Happy Fall, Y'all! That's how they say it around here! It's that time of year for pumpkin carvin', candy collecting, and the anticipation of the holiday season. We got into the spirit beginning with the carving of our jack 'o lantern. We went to "Zoo Boo" where they had a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating and a costume parade. We saw lots of great costumes such as tiny Indiana Jones, ladybugs, princesses and, of course, pumpkins! Though we've been enjoying really nice weather, the costumes in the stores seemed too warm for Izzy so we decided to dress her in a festive pumpkin t-shirt and matching socks. To "round" out her outfit, I knitted her a little hat complete with a stem!  Amongst the ghosts and goblins, we spotted lots of cool critters such as two baby elephants, giraffes, llamas, flamingos, and Izzy's favorite, ducks. 

Happiness is a hug from daddy!

Flower girls

Okay, daddy, here's the strategy: you find the perfect pumpkin and I'll decorate it with my mad art skills!

The cutest pumpkin in the patch

Orange. The new pink.

My bongo drum. Otherwise known as Daddy's head.

Strawberry shortcake

Meeting daddy for lunch at the "Earl of Sandwich".

Punkin' Rockin'

My pet pumpkin. Roll over, boy!

Mom was concerned I would hurt myself climbing on furniture, what with my newfound pulling up skills. But she should've known that the furniture falls around me. I'm lucky that way. (Note: Seriously, this little table fell exactly right over her and landed this way without Izzy ever batting an eyelash! Gave mommy a heart attack, though!)

Breakfasting at my favorite eatery: The Ortega's

Izzy will be 11 months old this Friday! Only one more month until our little baby is a big one-year-old! Holy guacamole! Izzy received her first haircut two weeks ago. Her hair was looking a bit scraggly so we decided to take her to this place called "Sweet & Sassy" where they specialize in all things girly, among which, haircuts. In fact, when we were there, they were having a Hannah Montana party (little girls dressed up like Hannah Montana, singing and dancing.) They give mini-makeovers, mini-manis and pedis, dress-up, sing-alongs...a little girl's dream. So we figured an event such as Izzy's first haircut would get the ceremony and honor it deserved at such a place. We were not disappointed. Izzy received a special certificate, a pouch containing her precious locks, and a photo. In addition to getting a super-cute haircut, she has been climbing and pulling up onto furniture and even trying to stand on her own! One thing has been constantly on our minds: BABYPROOF!

Well, it's official. I'm sweet and sassy!

My first haircut. Rock on.

Yes, Pierre, I agree we could go lighter. Say, you look a lot like my daddy. Intriguing.

Showing mommy I can feed myself. Now if I could only convince her to go skydiving with me...

Tres chic

Stress-testing chairs for any eventuality and, of course, their chewability. 

Under the dining room table perfecting my standing skills. Yup, I'm awesome.


Programming the DVD player. Sigh. Mom and dad really need to upgrade.

Is this bib any indication as to what we're having for dinner?

We recently flew to San Diego to attend Jay and Marie's baby shower. Unfortunately, Chris had to stay in Houston for work. Being back in our old 'hood was great. We enjoyed seeing our friends and family, eating at some of our favorite restaurants (wish we had Rubio's in Texas!) and enjoyed beautiful, humid-free weather! Bummer we couldn't have stayed longer but Izzy was sure missing her daddy and daddy was sure missing us! Anyway, here are some pictures from our trip.

Marie and Jay opening up their many wonderful presents. Little Kaelyn is sure going to be stylin'!

Next time could you please go easy on the fabric softener? I'm already soft and cuddly, no need to overdo it!

Okay. Be cool. I can share my crunchies with Ari. Be cool. Ummm....okay, I thought I was okay with this but I'm not! Aaaaaahhhh!!!! GIMME BACK MY CRUNCHIES!

Dress, pink bow and sports. Pulling. It. Off.

My pal Ari.

Dos mamacitas: Michelle and Erin. No, Erin is not a kangaroo. She's just holding baby Ally in her super-cool sling.

Auntie Erin and Me at the baby shower.

Enjoying the reptile house at the San Diego Zoo. Crazy thing happened: a huge boa constrictor escaped his enclosure and tried to eat me but I held him off with my ninja moves until the zoo keepers got there to capture him. True story. 

Nana Patty, mommy and I at the zoo. I'm the one in the pink hat.

Aaahhh, Miramar Lake. Mom and dad's old stomping grounds. 

Great. I suppose you will be using this picture to embarrass me in front of my future dates. Well played, mom and dad. Well played.

Grandpa Ramon and I exchanging fishing stories.