Happy Halloween!

Well it's been a busy couple of weeks. We have been to Omaha, but Westin decided it's more fun being a monkey than seeing one in a zoo (okay, technically he saw an ape, but you know what I am saying). We have been enjoying Saturday Game Days. I don't know how you get ready for the Big Game, but Westin and Dalen gear up for the game playing the bongos. Whatever works; those Auburn Tigers are on fire! War Eagle!

Tonight Westin and I sat out on the front porch eagerly awaiting trick r' treaters. We did more waiting than handing out treats and eventually got chilly. Halloween's in Hamilton were truly magical, and this Halloween in Vermillion was underwhelming. Maybe it was off because it is a Sunday night. Who knows. But by 7:30 pm, Westin decided that he was done with Halloween. So we came back inside to play, and low and behold, he pulled himself up for the very first time! I know pretty spooky. Hope that you had an excellent Halloween too!

Westin v Hardwood Floor

I guess you know who won that battle. A hardwood floor really lacks any give for a young tot trying his feet for the first time. What happened? Dada was pulling some clothes out of the dresser, and Westin thought, 'Hey why don't I stand up?!". So, he did. And everything was great, until the little Bean let go and did a full face plant on the floor. When I walked in for lunch, Westin was crying hysterically and Dada looked white as a sheet. My Baby had a swollen nose that was a little bloody and a bump over his left eye. I admit that I had a moment when I cried with my Baby. Did we want to take him to the Emergency Room? Um, YEAH! We are first time parents and so far, this is the most traumatic injury that WestinBean has suffered. After reading the baby book on what to look for for 'traumatic brain injury' (cue the snickering from more seasoned parents), we decided that we were probably overreacting. In the end, Westin, of course, is fine...and for the record, two days later, so are Mama and Dada. :)

Bean's and the Orchard

Happy Native American Day! I know that most of you spent the day as Columbus Day, but not here in South Dakota. They legally changed the day to Native American Day!

Yesterday, we ventured up to Harrisburg, SD to visit the 'Country Apple Orchard'. They have Apple Orchards AND pumpkin patches AND a super fun Pumpkin Festival. The festivities included giant inflatables that you can crawl through, a riding lawn mower-pulled train, a veritable petting zoo, hay rides, ponies that you could ride, ducks and geese to feed, and plenty of pumpkins. It was worth the drive and are plotting next year's adventure. We are anticipating that Westin will be all over Halloween next year. His Halloween outfit is purchased and delivered. Stay tuned for the reveal!

This week's fav reads (in order): That's Not My Teddy, One fish two fish three fish, The very hungry caterpillar.

D-days and On-the-Move

It was a big weekend! It marked our first Dakota Days, aka, D-Days inVermillion. We have been hearing about D-Days since we moved in. Basically it is a week long celebration for USD's Homecoming. I don't know how the game turned out yesterday, but the Parade was a lot of fun (even though it was chilly, bright and during Westin's naptime). We bundled up yesterday morning and went for the first hour. Yes, first hour. We honestly thought the parade was done, then we saw the second wave coming down the street. There are floats and politicians and strange community organizations (ie The Oriental Band..I don't have a picture because they had large swords and lots of musical equipment, so you will have to take my word), and a lot of fun. Hamilton would have parades, but this was the happiest that we had ever been too. You couldn't tell which party the Politicians belonged to, so you could actually meet the people and figure out if you like them. That was refreshing.

Westin is motoring around. No longer can we set him down with toys and expect him to be in the same place, not even for a second. This is in sharp contrast from a week ago. He was getting around, but in the past week, he has mastered speed, and the ability to hone into where he shouldn't be (ie wall outlets). He has two modes of transit: the tripod crawl,and the belly slide. The belly slide is fastest, but the tripod allows the most versatility. CopperDog does not know what to think about Westin's new skills. Copper used to be able to sit just out of reach..well those days are over! Over the past couple of weeks he has also discovered his shadow. This morning, he was particularly interested in it and was singing it a song. Westin's top reads for the week (in order): That's not my teddy..., The very hungry catepillar, and That's not my plane.