We couldn't wait until christmas

A leisurely stroll

The jump

Leaves are falling all around

 They make a carpet on the ground... I forget how the rest of that goes.  In this case however, its not a carpet, but a big fluffy pile to jump into.  Elijah and Evie would disappear when they jumped into it because it was so high.  Tony pulled out a step ladder so they could get a good angle for the jump.

 Tony tried to get in on the action, but was quickly butted out by those who wanted to jump.

 Elijah helped with the piling of the leaves

 And also the jumping-into of the leaves.

It is very beautiful here during the fall, the leaves on the street in front of the house are bright yellow and glow through the windows when the sun comes out.  I love it!  Now if we could get like a week of snow, then have it be spring, I'd be good.

Friends and karate

 When we visited VA a few weeks back, Elijah and Lizzie became pretty good buddies.  At least on Elijahs part, I don't know if Lizzie appreciated having a 3 year old around to take her toys as much as Elijah enjoyed playing with them.  But they had fun nonetheless.

 While we were there, we dropped in on a Karate class taught by Mary and Tim!  They even gave elijah his own karate uniform (which he wore as his Halloween outfit, I like to make the most out of things). He was less than impressed for the first few minutes, but quickly caught on when he realized that Lizzie participated so well!

 He tried a few kicks and a few exercises.  He still knows how to Hi-Yah! now that we are home.  In order for him to do it, he usually insists on having a piece of paper to kick so it makes the loud noise, like in class.

We get to go back to VA next month for an early Christmas and to see new baby Taylor whenever he or she decides to make an appearance (next week, I predict)  A very exciting time.  Maybe we will be able to do another karate class!

The Biz

 So in case you didnt know, Tony and I own Timberwolf Crossfit.  Things are going fairly well, people continue to come in and sign up and Tony loves being his own boss. The kids and I like heading over there during the day to hang out when he is not too busy and does not have any classes scheduled.

Whenever we get in the car Elijah asks if we are going to one of two places, Daddy's gym or the gwoswee (grocery) store.  Because those are basically the only places we go.  That and story time.
We are hoping for things to pick up a little more with the colder weather now and people referring friends to the gym.  After a few more things are worked out with the city and will the billing system, it should be pretty smooth sailing. 
New shirts and hoodies are coming in next week!  We got some in the kids' size so I will put up some pictures of them when they come in!

Autumn time

 The weather is permanently cooler now.  This means that Holiday season is in FULL SWING!  I am very excited to venture out into crowded shopping areas to search for the perfect gifts.  Also, I am excited to lay out decorations.  I mean, who can resist making paper turkeys out of little traced hands or one of my new favorites THIS. 
We kicked things off by warming things up around here.  Evie picked out her new long johns.

 We ventured out on some brisk fall walks.

 When we went to VA at the end of September, we went apple picking! Nothing says fall like more apples than you can possibly consume (Apple pie? Apple fritters?  Lets throw some apples on those pancakes..).

 Elijah was not so impressed with the idea.

 Jen helped to pick up some of the apple picker slack.

 And I just thought I would throw this one in.  The only pictures I got of G.Deb and Evie, Evie wouldn't take her finger out of her nose.  I keep trying to convince her this is not a 'pose' and that it is not the position that should be assumed when the camera comes out.

A Party

 I know this is late, but here are some pictures from Elijah's birthday party that we threw!  It was a little bit for me too, but mostly Elijah.
One present that he got was a little portable Thomas set.  He carries it around sometimes like a business man and his briefcase.

 Our friend Megan, who comes to the gym, just happens to be sort of a pastry chef.  SO we recruited her to make the cake!  Thank you, Megan!!  Even Tammy, who is not usually much of a cake fan, loved it.

 We had the party at the gym, because it had space.

 Evie was a little sneaky cake stealer.

 Megan also made a fruit tart for me!  The most delicious amazing berrylicious yummy fruit tart I have eaten.  Ever.

Long story short, Elijah is three.  And we plan on locking Megan in the basement, to churn out desserts for us whenever we please.