All in all, a good morning

This morning the babes woke up at 6:30am... a deviation from the recent pattern of waking around 7:30am/8am!  When you're up that early, there are a lot of hours to fill until 11:30am rolls around (Robbie's nap time).

So I got some milk in each babe's belly, buckled them into their carseats, gave Robbie a cup of cheerio's and we headed to the Arboretum to take in the fall colors.  We got there early enough to see 2 deer at different places along the path!  One had antlers that curled a little bit (or horns... not sure what the correct term is?), and both were close enough to the car for Robbie to identify them and put a real life experience to the word 'deer'.

And the great part for me was the added bonus of having the opportunity to catch up with my friend Jennifer, who lives in Florida and just had her second baby (Caleb).  We could chat on the phone since my kids were buckled into their seats and preoccupied by the scenery (and maybe Praise Baby, too), and her littlest guy was sleeping.  It is so encouraging to talk with friends who can understand what you are going through in life, and for Jennifer and I, that includes caring for 2 little ones that are similar in age (Robbie and Tyler are close, and Ellie and Caleb are 2 months apart).  We shared our joys and also our 'what was I thinking?' moments, and encouraged each other in our journeys.  I am so lucky to have this dear friend of 15+ years!  

Upon returning home, both Robbie and Ellie were in a restful mood, so we spent a few minutes on the couch watching cartoons.  Robbie kept asking to "hold" Ellie!  I couldn't help myself... I am a sucker for these moments.

Captivated by Barney (ugh... cannot stand that show)

He kept holding Ellie's hand, saying "hand".  She would smile and let her hand rest in his!  

I hope these 2 are always buddies.  I see mornings like this becoming very common in the next few years...