stroller. A great way to spend an incredibly hot autumn day in October!

Growing Like A Weed

Merrick is 6 months today. He is growing so fast, I can hardly believe it. Today we took him for his check-up & he was huge!
Weight: 20 lbs. (90th)
Length: 29 in. (90th)

I was totally shocked. He had always been in the 50th - 75th range but now the 90th? The Dr. did mention that this doesn't necessarily reflect his future height but that he is eating really well. Which is true, our children will never be outrageously tall but Merrick is eating & sleeping really well (if you can't already tell by his yummy cheeks). We have introduced sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas & apples into his diet so far & tomorrow I will be making pears. My mother in-law bought me a BEABA for my birthday this past year & I absolutely love it. I can steam fruits & veggies for either 5, 10 or 15 min. and then just a few minutes after that to puree it. Presto! Merrick has some great, fresh baby food! Last night I even snacked on some of his sweet potatoes for my dinner.

Merrick is such a good baby, I really hope all my babies behave like Merrick (so far). He reaches for everything so he can put it in his mouth. He is sitting up great now, loves to say "Da Da" - even though it's not his first word - but Adam is pretty stoked. Every time Merrick says "Da Da" I just repeat "Ma Ma" - one day, right?
I just love watching this kid grow & explore everyday. He makes all sorts of funny sounds with his mouth & then looks to me for my approval & applause. We're so proud!

Tony Hawk & the Grommets...

Saturday brought excessive heat to the OC so the nephews and I found a great way to cool down...mummifying ourselves in sweaty protective gear - and skating cement bowls at the local skate park! "Skate or Die...Die-Die-Die-Die!" (loved that video gamed)

In Ladera Ranch everything is monitored - even down to the length of your yard's grass. So I was not surprised when the local enforcer (patrol) entered the park and asked me to wear my "elbow pads." Christopher & Briggs had some moments but I believe the ole 30-yr-old took the trophy - almost breaking his neck and dying of heat exhaustion all within a 20-minute swallsy session!

Christopher & Briggs: TEAM RAZOR

good thing the elbow pads came in handy...

Ladera Ranch Skatepark 30-yr-old Patron