What's in a Name?

I had to make a lot of appointments and phone calls today. Not one person got my name right. It was pretty funny stuff. The various spellings I had were Melonie, Melony (the most common misspelling I see), Mealnie, and my very favorite...Melliane. For the record, not one of them missed Crockett.
Also, any ideas for raising a quick $7,600?? There is a neat eye procedure out there that will really help me someday but alas, today is not that day.

Halloween

We did the annual trunk-or-treat, plus the usual trick-or-treating this year. Costumes switched between the two events; I guess that is one of the perks of having a big box of dress ups.

 If the above picture doesn't capture the essence of their current personalities, I don't know what does!

Our first official family photo...

... that only took three months.

Bowen's Baby Blessing

Our parents were kind enough to come spend the weekend and take part in Bowen's baby blessing. It was a wonderful day. He had his own beautiful outfit again provided by Dave's mom.

 The whole group.

 For some good laughs, zoom in on Carson and Drake in these pictures.

Bowen's Hair

I figured Bowen's hair was epic enough, it probably needed a post of its own. Without further adiue...

 I promise we haven't combed or groomed his hair to look like this; however, the back looks particularly nasty in the picture above because of some spit up while laying down. I guess I should mention that Bowen is quite a spitty baby. I guess if you can't beat it, then laugh. I would tell you some stories, but I'd like to keep this blog PG or less :).

Bowen

Bowen is turning into an incredibly sweet baby. He is sleeping better, growing beautifully and has that wonderful gaping baby smile that can melt the coldest heart. His hair is epic. My mom thinks it looks like Turks (the gorilla best friend) from Tarzan.

 2 Months old

 3 Months old

Brooks

Mr. Brooks and I are learning each other. He is advancing into a new world of language and communication. Much of this includes the most piercing screaming you'd ever hear; I swear he makes my eardrums bleed. He is my smallest proportionately but has the personality to make up for it. He is nobody's puppet. Brooks is adjusting a bit with having a new baby around and while he is giving me a run for my money he is always my most polite. He always says thank you - even between each bite of food you help him with. He likes to play and he loves to sing. His favorite song is one that my Grandpa Gabrielsen taught me. Horsey Horsey. You would be amazed at my repertoire of children's songs. I am pretty sure I can't be beat.

Brooks is currently potty training. He is the one pushing it - since he is still pretty young, I will let him go as often as he is interested but won't force the issue for quite a while. (Don't mind the graphic picture; its the only one we have:)

 Keeping Brooks in his high chair is a feat. I still can't keep him planted for the duration of a meal.

Drake

My little Drake is full of life. He is hilarious to say the least. He always has a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step. If music turns on, you can be sure Drake will be shakin' his bum for all he's worth. It has been fun bonding with him as my little helper now that Carson is at school every day all day. Drake likes to help and is very, very tender with Bowen. He is most certainly my biggest baby lover.

 Drake's job while making 'Carson stew' was to snap the big green beans into smaller pieces and put them in. He took his job very seriously.

 This boy aint afraid of nobody! While Carson liked playing football, Drake LOOOOVED it. The big brothers on Carson's football team would play with each other during each of the games. Drake would put some flags on, elbow his way into the huddle, and throw down with the biggest and baddest of them all. I should mention what sweet boys these older brothers were. They would ALWAYS let him play and even let him think he was the biggest, fastest and strongest.

 Drake is always lookin' for a party. It was spirit week at Carson's school and Drake made sure to dress up every day as well. Here they are on 'mismatch day'.