Dreamy Draw Hike
We borrowed a friend's backpack this morning and went for a hike, taking advantage of the AMAZING weather!! Derek LOVED being on Daddy's back. He had a great view of everything - bikers, runners, other hikers, cactus, etc. We even ran into a coyote!! We paused while the coyote howled and waited for him to move before hiking past. Half way through the hike we let Derek do a little exploring of his own. He picked up several rocks to take home. We can't wait to do many more family hikes in the future!

Making sure the pack worked the night before. Derek got such a kick out of being on Daddy's back.

 Getting set before the hike.

 Exploring on his own.

Fall Festivities
This past weekend we took Derek to MacDonald's Ranch for some fall festivities. It is a family run ranch and is actually free to visit all year long, except for the month of October. We will definitely be back to see the animals. While the weather was by no means fall feeling, we had so much fun! We went on a hay ride, picked out a pumpkin, pet some animals, sat on a horse (not his favorite), and ran through the hay maze.

SLIDES
Derek has been enjoying slides and we wanted to share these videos!! Enjoy his laugh!!

Special Mama Memories
Tonight was a night that I want to remember for years to come. Matt has been out of town for a conference for a couple of days. Derek and I were watching some videos on my phone from the park when Derek was going down the slide laughing hysterically. Matt was in the video too. As we watched the video, Derek would get so excited to see Matt and would saying "Dadda, Dadda, Dadda" enthusiastically while tapping the phone on Matt's picture. When the video would end he would sign "more." We'd watch the video again and Derek would do the same thing. He was clearly missing his Daddy and it was precious to watch him get so excited about seeing him on the video. I wish Matt could have seen Derek's response to the video. Derek was very upset when I told him it was time for bed and cried hard as I carried him up the stairs to his room. We read stories and I put him down for the night. As I closed the door Derek cried and cried and cried, which is not normal for Derek. There are only a handful of times when we have gone in to Derek's room after putting him down for the night. But I could sense that something was different tonight. I went back into his room and picked him up out of the crib. We sat in the rocking chair and I sang to him for about 30 minutes. It was a precious time for me. Derek was so content to just sit in my lap (he rarely sits still). After rocking him for a while I held him and sang. He placed his head on my shoulder and I could hear his breathing relax and become rhythmic. It was a moment I want to remember forever. I love my son and love my husband even more. I am so grateful that Derek LOVES Matt and Matt loves Derek and values spending time with him.

It's A.....Girl!!! 
We had our 20 week ultra sound this morning and we are thrilled to announce that we are having a GIRL. Baby Girl Buman is scheduled to arrive March 8th, 2012. We feel so blessed that she is healthy and growing right on schedule. This first picture is my favorite as she was showing off her backflip!!

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa
Following the visit from Grammy and Pops, Grandma and Grandpa came to spend some time with Derek. It was so nice to have them at our house. We had a busy weekend.

Thanks for coming Grandma and Grandpa!!

climbing through the hay bale maze at the Children's Museum

 going through the "car wash."

Paul and Marilyn celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary and we went to brunch at an amazing Barrio Cafe an authentic Mexican restaurant. It was delicious.

Derek was so tired, he ended up falling asleep in my lap during brunch. It was so sweet!

Paul helped Matt with many house projects. Derek wanted to take part in the action. Here they are installing a new garbage disposal.

 eating corn on the cob

 hanging out with Grandpa and holding Mama's shirt

Here is a rose from our own backyard. I am so proud that the rosebush is producing beautiful flowers even after the crazy summer heat!

Happy Father's Day!!
This year Derek and I wanted to get Matt a grill for Father's Day, but with the upcoming move we decided to postpone the purchase until we were settled. This past weekend we finally bought Matt his grill. Its been so fun to grill again and we look forward to many more delicious meals! We love you Matt!!

Visit from Grammy and Pops!

Grammy and Pops came for a visit over Columbus Day weekend. Derek had so much fun with them and vice versa. Matt and I went away for a night to a resort in Scottsdale. It was amazing to have 24 hours together without Derek, although it was so fun to come home to him. While we were away, Grammy and Pops took Derek to the train park. He had a fantastic time riding the trains. We can't wait for their next visit.

 Pops and Grammy came with us to the Children's Museum. Afterwards we had lunch with Matt.

 

  Pure joy!!!

Derek has so much fun in the water table....sometimes more fun dumping out all the water.

 Putting together Derek's new trike! Derek couldn't wait to get riding.

 And he's off...I am not sure if he has more fun riding, pushing or ringing the bell on the trike.

Derek loves Pops and Grammy!

October Family Photo

My Gym

When Grammy and Pops came to visit, I was finally able to take pictures of Derek at his My Gym class. Here are some of the thing he LOVES to do.  

jumping into the balls

swinging

 

 climbing

 

jumping on the trampoline

 hanging on the bar

walking on the balance beam

 

  

 walking down the slide

basketball

"turtle time" where Derek plays with the other kids and I sit with the other parents and watch

 helping clean up after "turtle time," Derek LOVES to carry the ball bucket back to the supply room