Busy start to November

Liam's had a pretty big week. Last weekend, he visited Salisbury, MD to attend Cousin Eliza's Christening. While there, he got to see Uncle Colin and Aunt Steph, GG and Grandpa Gallagher, and Granny. He had SOO much fun running around outside with Uncle Colin (and inside by himself), and he even tried to sing some hymns during the service. He behaved pretty well for an active two-year-old boy, and I am very sorry we did not get any pictures!

Back on the homefront, Liam received some surprises. First, Papa sent an early Christmas gift...his very own rocking chair from when PAPA was a little boy. Liam took to it right away and seems very pleased to have a chair his own size. See photo below.

Liam was also chosen to be "Star of the Week" in his classroom at school. This required Mama to send in some photos, fill out an informational sheet, and send in Liam's favorite book (this was tough--he has so many!) The sheet and photos went up on a special bulletin board, and I took a photo with my phone so Geoff could see it. I wish I had taken one with the real camera. Oh well. See photo.

And last, Liam is really starting to love his Auburn Tigers more and more. After watching me this season, Liam has started saying "War Eagle, Hey!" during kickoffs. It is one of the cutest things I have EVER heard. Even my Tide fan family members will have to admit this is pretty darn cute. See video.

Halloween

What with Geoff being out of town, Liam's and my colds, and my working late on Monday, I was not really in the Halloween mood when Liam and I got home. I hadn't had the energy to carve our pumpkin that weekend (the first time that has EVER happened to me), so I was scrambling to make something out of our pumpkin. I ended up swiping some of Liam's Mr. Potato Head pieces along with his farmer hat that he refused to wear to create a "Country Pumpkin" (word play on bumpkin in case you missed that). He turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself!

After a quick dinner of crock-pot roast leftovers, Geoff was able to Skype with us so he could see Little Farmer Liam. After that, it was time to trick-or-treat. We started at our next-door-neighbors' house, where Liam quickly learned what to do. At the next 3 houses, he wasn't intimidated at all, and even asked for "More" after each house! Seeing his wonder and joy was enough to put me in the Halloween spirit (no pun intended). After visiting the 4 houses of very friendly neighbors, it was time to come home to help hand out candy. Liam ran to the door each time there was a knock and loved handing out our treats. In between trick-or-treaters, Liam had time to explore the contents of his pumpkin and even got to eat one piece of candy before bathtime and bed.

All in all, it was a great Halloween. We were sad to be without Geoff but grateful he was able to participate in some way thanks to Skype!

Showing Dada a piece of our blinds that had fallen.

Little Farmer Liam, ready to go!

Checking out the jack-o-lanterns at the O'Neails' house

Receiving the first treat!

Putting it in his pumpkin

Liam and the Country Pumpkin (Bumpkin)

Checking out the loot!

Train and Merry-Go-Round fun

Liam's friend Noah celebrated his 2nd birthday party at Burke Lake Park here in Fairfax County. It was fun, especially because the party included rides on the train and the merry-go-round. Liam enjoyed both, and Geoff and I enjoyed Liam's sheer happiness of both rides. Despite the fact that I am the one waving at Geoff from the merry-go-round and not Liam (who is hanging on for dear life), it brought to mind this William D. Tammeus quote...

“You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back.”

Fire Station Fun!

Last Saturday morning, our local firehouse hosted an Open House. Geoff, Liam, and I decided we had to take an up close and personal look at the firetrucks and ambulances. Not only did we get to see the insides of various emergency vehicles, Liam also got to operate a fire hose with Dada's help. We watched some of the older kids practice the ol' "Stop, Drop, and Roll" move as well as crawl to safety in a darkened tunnel. Liam was not keen on trying those activities, however.

It was a fun morning, and Liam was too cute in his fire hat...when we could get him to wear it!

Meeting Eliza Mae

Last Wednesday, Colin, Steph, and little Eliza made the trip over to pick up Papa. We took advantage of the visit in order to meet that sweet baby girl for the first time. When Liam and I got home from our days at school, Steph was upstairs with the baby. We could hear Eliza crying (only slightly--she was getting a diaper changed and was just a tiny bit upset over it), and Liam immediately said, "Baby." When Steph brought Eliza downstairs, Liam was interested in her. He looked at her and said her name ("Zie-zuh") a couple of times before running off to play with cars with Uncle Colin.

Then it was MY TURN with the baby. She napped on my shoulder for a good half-hour, and at first, Liam was okay with it. He came to rub her back and look at her, but as time went on and I continued to hold Eliza, he started to get jealous. At one point, he even tried to push her away while saying, "Go!" But Uncle Colin and Aunt Steph were able to distract him pretty well so I could get my Baby Eliza fix.

When Geoff got home, we had a nice family pizza dinner before taking a couple of pictures and saying good-bye. It was a short visit, but well-worth it. Eliza is a sweet, beautiful baby, and we cannot wait to see her again! Hopefully, the next time we will be able to get a good shot of the cousins together!

Sweet Eliza gazing at her Mommy!

Entranced with her Mama!

Whoa Uncle Geoff! What the heck is up with that gigantic camera?

Papa's Visit

Geoff, Liam, and I got to spend some good, quality time with Papa this week. He arrived on Saturday, the 8th, and started impressing Liam right away. First he played on the playground, allowing Liam to drive the firetruck.

Then on Monday, he accompanied us to Hollin Farms, where we intended to pick out our Halloween pumpkin. First, we had to check out the view. The leaves are just beginning to turn in the Shenandoah Mountains, so it was a GORGEOUS site.

The Liam found the bouncy castle, and was fascinated by all the stink bugs inside.

After we convinced Liam to get out of the bouncy castle, he was able to find a pumpkin that was JUST right for a little boy.

We then attempted to get some shots with Papa, but Liam was not having any of this sitting still and posing business.

After the farm visit, we stopped in Middleburg for lunch, where Mr. Cool wanted to wear Dada's hat and glasses while enjoying his chocolate milk (his first!) outside.

Papa was a good sport, and Liam was sorry to see him leave on Wednesday. It was a great visit, and we hope Papa enjoyed himself as much as we did!

Liam had learned to identify his ABCs by site. He began to do this not long ago, but still didn't know every single one until recently. I am super proud, of course, and had to show off my little smartie pants!