Silly guy

Our 5 Year Old!

Autumn had a super fun 5th birthday week! She had about 7 friends over the weekend before her birthday. She wanted a castle cake, which was Mommy's first attempt at making a homemade cake. (There is a cake under all of those ice cream cones).



They all lined up to pull strings on the pinata (kids don't swing at them blindfolded anymore!)



Lots of candy and big lollipops were enjoyed by all. Then we sent everyone home!!



We also had a "family" party the weekend after her birthday.

She had yet another cake and more presents too.



Opening gifts with her cousins, Hope, Adi and Brooke.

(Joshua's wandering out of the picture).

All in all, she had a great time. When she went to bed after the last celebration she asked, "Mommy, how many days until my next birthday?"

Sorry so long!

We've been fairly busy lately but somehow I haven't thought there's been too much to post about. We are happily busy - getting ready for fall with outdoor projects, Autumn started dance class a few weeks ago, we've enjoyed some cooler weather for running and Chris and I have been doing a number of races. The kids just keep us laughing CONSTANTLY and every night one of us is saying..."It was so cute today when Autumn did..." or "Joshua had me cracking up today when he...." Their personalities are very different yet they compliment each other and play so nicely together. He is definitely the clown and will be content to be on stage anywhere. And Autumn is his audience and is constantly laughing and egging him on. I am enjoying these times immensely and know that they go too quickly so we are holding on tight to every moment. Hard to believe that Autumn will be 5 tomorrow! She had a party with her friends this past weekend and we are having a cake and ice cream party with family this weekend so I will be posting more pictures soon!

We had some family pictures taken a few weeks ago. Autumn is "almost" 5 and Joshua is "almost" 1 1/2 in these pictures. I just had my birthday on Friday but never mind my age! :-)





Here is Autumn celebrating Uncle Robbie's birthday on September 11. She adores him and can't get enough of his silliness! (Something tells me Joshua is an Uncle Robbie clone. God help us! Just kidding Rob! (Sort of.)




And here's Mr. Disaster in the refrigerator. Yes, those are his pants hanging off like a rapper in the making. Hopefully most of the 12 month size clothing that I have from this summer will fit him next summer - never mind that he'll be over 24 months then!

Will send a post again soon with news about the 5 year old!!

Before and After

Well, it was time to get rid of the mullet. Yes, Joshua had his first haircut today (at least, his first non-mommy haircut) and joined Autumn and me at the salon. He was such a good boy and sat still for most of the entire cut. I can't believe how different he looks! He is such a sweet, handsome boy (not that he wasn't before, but he was getting a big straggly). Here are the before and after shots:





Oh yes, and Autumn was the official photographer to chronical the big event. At first, she didn't quite get the hang of it and here's what we got:






But she soon became a pro and took some nice shots for his scrapbook.






And the most important thing of all to a 4 year-old:

A new walker in the house...and it's not the dog!

Yep, we finally have taken a few steps!! It was last night (Thursday) after dinner when we put Joshua on the kitchen floor and he pushed up to standing and took 5 steps, then fell forward to his hands and pushed back up to take 7 more. He was so excited (because we were making quite a commotion) that he just laughed and giggled and crawled all over the place not quite sure what to do with himself. This video was taken this morning. My cousin, Colleen, arrived for a visit last night and we are glad she got to witness his first steps too! Very exciting times in the Garges house!

Trip to Vermont

We returned early Tuesday morning from our visit to "camp"- Lauren's family's summer house in Vermont. This is one of the greatest places on earth and we don't know anyone who has been there who has not come home refreshed and peaceful. This was Joshua's first visit and although Autumn has been there before she was really too young. So they were both indoctrinated and we all had a fabulous time.


Here is bright blue eyes, taking in the view from the rocker on the porch.

The motor boat was a hit!

Joshua met one of his developmental "milestones" while at camp...standing unassisted for an extended period of time and walking while holding our hands. Yes, he is 16 months old...a little delayed but catching up fast!

We visited Billings Farm and Autumn had lots of fun. Here she is churning homemade ice cream...

...learning how to use a loom...

...and being shown how to knit.

We enjoyed lots of hugs and roasting marshmellows for smores.

Joshua can't wait to be a big boy and help with the boat.

The water was refreshing and fun!

Finally, a beautiful sunset before we left camp on Monday night. It's always hard to leave but we will keep this picture in our mind's eye all year until we return again.

Weekend Fun

We had a great weekend celebrating Lauren's cousin's, Anna and Doug's, college and HS graduations in PA. Family came in from N.Carolina, Florida, Pittsburg, Ohio, New Jersey and New York.

Here is Joshua and BePa at the pool at Nockamixon state park. Joshua especially enjoyed the water mushrooms.



Joshua and Brooke love their Kix.



We call him Spiderman. He scaled this tunnel slide with no problem.



Autumn enjoying cake at the party.



Autumn, Brooke and Mommy's cousin, Kristen,
who everyone loves so much!



Amma and Ampa enjoying a raucous game of
bowling on Nintendo Wii. (Ampa bowled a 143 on
his first try).