Today was a very hard day with the kiddos. Payton has had a cough at night mostly for three weeks and has developed a nasty rash. I took him to the doctor today and of course in my children's typical manner they charm the entire office. Oh, he sure doesn't look like anything is bothering him... all the nurses and staff said. He smiled and got every one's attention. After many how cute and what a little man! Payton was checked out by the doctor. He informs me Payton seems fine with the exception that he will probably always need a steroid for his skin or some type of cream, lotion or potions. As the day wore on Payton was in time out six times and Gwynn double that. While Gwynn, Charlie and I were having tea tonight I told Charlie the kids gave me an ulcer tonight joking of course...Gwynn corrected me and said NO MOM...we gave you a run for your money!!!

This past weekend was awesome. We had a great day on Friday with Grandma, Libby, Evie, and Aunt Rachel. We went to the most amazing pumpkin patch. The kiddos also got spoiled rotten by their aunts and Grandparents. On Saturday I went on the most beautiful run and enjoyed the sun and amazing fall colors. I took Payton and Fritz with me which doubled my workout. Charlie and Gwynn went to the Barber while we were running. We then met Sarah at the Portland Children's Museum and enjoyed playing with the kids. We had a nice picnic with some great sandwiches from the Pearl bakery that Sarah picked up on her way to the museum.

On Sunday Charlie made a great breakfast and we went for a walk to the park and walked a local trail. Sarah then headed home for Seattle. It was a great visit with Sarah and I think she got an opportunity to see how much Payton and Gwynn's personalities have changed over the past couple months. Charlie and I enjoyed the rest of our Sunday by spending time as a family. It has been a truly great fall so far we are truly enjoying the season!

This past week was a blur..... but a very good one! Gwynn is doing great in school and it's nice to have some one on one time with Payton. We had a wonderful week going to story time at the library and making a trip to the Zoo to visit the new exhibit. The kids were great and loved the animals. Gwynn's favorite animal to look at is the big alligator. I don't think Payton has a favorite yet but he is very afraid of the fish. He wouldn't let go of my leg and was holding on for dear life and looked very concerned. Gwynn is at a great age where she loves to learn and look at all the animals...Payton on the other hand climbs on everything and is trying to kill himself the entire time.

On Friday we had a nice dinner with friends and family. My aunt and Uncle came up from Medford and we were joined by Tarah, Brodie, Beau, Matt & Bri for a nice dinner at one of our personal favorite restaurants Thirst. Then the adults went to Oliver twist in the Pearl for a martini. It was great to get a chance to chat and relax while grandma took care of the kiddos!

On Saturday we went to our local pumpkin patch and in the evening Charlie went to watch football with friends. While Charlie watched football the kiddos and I had a movie and ice cream night. The kids had a blast playing in the corn maze and riding the tractor at the pumpkin patch. Payton didn't want anything to do with the pumpkins he just wanted to run to the tractors. Gwynn also had a field trip today to the pumpkin patch with her class. Tarah and Beau wanted to check out our favorite pumpkin patch so Gwynn made her third trip to the pumpkin patch. She loves it so much she was so bummed when we left for the second time today. I told her not to worry we were going again on Friday with her aunts, baby Evie and Grandma. It calmed her down she said "O.k. Mom, cool!" put her head down and fell asleep.

On Sunday we went for a walk to our favorite donut shop and then to Church. We had a great weekend & week. It feels so good to be home again and on a schedule.

















Charlie, Tiffany, Gwynn & Payton MacDonald

Charlie, Tiffany, Gwynn & Payton MacDonald

Gwynn's first day of school!

Gwynn was exceptionally well behaved this morning and did everything Charlie and I asked her the very first time. She was so excited to go to school and smiled for all the pictures. Today when Gwynn showed up for her first day they had a welcome sign on the door that read "Welcome Gwynn"!. When we went to leave she was almost too busy to say bye. She gave me a small kiss and ran away to circle time. When I came to pick her up she seemed less then excited to see me. I don't think she was ready to come home yet! Her teacher told me Gwynn did an amazing job today and was a great listener. Gwynn's teacher also gave her a special card telling her how excited she was to have Gwynn in her class and what a great job she did on her first day. When we were in the car I was so excited to hear about her first day..... but she was to tired for a proper chat. When we got home she asked me if she could go to bed! She took a long nap and when she woke up she was ready to chat. She told me she read a book about a frog who played basket ball and also learned letters and numbers none of which she could remember. Next Monday she gets to go on a field trip to the pumpkin patch! I think Gwynn is going to love going to preschool. It was a great day to see our little lady so confident and independent...and of course not a lack of sappy moments from Mom....and a little from Charlie too! I don't think Payton even knew what to do with out his big sister today and just stayed attached to me all day...I felt like he kept looking at me like Mom what are we going to do now!

This past week we made a trip to the library, the children's museum, the park and McDonalds on the very rainy Tuesday! We also made Aunt Tarah some birthday cupcakes and had a mini birthday party for her. Gwynn was all about the details...Mom we need cupcakes, flowers and we need to sing her happy birthday! The kiddos had a blast and were very well behaved.

Last weekend we did mostly chores, we got all caught up on many neglected items around the house and unfinished business. On Sunday we did our weekend big breakfast and walk at a nearby park in Wilsonvile. I also put up some pictures of our weekend hike the weekend prior. I got some really great pictures of Gwynn, Charlie and Payton.

















MacDonald's-Charlie,Tiffany,Gwynn & baby number two!