Halloween

Here are photos of our second pumpkin hunting trip and of trick or treating around our neighborhood. Fiona tasted her first candy tonight. Starburst is a hit. She even mastered "trick or treat" at each house. But the highlight of her night was when her friend, Riley, arrived so the two little friends could see each other's costume. Very cute.

Pumpkin Huntin' 2010 Continued

Last week we made two, yes count 'em, two pumpkin hunting trips. October in Oregon has been so rainy this year, we decided to yank Bryan out of work in the middle of the week last week because the weathermen assured us an afternoon of dry weather. This particular pumpkin patch was great for little kids like ours. Fiona got to ride the "choo-choo" to the pumpkin patch, jump on a hay pyramid, and then ride a pontoon boat back toward our car. It was sheer bliss for her as you'll notice her pointing in several pictures to the "choo choo!!!"

Pumpkin Huntin' 2010

Stupid computers

So, I thought I'd uploaded a slew of photos with my most recent update, but found out only one photo uploaded. I'm trying this again...

September Already!

Hello loved ones. Where has the summer gone? Today is rainy and cold. Bryan is thrilled. Me, not so much. We had a fantastic summer, but it absolutely flew, and I'm just not ready for fall yet. Harumph.

This was a summer of many firsts for our little girl. We spent a few days at the coast with Grandma and Grandpa No-No. We assumed Fiona would be hesitant to enter the frigid Pacific waters, but instead she jumped in without hesitation, running through the surf, screaming "BEACH! BEACH! BEACH!!!" In fact, I had to physically see to it that she didn't jump head first into the oncoming waves. The child is a maniac. She gets that from her father.

Her love of shoes moved to a whole new level when her Aunt Mary Frances bought her a pair of purple, bejewelled children's dress up heels this summer. I've included some photos here. And I recently learned she is ready for princess dress up sessions, during a recent Costco trip. She spotted the frilliest, multi-colored little girl petticoats from 4 rows away. "Pretty" she repeated emphatically throughout our entire Costco excursion, after I made the mistake of letting her hold the petticoats. Hold them she did...white-knuckled...for the next hour throughout the store. She wasn't even interested in food samples because that would require her to release her new treasures.

Fiona is still a chatter box, and we're beginning to understand some semblance of sentences. Today she pointed at the polka dots on the swim suit she found in a laundry basket, and told me they were "polka circles." As you see, she is learning her shapes. We're also working on colors, but at this point everything is "blue."

I'm realizing I gave birth to the world's first human recorder as she repeats absolutely everything I say. And, of course, she remembers every word and phrase I wish she'd forgot. "Oh shoot!" is her favorite exclamation these days. Lovely. I suppose it could be worse....

We began the potty training process this summer, but I'm realizing it will be a lengthy process considering she's more interested in carrying around her big girl toilet seat on her arm like an hand bag than using it as an actual toilet. However, this evening she hoisted her toilet ring off the actual toilet, set it on the couch, and plopped her little bottom on it, letting me know she was going potty (not to worry - her diaper and pants were still on). All she needed was a remote control and magazine. I do believe it gave her father some ideas. I wouldn't be surprised if he applies for a patent on that idea tomorrow.

Fiona and I were in New Mexico for a long weekend in August for an all-school reunion. Since I went to a very small, private school in Belen, an all-school reunion was organized instead of just a class reunion. It was amazing to see so many school mates and meet their children. What a wonderful time it was.

I've enjoyed a 5 week break between terms. I'll be teaching my next writing course in just a couple weeks. Bryan's job is going well, and he's stayed busy playing soccer and basketball this summer.

We're enjoying our many blessings and hoping you are as well.

Love to you all,

The Bustamante Clan

Mommy's Shoes

At 18 months, Fiona's individuality is certainly shining. "No" is her most practiced word at the moment, and she has an opinion on many issues lately. Her tastes in fashion have also become quite distinct over the last month or two. Not having reached 2 years yet, Fiona is developing a deep infatuation with Mommy's (and sometimes Daddy's) shoes. Here are some photos of her attempts to strut her stuff in Mommy's heels.

This and That