Imitation is...

the highest form of flattery... or something like that. Julia declared this one is for Grandpa Rick.

her best "over the glasses" gaze

there might be a little too much smirk around the mouth but she has the eyes down pat

Florida Living

We made a short trip to Florida at the beginning of November to visit Grandma Su-Su and Grandpa Herb (and the Space Center). While it was a short trip it was jam-packed with activities, Floridian activities, like golf, swimming, and fishing! Heaven for the kids!

my goofy seatmate on the plane 

loving the warmth

a golf lesson from Grandpa Herb

ready to hit the links

a lesson from Dad

Fore!

watch out -she's driving!

trying it out for real!

ready to chip it in!

There was one last stop at the NASA store in the Orlando airport on the way home... I think Julia was hoping this guy could come on the plane with us!

Kennedy Space Center

Our first stop on our recent trip to Florida was Kennedy Space Center. Both Andrew and Julia are space fanatics and we've known for awhile that this trip was a must-do. And it lived up to all expectations!

peek-a-boo Benjamin

Constellation globe with the Atlantis boosters in the background

Space Shuttle Atlantis' boosters!

Daddy kisses

Space Captain Julia in a replica of the Atlantis cockpit

Andrew having fun exploring a replica of the International Space Station

Coming out of the International Space Station

the space explorers

Buzz, Neil, and Michael

future employer???

Benj-ism

So Benj's full name is Benjamin Epes Crowder. His pronunciation of it???

Benjamin Oops Crowder 

(I can't help laughing every time)

Cousin-time!

At the end of October we had a visit from Uncle Jeff, Aunt Helki, Annabel, and Finley. Julia and Benjamin were very excited leading up to it and I don't think the excitement wore off until days after they left!

a walk through the neighborhood

pumpkin carving - they all got their hands dirty!

steering the ship at the marine biology center

ride 'em Benjamin

cousin bonding

cuteness!

Benjamin the Baker

Benjamin loves to help out in the kitchen and this month he was in heaven because we made one of this favorite things, donuts! We were looking for a little treat to bring to Halloween party and decided these would be great but of course we had to test them out first!

He had a great time making the first batch and was really good at it!

Julia pitched in to help make the batch for the party and they both were proud of their creations! And they tasted delicious!

Julia Milestone - First Lost Tooth!

We knew it was coming, the tooth had been wiggling and wobbling for months, but while we were on vacation in Florida it was finally time!

Dad did the extracting (not much effort required) and Julia walked around with a gigantic grin (to show off the gaping hole) for a couple of days!

Thankfully the tooth fairy had no problems finding us in Florida!

Happy Halloween

The kids were very imaginative with their Halloween costumes this year. Julia dressed as an airplane mechanic and Benjamin was the Nesquik Bunny (he loves his chocolate milk!).