Pumpkin Patch

"Look at all these pumpkins," was Greysen's sentiment as we trolled through Kercher's patch. Although fall, it sure did not feel like it with temperatures in the eighties.

Play Time

We are making the most of summer every day and today was no different. After story time at the library, we had a play date with Ethon and Grandma Leslie. The boys had a ball watching some CARS, of course, eating lunch together and running around the backyard play areas. Leslie and I got quite the kick out of watching the two of them interact and play so well together. Greysen looks forward to the next play time with his pal, Ethon.

Zoo Time

As the summer is already flying by, we are trying to make the most of it. Today, we headed to the Pottawatomi Zoo in South Bend. Greysen of course loved the lions and tigers, but also enjoyed the kangaroos, wallabies, tortoises, and having a chance to brush and pet the goats. He loved the train ride and chasing butterflies, but The most exciting part was his first pony ride! Although he was very serious during the ride, he was so excited to ride.

If only hurricanes were not a force to be dealt with, this is where we would live. The sea calls to all of us and we answered the call for a week stay with our family in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, part of the Southern Outer Banks. We had a incredible time during our stay in our huge rental house that gave Greysen the chance to spend the week with grandparents from both families and his Uncle Paul, Aunt Nicole, cousin Braelyn and her Pop Pop, Nicole's dad. We are already trying to convince our families to go back, such a beautiful, peaceful place.

Emerald Isle with The Millers

Jimmy Buffett's former yacht, Sea Jewel.


Papa and Greysen out at Shackelford Banks.



Greysen and Daddy after dinner at McCurdy's checking out the locals.

Life After Taxes

So, yes there is life after taxes. On our first free day after busy season, we took Greysen to Fort Wayne to Science Central. There are areas in Science Central for all ages, but Greysen managed to find something to play on almost everywhere.





After a quick lunch at O'Charley's,which was one of the few days Greysen was actually eating real food lately, he has molars coming in, we headed to Jefferson Pointe to hit a few stores and the play area in the food court. Greysen loves the play area and since we were there on a week day there were only a few other toddlers there. A good day was had by all especially since Daddy was with us!

Spring Has Sprung

Although we still have a few cool days here and there, the grass is green, the flowers are peaking up from the mulch and the birds are singing. That being so, Greysen had his first chance to help Daddy finish mowing the backyard yesterday. Although he has climbed up on the mower before, never while running. When I first put him on Corey's lap he looked a little unsure of the noise, but once they started moving, he was all for it. He was very serious about it, but would crack a grin when I would wave or jump up from behind the fence while trimming. I am sure that Daddy will be able to find a helper again if ever needed.

Outdoor Fun

We have had some beautiful weather this week coming close to seventy. So we have spent some time out in the backyard playground a couple nights. Daylight savings has allowed for some extra light, even though that seems like all we have found good in it since Greysen doesn't think that he should be in bed a hour earlier, a battle he continues to win.

Spring Is Almost Here

So thankfully, that means that tax season is almost over. Not sure Corey can see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but Greysen, Ashi and I have started our count down. Corey has not worked this many hours since Greysen was born, or at least it seems that way, so we need to add a few extra days for rest. We are anxiously looking forward to more Daddy time as the weather begins to show a little warmth, but hear snow may make another appearance in the next few weeks.

Greysen had his second birthday on Friday and we celebrated yesterday with a small gathering at home. Mommy and Daddy were able to go to school on Friday and see how Greysen spends his days without us. What a busy little bunch they are, so active, actually made high school students look a little calm, if you can believe that.

So hard to believe that our little man is already two years old. How quickly the time has already gone. We thank God everyday for bringing such a wonderful little person into our lives and blessing us with him. It is so overwhelming to see him growing into a bright creative loving little person. We cherish each and every moment with him in our lives.

Way to go Colts!

Cheering for the Colts has become a family affair. We are excited to see the Indy Colts head to the Super Bowl and will be anxiously awaiting kickoff.

For the Miller family Christmas, we headed to Raleigh, NC. We decided to drive down this year with presents and toddler necessities, we thought it more cost effective. The weather was beautiful on our trip down and before we were half way there we already hit the upper forties. As we pulled out of Raleigh yesterday morning at 4:30, it was already 42, the weather really pulls you in when you are there in the winter, but as Aunt Nicole reminds us, we wouldn't want to trade their summer heat. the way home proved a little more daunting as we hit some northern winter weather around Cleveland, which definately added to time to the trip.

Greysen was much more aware of Christmas this year and was all but overwhelmed with all of the presents. He was not sure what to play with first and has been pulling all the new toys out during the day. He knows who Santa is, but has not quite made the connection that he is the one who brings the presents. Next year is sure to be even more fun!

During our trip we had a great deal of family time and we able to take Greysen to his first Carolina Hurricane Hockey game and go to the Marbles Children's Museum in downtown Raleigh.

Christmas in Raleigh

Make a Smilebox greeting

Busy, not this time of year...

We are running in circles to keep up with each other. Between music class, swim lessons, Christmas shopping and celebrating Daddy's birthday the days go incredibly fast. One thing that we have made time for is pictures of Greysen. Our friend Heather, a fellow Manchester grad, has begun her own photography business and she takes awesome pics. Greysen was less than cooperative the day we scheduled with Heather, but she still managed to capture photos that we just love. We even decided to share some with you on our Christmas card, who really wants to see Corey and I anyway. We are anxiously awaiting Christmas morning with Greysen to see what "Tanta" brings for him.

See Heather's handy work at baberredbarnphoto.blogspot.com

Spooktacular Halloween

This year for Halloween we had a party to share the frights and sounds of the season. It was a great chance to slow down for the day and talk to everyone about what is going on in their lives. It was a blast to see the kids dressed up and how they reacted to one another in their costumes. Greysen, as a frog, and Tenille, as a unicorn, weren't quite sure what to make of one another. Greysen didn't go treat-or-treating but he made sure that he saw every kid that came to our door, even waving to some of them as they left the porch. It was just adorable, he will surely want to go on his own trek for candy next year!

Mommy's Birthday

Even though it seems like we are busier than ever, we took the time to celebrate my birthday. I love my birthday and there was nothing better to spend it with some of my favorite people. Greysen, Daddy, Grandma Schnick and I went and did a little shopping in the morning and went to lunch. Grandma and Greysen spent the evening together so Corbin and I got to spend some time together seeing a movie.

Cool Fall Afternoons

Eventhough the weather has turned cooler, Greysen still loves to be out in the yard playing and chasing Ashi. When we have a chance we head out to pick up walnuts and sticks, climb on the castle, through the trees and on Greysen's house and climber cube.

Pumpkin Pickin'

Fall is the best time of the year, not only because of my birthday, but because of the falling leaves, the cool crisp air, the lingering scent of a bon fire and of course, s'mores. It seems as though Greysen grows so much each month, but we weren't sure if he would be ready for the adventure to the pumpkin patch. He loved it, absolutely love it, he had a great time roaming around from vine to vine and selecting the perfect pumpkins. He chose three great little ones and mom and dad chose one larger one. He enjoyed it so much didn't want to leave and the fact the he fell in a mud puddle did not deter his spirit of the search for the ultimate pumpkin, not even a tear was shed and he barely gave me a chance to clean him off. Pumpkin pickin' was a success and we already are looking forward to next year.

Hoosiers Win!

After our quick jaunt to the Carribean, the next weekend we headed to Bloomington so Greysen could experience his first I.U. tailgate and football game. Grandma Schnick, as well as Grandma and Grandpa Miller joined us for our Hooisers filled weekend. Greysen loved watching all of the people in the stands and spent quite a bit of time watching the band.