Super September!

We love fall although I have to say since moving to Texas it doesn't quite feel like it yet. The one thing that makes it feel like fall is that football is back!

It's just too cute. 

And one with my Oregon girl!

And is that Darth Vader Duck or Jake?

Although we've been focused on football we were excited to take a break to see our own Soccer star, Talia Vivier, play at a tournament in Austin. Talia is part of an exclusive league and boy is it serious!

It felt like a strange glimpse into a possible future with Jake & Allie. I took the kids down on Saturday and saw the game and then we went and hung out with the team at the hotel. Alex went Sunday morning with the kids and I met them later for the championship game. Talia's team didn't win but was amazing and it was so fun to see her in action.

Fun with Pippi!

The next day we went to celebrate Jake's friend Mia's birthday! Earlier in the summer Alex and I went to a party given by Mia's parents that had minnow races. They were so fun and my little fish, Chip Kelly, won it all! So when I heard Mia's party was also going to feature the minnow races, I was extra excited. Voluntarily Jake wanted to name his fish Chip Kelly, I was so proud. I realize perhaps I should mention that Chip Kelly is the coach of the Oregon Ducks!

So there he was in lucky lane number 3, he put Chip in the water and he was NOT off. He did nothing. We blew on him and cheered his name but nothing. Finally he started to go and you could see him channeling the Ducks motto, Fast, Faster, Fastest. Unfortunately, his late start cost him and he didn't Win the Day but it was fun anyhow.

Alex gone for a week in September which was a great way to truly appreciate how nice it is to have a partner who is so helpful and to wonder how single parents do it. All that said, we did great, besides missing daddy of course.

Allie went to her first birthday party for one of her friends. She loved playing with new toys and being around people and other little ones. Allie and birthday girl Addison are hanging out at the party.

I love this one!

The Jewish holidays came quickly this year as did all of Jake's days home from school. Jake and I went to a late (too late for Allie) Rosh Hashanah dinner with friends downtown. It was in the party room of an upscale building downtown and had absolutely gorgeous views despite the overcast sky.

The following weekend Dory, Zayde and Uncle Phillip came to visit as they made their way to Santa Fe for Russell and Shawn's wedding. We had a fun time just hanging out watching the kiddos do what they do best, be adorable!

Uncle Phillip brought out his camera and captured Allie as she was taking some steps but beyond the excitement of the steps was her putting on a total show for the camera. Should have been a video it was so funny!

This new hugging thing they do is just ridiculous!

The last event of the month was our trip to Santa Fe for Russell and Shawn's wedding. Santa Fe was on my visit list for a long time and it didn't disappoint.

The pre-flight airport shot!

Jake chillin' on the shuttle bus. What a big boy!

Santa Fe is beautiful and we had the chance to just hang out and enjoy. Brenna and I tried to go to yoga but went to the bar instead, we had a family dinner on Friday night, shopping with Brenna and Noonie and a new necklace from my sweet husband, and lots and lots of spending time with the family!

At the rehearsal dinner with the Ramati/Toppell cousins

The wedding was held Sunday at Randall Davey Audubon Center, it was absolutely beautiful as were the bride and groom.

Here we are all dressed up for the wedding. I love that Jake's light-saber (thank you, Brenna) made it into our nice family picture!

Jake can always make Allie laugh!

The "cheese" smile has started.

Our gorgeous boy!

Happy girls on a beautiful day!

 The Toppell cousins

Kiddos and Brenna

With Brenna and Ashley

Jake and the groom! 

Part of the excitement of this trip was getting to meet two new baby cousins and to see the next generation of cousins together. Felix (Ashley and Adan) is exactly 3 months younger then Allie and Raphael (Josh and Kadhi) is just a few weeks younger then Felix. It was beyond cute to see the little ones together!

Finally, the baby cousins meet!

Rafa, Felix and Allie attack Mt. Adan! So cute!

We left Santa Fe on Monday, October 1 aka Allie's birthday! We sang happy birthday in our hotel room and Jake announced to Allie that "you're not zero anymore, you're 1!" We had brunch with the family still in town before packing up to head home.

2 generations of cousins!

This has been the fastest year and it has been amazing to watch Allie change from a newborn baby into an adorable, sweet, loving, funny and beautiful little toddler. It's been awesome watching not only Allie but to see what a wonderful big brother Jake is as well! We're so lucky to have these little people in our lives!

Happy Birthday to sweet Allie!

I am one!