Hangin' Around

It's been a few weeks now that Latham has been able to get out of his crib. For the first little while it was only possible with the help from big brother Ronan, but now Latham can get in and out by himself in a flash.

Yesterday when I was getting the boys ready for bed, Latham got up on top of the crib bars and balanced himself.

He stayed that way for a few minutes, and I don't think the issue was indecision over whether or not to get into his crib, I think he did it simply because he could!

Preschool Sunday

This past Sunday was "Preschool Sunday" at the church where Ronan goes to preschool. The children sang at the 9am service and afterwards there was a bake sale with all the proceeds going towards the preschool's scholarship fund for families with financial difficulties.

Ronan was the child that called out, "Hi Mommy! Hi Daddy!" when he saw us in the audience. There's always one (or more) of those in every children's preformance!

"Out came the sun and dried up all the rain..."

The children did a great job!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Today Ronan's preschool had a field trip to the pumpkin patch. He was so excited to go he had a hard time falling asleep the night before. I signed up as a chaperone (and driver), so Latham was able to join in the fun also.

After a quick tractor ride out to the patch, it was time to start hunting for the perfect pumpkin!

There was a good variety of ones to choose from - the only rule for the children was that they could only pick ones that they could carry!

After picking perfect pumpkins, Ronan and Latham had a great time running in the fields, and exploring some of the bigger pumpkins.

One pumpkin patch + two adorable boys = a great photo opportunity!

The preschool children posing for a class photo - Ronan is second from the right in the black coat.

Then it was time to play on the playground and have a special ride in the barrel cars. My boys took up the last two barrels and had a great time pretending to drive.

Snack time - fresh apple cider and apple slices, yummy!

Latham wanted nothing to do with having his picture taken beside the tractor (firmly telling me, "No!" and running away), but Ronan was all for it.

There was some more time to play, and of course my boys gravitated to the (now stationary) barrel cars.

What a great way to spend a sunny Monday morning!

Baby Bump Picture

Many people have asked for a bump picture, so here it is! I am just starting my 26th week, which is the beginning of the third trimester. Thankfully, it has been a very uneventful pregnancy, and all doctor appointments have gone well without any surprises or issues.

I already feel absolutely huge, although I know I will get much bigger before the little bean arrives in January!

Gone Fishin'

In mid September, Uncle Shane came to visit from Toronto, Ontario. The first night he was here we had a family dinner to celebrate both his arrival and Collin's birthday.

The following Tuesday, Collin, Ronan, Uncle Shane and Richard chartered a boat to go fishing off the coast.

Ronan's reaction to the stinky boat bathroom.

Daddy and son with friend/guide, Dan.

Uncle Shane, Richard and Ronan with fish #1.

Captain Dan

The boys with fish #2.

I was lucky enough to enjoy the catch of the day, which was the tastiest salmon I have ever had!

Fixing the Fence

It is said that good fences make good neighbors. Well, our neighbor decided to hang his hammock on one of the fence posts that his side yard shares with our backyard and, as such, the fence was in need of repair (some people, really!).

Collin took the initiative a few weeks back to repair said fence, and of course Ronan was more than happy to help.

Ronan demonstrating his managerial skills. I've noticed that all the McLoughlins have a knack for directing others. You should see them all in a kitchen trying to make dinner; according to each one of them, everyone else is doing it the wrong way!

Ronan found the bubble in the level fascinating.

Latham was in the house with me, but the goings-on outside were just too interesting to stay indoors. How could I say no to this face?!?

Are six hands better than two? Probably not, but Daddy didn't mind the extra "help".

After the job was completed (or as much could be done until the concrete set), we had a picnic in the backyard.

Daddy finished up the project this past weekend while the boys were visting Nana and Grandpa up north. It was amazing how much faster everything went without the little helpers around!

School Days!

Ronan started Preschool on Monday at a church close to our house. He will go Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

He was so excited about starting his first day, that he had trouble standing still to get a first day of school photo! This was attempt number four, and even though he still looks goofy, it was the best of the lot. As soon as we got his coat and lunch box put away he said, "Bye Mommy!" and he was off exploring the classroom - absolutely no hesitation from that boy.

Notice over his shoulder on the right side of the picture is his coat hook, which coincidentally enough has a picture of him wearing the exact same shirt.