Trick or Treat, BABY

TRICK
Simon pulled off a fantastic trick tonight: he peed in the potty for the first time! He was pretty proud of himself, as he looked at the puddle he made and exclaimed, "POTTY!" We were all proud. Hopefully, this is the beginning of many successful "big boy" trips to the bathroom.

TREAT
If urine is not your thing, how 'bout a most special treat: ANOTHER BABY! Basham Baby #2 will arrive in late May next Spring. Laurie is about 10 weeks along, and the early ultrasound and doc's visit showed everything to be normal.

It's been an eventful week: potty, baby announcement, WKU Homecoming this weekend (including a parade tomorrow evening), Simon trick-or-treating tomorrow after the parade, first WKU hoops game of the season tomorrow night, tailgate/football on Saturday...lots of fun and fatigue on tap.

Pumpkin Festival

We recently made a trip to Jackson's Orchard with Uncle David and Aunt Kelly in order to find the perfect pumpkin.

Simon was overwhelmed with so many choices.














In order to help us think, we decided to enjoy fried pies and apple slushes.














A fall family photo. And yes, we like brown at our house.














In the end, we found two pumpkins! Pretty soon Simon will get a lesson in the carving of the great orange fruit ... or is it a vegetable?

The Middle Half

A couple of weekends ago, we headed to Murfreesboro for Cort to run the Middle Half Marathon. Jason and Amanda were kind enough to let us crash at their house the night before. After the marathon, the rest of the Vance crew gathered at J and A's house to help celebrate both of their birthdays!

Uncle Jason gave lessons on how to properly rake leaves.














Cort and Jason after the race.














Simon got to ride in Henry and Ada's bike trailer. He loved it!














By birthday special request, NanaB brought desserts to the celebration. Homemade pumpkin pie for Jason and homemade strawberry cake for Amanda. Yum.

The Count of Monte's Grandson

Simon's latest mathematical ability involves counting various objects. This includes magnets, wooden puzzle pieces, stacking boxes, cups, etc.

To YaYa and PaPa's House He Goes

This past weekend, Simon went to YaYa and PaPa's house to visit and had a great time.

Simon met his new friend, Isabella (or as Simon says, "Billa"), at YaYa's church.



















"Billa" proceeded to give Simon a dose of his own medicine. It didn't faze him at all.



















YaYa and PaPa took Simon to the air strip at Rough River State Park. He LOVES "a-peens."














They got to play on the playground. Swings are always fun!














PaPa helped Simon climb up the slide.














He also taught him the finer points of using the digger.

ZOO!!

On Saturday, we went to the Nashville Zoo with Uncle Jason, Aunt Mandy, cousins Henry and Ada, Uncle David, and Aunt Kelly. It was a beautiful day -- a bit warm in the sun, but perfect in the shade. Fun was had by all.

Simon and Daddy feed the birds.














Simon takes a water break with Uncle David, Aunt Kelly, and Ada.














Elephants!














Simon observes the meerkat.














Not always in favor of riding, Simon and Ada decided to work their leg muscles. Well, part of the way.














Simon was in love with Ada and Henry's mode of transportation. However, he could only ride under close supervision, as he bonked Ada in the head on his first ride and made her cry.














Who needs real animals when you have goldfish crackers at your fingertips?














Simon did take time away from his crackers to look at the colorful fish with Ada.














Simon and Henry pet the enormous goat in the petting zoo.