Kongju (princess)

We figured since Annie fit into Tom's Korean hanbok, we should get some use out of it, and hey, free costume! So she pranced around town as a Korean princess. I managed to snap a few shots before she was off in a candy frenzy.

I stayed home with Max to pass out candy this year, so Tom did his best to represent both of us.

Gramma surprised Annie when we got to her house. She had her hanbok on too! Annie hides her hands under the top in true Korean style. That little flap is there to keep their hands out of the sun.

Double Take

I get deja-vu sometimes when looking at Max. See for yourself.

Apple Cizerd

We were lucky enough to get invited to make cider (Annie calls it cizerd) with some friends from the ward (thanks Myers)! There were thousands of apples. We didn't even make a dent in the number. It was a cool still evening, and the perfect fall activity. The juice was addictingly delicious, but now I want a cider press. I've already written Santa.

The kids were great apple pickers (for at least 3 minutes).

Riding in the cart was way more fun.

The apples got a bath, then we sliced them.

Next we poured them into the press. It was nice to have some male arm strength around to crank the handle.

Max's wasn't brawny enough for the job yet. So instead he gave everyone dirty looks to show his disdain for the cold air.

There were plenty of leaves for all.

Thomas really cranked out a lot of cider! 28 gallons to be exact.

We warmed up our fingers by the fire,

and warmed up our bellies with hot dogs and apple crisp. Then we came home and made hot spiced cider. We've made ourselves sick drinking the stuff.

Max is feeling blessed

And so are we! There was a lot of family here to see the little guy, and Thomas did a fantastic job. What a sweet baby boy we've got.

He fit into his dad's itty bitty shoes from yester-year.

Joys

Life is magnificent lately. When kneeling to pray, I feel selfish to even ask for anything. This summer has been one of the best, and I fully attribute that to our prized collection of friends and family. And now for a summer photo finale:

Maddy came over for a spin on the radio flyer. These girls are best buddies and get along smashingly.

The fair of course! We love watching the people almost as much as eating the food.

Words cannot express Annie's love for the ferris wheel.

We had the most beautiful float on the river with Gramma and Bampa.

With a standout picnic of course . . .

On our way to the hospital (first we grabbed a few groceries and tied up some loose ends around the house).

Annie was busy at Gramma's making a special blanket for her new brother. She picked out the fabric and everything, explaining, "The monkeys on it will make him laugh!"

We're still waiting for the laughter.

What a sweet boy. Life is so good with our new little one at home. So long sweet summer.

Yes, I know, enough pictures already.

We think his hair-do is second to none.

Max described his first encounter with Annie as "tolerable".