Future Broadway Star

No one was paying attention at first, but I kept hearing Havanna yell "Melmo!  Melmo!"  That's Elmo in baby talk.  You could only see a hand behind the curtain, but she was back there with the Bert and Ernie puppets on, just putting on a show.  We opened the curtains for her and gave that precious little girl the attention she deserves.  She truly enjoyed entertaining us.

In sickness and in health.

It's been a tough week for the Downey's.  I came down with some sort of stomach bug.  Thank God it was on a Tuesday when Nick is home from work.  I slept off and on all day, my body aching and weak.  Havanna seemed to have the same sickness and puked several times before noon.  Nick deserves Father of the Year award for taking over.  He took care of all the mess, made the meals, and just let me rest.  I would be lost without him.  This morning this were seeming quite a bit better, and Havanna was back to her bubbly self.  Then, this afternoon Talullah started to complain about a stomach ache.  By this evening she had puked multiple times and was feeling plain miserable.  I had to smile though when she came to me in the kitchen and said "Mom, I don't want to tell you this.... but I puked a little on your carpet."  My poor little babies.

MONSTERS

It's that time of year again.  I refuse... I'm actually physically unable to go in the backyard to water the garden.  Talullah now has the daily chore of letting the chickens out.  These monstrous Halloween spiders are EVERYWHERE.  Their webs reach from coop to apple tree.  From tomato plant to tomato plant.  From fence to trampoline.  From rose bush to front porch.  From van to garage.  E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E.  I'm literally a captive in my own house.
As a side note, my husband has suggested in times past that I might have a big of a dramatic side.  But seriously.  I'm not exaggerating here.  Look at the size of that spider!  Last year I stepped right into a web while stepping out my back door and I'm almost certain I suffered a mild heart attach as I twirled three times and dropped to the floor.

Baby Dallas

I have watched baby Dallas a couple of times while Stephanie is at work.  His big brother Brax is an amazing helper, always so concerned about the well being of his baby brother.  Havanna has simply fallen in love with this tiny little boy.  She was thrilled when we let her hold him, and put her on her best "CHEESE!" face.  Poor Brax nearly had a heart attack when I showed him the photo.  "She HELD him?! Did he cry?  Was he, like, really upset and crying?"  I had to reassure that poor boy that Dallas was safe and sound and that I was fully supervising the entire time.  Isn't that too sweet?  He just loves his little brother.

Just him.

And... Here's a picture of JUST NICK.  I love being in control of something.  Even if it's just a blog.  Nick is a great father, and he is the master when it comes to getting down to the girls level during play time.  It's dress up day, obviously.  And if he would have stood just a few inches to the left it would have looked like a little fairy was resting on his shoulder.  So, there you go.  Here's a recent picture of my dear husband.

Just me

Not very often do I post pictures of JUST ME.  I honestly feel a little vain adding this post.  But secretly (or not so secretly), I kind of like it.  Here's a recent photo Nick took while we were in Fort Bragg celebrating our fifth anniversary.

The Butterfly House

We finally had a chance to go see the Butterfly House in Fortuna, and it was so beautiful.  Aunt Lois, Uncle Ken, and James had come to town for the weekend, so we were doing our best to find fun stuff to occupy their time.  Obviously the Butterly House was actually for the kids, but isn't almost everything.  Aunt Lois is wonderful about enjoying time with children and getting to know each one.  She's always been that way, which is why she's always been the 'favorite'.  There's something almost magical about her.
When we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly couple who care for the butterflies.  They were so knowledgeable and told us all about the stages and styles of the different bugs flying around.  *Are butterflies bugs?  Maybe I wasn't listening so well.*  Berlyn had picked up a magnifying glass and was carefully observing everything.  Talullah was enthralled with the butterflies, even letting them land on her hand.  Havanna REALLY wanted to catch some of the fluttering creatures, so we had to get her out of there quick.  She spent her time checking out the adorable mini horses and playing in the ball pit.  Now... most of you won't fully understand how huge this is.... but I actually got a photo of Aunt Lois with one of the girls.  A full on face shot.  In all of my thirty two years, I don't believe I've ever seen more than a handful of pictures of Aunt Lois.  She is always methodically the woman behind the camera.  It is a rare and special thing to have this treasure for my scrapbook and blog.