Date nights!!!

The other night Landen and I were talking and he asked me what I needed from him. I couldn't really think of an answer right then because I was tired and a little irritable (all you have-been pregnant moms can relate). But as we continued to talk he told me how ever since we found out I was pregnant with our third that I have been a little with-drawn and not real affectionate. When he told me this, I knew he was right, and I kind of realized what it is that I need from him. I realized that I was beginning to feel like an old maid in some ways, or kind of losing my identity as "Carli" and was now a mom to three kids! With running a house, making dinners, changing diapers, grocery shopping, reading books, etc, etc.... I was kind of getting in a rut. Now, I absolutely love being a mom and Caleb and Halle mean so much to me, but I told Landen that I need a little "spice" or something different to break up the norm. I need breaks and I need to spend time with Landen just the two of us (especially when the third comes).

We go out every once in awhile, but it is always to dinner and we always end up talking about when we move, or money, or the kids. I told him that I want to go on dates and do things that involve no talking (or maybe a little), but mainly things we can do to have fun together like when we were dating and I don't have to think about the kids, or what I am going to make for dinner the next night. Some ideas I had were swing dancing, plays, the Nutcracker, getting hot chocolates and going to the lights of Christmas display, going to movies, I mean, we live in Seattle there are tons of great things to do with the person you love! We decided that we would go on two dates a month and I would plan one and he would plan one and they would be a surprise (I know that over half of his will be Husky basketball games- but that's alright I love basketball). I am going to plan the first date and I am really excited because I already have an idea in mind...

I think that what we are doing is so important because I want our marriage to be our first priority. I want our kids to see that Landen and I love to be together, so they can be secure knowing we love each other. You will all have to hold us accountable on this because it is easy to be too busy and not make time for eachother. I will keep you updated on our dates and put some pictures up of my hot husband when we go out!

Halle in pigtails!

So I am finally able to get Halle's hair in pigtails

(well, somewhat- they kind of look like little horns)

but I think she looks so cute!

Happy Birthday Landen/ Happy Halloween!

After the Harvest party- the kids wanted to

do their favorite thing- wrestle with daddy!

Great family pic- hmm...where's Landen? Landen

and Caleb are construction workers, Halle is a bunny

and I am a nurse. Halloween is also Landen's birthday

so that day we had some friends and family over

for an early chili and muffin dinner (and Deann's

delicious mudpie) and then we went to the

Harvest Party at our church.

Halle was perfectly content to sit for awhile in the

middle of the Harvest party just sucking on a wrapped

sucker.

Caleb and Princess Bella
Me, Halle, Amy, and a Viking Lady

Elizabeth and me

Landen and the kiddos- Happy Birthday daddy!

Grammy Dee and her little bunny

Mr. Construction worker and Mr. Hudson the

football player

Mr. Grant the turtle and the bunny

Our little bunny

Out for a walk

A couple of days ago, the weather was so nice

so we decided to take the kids on a nice evening

stroll! On our walk we found a big pile of leaves so we

did our own photo shoot.

(above: I love Halle's face in this picture :)

Caleb thought it would be a better picture if

he layed down?
The kids waiting for Landen to throw leaves
on them!

Caleb all bundled up before we left

Halle just being Halle :)

SURPRISE!!!!

Our trip to Spokane October 9-14th

Our family made the 5 hour trip to Spokane once again, but this time it was to see Eric, Sarita, and Lily- we hadn't seen them since Christmas! It was so great to see them, and to see how well the kids liked each other! When Lily first got off the plane, she came right to me and cuddled with me for about 20 minutes- I loved it! Lily really liked Halle a lot and loved to hug her and kiss her and touch her belly. She also thought it was lots of fun to chase Caleb around the house! We had such a great time seeing Eric and Sarita as well- Sarita and I were actually able to get out by ourselves for some coffee time- thanks Grandma! We loved our time with the family and we look forward to the next time we can see them again!

Lily's dedication

On Sunday Lily was dedicated at the church

Eric, Kristen, and I grew up in. Here are the

three kids all dressed up! (yes, Halle is

holding Grandma's toothbrush that

we still can not find to this day)

Grandpa with his two pretty grand daughters!