This was a month filled with birthdays, festivities and candy.  Evin turned 25 so we all celebrated at the Newton Homestead with a bunch of Evin's friends.  For Morgan's birthday Nick took  some time off work one day while Morgan was working and surprised her by working on finishing off part of our landscaping.  And to top off this birthday fun, we were able to enjoy a beautiful fall day at the Loomis Eggplant Festival. 

Carson spent less time this month throwing tantrums and  sitting on the timeout seat and she spent a lot more time bugging Bracken. They have officially started fighting.  Bracken begins playing with a toy and Carson slowly makes her way in that direction.  She looks both ways, snags the toy and looks around.  Smirk, Smirk.  And Bracken cries.  He is not always on the defense however.  He seems to already understand the humors in life.  He laughs and smiles and teases beyond the normal capacity of a one year old.  Carson is a master annoyer. And Bracken is slowly following in her footsteps. Thanks Pop for all the lessons. 

Although they do "fight", they spend far more time enjoying one another.  It is a joy watching them smile and laugh together.  A sibling connection unmatched by any other relationship. They get each other in ways no one else will ever be able too.  With few words, they have found that they love spending time together. Carson enjoys doing Bracken's hair (he enjoys combing his own also). Their favorite activity, however, is jumping on the bed.  Dangerous, yes. Cute, absolutely.  It is far more difficult to say no than we had ever imagined. 

Bracken is really not that great of an eater.  He nurses far more than Carson did at this age and he seems to take a few bites of something then wants to get down and play.  He does, however, love to feed himself.  He actually is very good with the spoon. Although it is a messy activity, he always gets at least half of his meal in his mouth when we let him take control of the spoon. 

Carson competed in her first Trike-a-thon.  She did a whole lap!! Dad was hoping for five laps, but one was enough to be proud of.  Carson also participated in a kid's run, the Folsom Scary Scamper. While dad was running the Four Bridges Half Marathon (coming in 14th out of 2000 runners...he is amazing), Carson ran/walked 2/3 of a mile all by herself.  She crossed the finish line and was handed a candy bar. What is a mom to do? So Carson ate her first candy bar (a snack size Three Musketeer). It was bound to happen. 

We were able to take a quick trip out to Santa Rosa to visit friends at the Apple Game.  As always it was special to see old friends who have played an important role in the formation of our family. 

We carved pumpkins far too early this year.  They were rotten by October 15th.  Oh well.  Mommia and Granddad were able to come out for Halloween. Carson dressed as a blue fairy and Bracken was a 49er.