Looking Like Daddy

Summary

These pictures pretty much summarize life as we know it these days. Running, running, running...and we aren't even talking about the marathoners of our household.

Praise the Lord for such a gorgeous week of weather. Tobin prefers outdoor play to pretty much anything. Could be an interesting winter. I foresee being quite thankful for my down knee length coat.

Naked Giggles

Imagine the best laughter in the world.

Are you imagining?

Okay, then you know what Tobin sounds like in these pictures.

A Little T-Bird and Halloween's Date Change

If you thought Halloween was on the 31st, then you would be wrong. It is actually a floating holiday. Apparently, in Stillwater Halloween is on the first day prior to the 31st that does not have a home football game scheduled on it. Oh, yes. Friday night the Stillwater Pioneers had a "must win" game and tonight the Oklahoma State Cowboys are hooking the Horns of Texas (hopefully).

So in order to protect the kiddos from game day traffic and the disappointment of darkened and empty homes and the reduction of sugar intake, the city changed Halloween and trick or treating to Thursday, Oct. 29. Seriously.

Our little T-Bird (from the movie Grease; think John Travolta, but waaaay cuter) had a great time and didn't seem to mind one bit that the holiday had changed dates. Neither did he mind that he didn't get to keep or eat any candy. We took him to see our neighbors, the Birdwells, and he charmed their socks off. They "treated" him with a banana. The Beyers came over and hit a few of the homes in our neighborhood and Tobin and Eric joined them, while I passed out candy. Tobin charmed all of their socks off as well. Obviously.

Tough Guy T-Bird coming at you!

But this tough guy does do lawns.

Notice the comb in the back pocket.

Every T-Bird must have one to make sure the hair is always looking good.

Tobin and His Ladies: Faith, Anna and Leah

Apparently if the Greaser gig doesn't work out, Tobin could always be a smurf.

Sunday, Good Day

Since July we have taken a trip to the OKC Zoo once a month, since we belong there. We have a membership that is. Sunday we celebrated our 4th trip. Even in that short period of time it has been interesting to see how different Tobin reacts to his surroundings. During out first trip he was barely walking and now he is running. And this was really the first trip that he truly noticed the animals and laughed and pointed at what the animals did. But mostly he just wanted to run and play, especially since its an outdoor venue. My boy loves his outside. In fact I think he'd live outside if we would let him. Maybe he does belong in the Zoo...



The weather was perfect and the crowd light. A content Mommy, a sweet Daddy and an adorable Boy equals a happy family. Another good day for the Rapleys.

Checking out the trail

Look over there!


And again, Look over there!

Yes, he takes after his parents...he is a runner!

This is how I spend the majority of my days...chasing.

My sack of sweet potatoes

Mmmm, sandwich

I can just about reach it.

Sliding away!

Saturday, Good Day

This last Saturday found us playing outside, throwing balls, pushing/pulling a wagon, raking leaves, cutting back plants in the front flower bed, blowing bubbles, sitting in mud, chewing on green tomatoes, running from parents, watching football, cheering Eric on in a 5K run, chatting with friends, burrowing in a pile of leaves, laughing, singing, and kissing a sweet little boy's cheeks. Now guess which of those activities Tobin participated in and which ones Eric and I participated in.



It was a good day in the Rapley home.

Tobin giving Dad a standing "O" for placing 3rd in his age division

Remember when raking was all about burying yourself in the piles?

Tobin loved raking!

Green tomatoes!

I love the dirt all over his face.

Check out his outfit. PJ's, big coat, tight hat, too big boots.

He loved it and so did the mud.

What you talking bout Dad?

Smiley Face Part II

Smiley Face

I know your jealous, because this is the smiley face that hangs out with me everyday. (Okay, some days its not quite this smiley, but mostly it is.)

I love my job. He makes me a smiley face too.

Hometown Marathoners Return

Eric, Tobin and I journeyed north last weekend to run the Kansas City Marathon. I never wanted to run this race until we moved away from our fair hometown and then it became a much more appealing event. The course was beautiful and wove and wound through places and neighborhoods that hold special memories. The roads we tread upon I have run many a mile on through high school, college and adulthood. It was fun to tell Eric memories of this pavement and now to have new ones that are our very own.



We finished in 3:58 and I owe it all to Eric. People, I have the best husband in the world. He never left my side, encouraged me when my legs turned to lead at mile 22, told me he loved me more times than I can count, fed me sport beans on demand, prayed for me, pushed me when I needed it and made me laugh. I love, love, love running with this man! Training and racing with him is truly one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given and one I never expected. I love you Babe!



Tobin hung out with super Aunt Jenny during the race with our wonderful friends Dave, Natalie and Liz. We were able to see them at miles 7 and 20 and then at the finish. Eric's parents, Jay, Ashley and the girls were also awaiting us at the finish. We can't tell you how much we LOVED having you there cheering for us! Thank you, thank you, thank you! A special shout out to Jenny who tackled getting Tobin up, ready, fed and out the door early Saturday morning, despite the fact that she is recovering from foot surgery with a big boot on. Wish you were out on the course with us Sissy.



A sweet moment for me occurred the first time we saw Tobin on the course. Spontaneously, Eric stopped and gave Tobin a big kiss. Melted my heart. I would have stopped, but its possible I may not have started back up again. Tobin has been on nearly everyone of our training runs, so this day was culmination of all three of our efforts. We love you Bubba Bear...you are an amazing training partner to your proud Mommy and Daddy!



We don't have many pictures, but we have lots of memories and its possible we are already talking about our next marathon...

Family time at the finish

Tobin having fun with Natalie's dog Kiah waiting for Mommy and Daddy

My Boys

Is it any wonder I have willingly given my heart to these two sweet boys?

Tobin and His Ladies

The Beyer girls were off school and spent the afternoon with us last Thursday and we had so much fun.We played legos and blocks, made cookies (they were great helpers), and watched a movie.



Tobin was napping when the girls arrived and one of them checked on him seemingly every other minute. Upon his waking, Tobin was so excited to see them he forgot all about nursing and flashed them one of his biggest grins. Totally sweet moment.



The love and affection flows both ways between these kids.



We look forward to the Beyers girls next afternoon visit, hopefully soon. And Faith, make sure you bring the DVD Annie with you. I can't wait to watch it with you.

Favorite Toys Related to the Sea or Shower

Tobin came wandering down the hall one day last week with an octopus and a bath loofah.

Really, doesn't every boy at some point?

Farmer Tobin

I don't think I have ever seen a cuter farmer in my life!

He just flashes that smile and his crops automatically grow.

A Week Away

Tobin and I ventured north to KC last week to visit family, specifically my sister Jenny, who is recovering from foot surgery. Of course, that means we had to leave Eric for a week and we hate that. We miss him terribly when we are apart. Aside from that unpleasantry however, we had a great, busy trip.

Highlights include:

-Helping Jenny heal, even if that sometimes just meant I brought entertainment in the form of a little, adorable boy.
-Spending time with both sets of grandparents. Wonderful!
-Spending time with my sweet friend Sarah and baby Luke. Precious time with a favorite friend. Prayers abound for you all!

Farmer Tobin picking Aunt Jenny's tomatoes

Making Grandma giggle

-Getting to see Aunt Ashley, Uncle Jay and cousins Ava and Abbey. Oh my, how you girls have grown! Great, great seeing you all.
-A new, long overdue haircut.
-Purchasing some "steals" at a neighborhood garage sale. Tobin got some great loot and I got some great deals!

Grandma, let's go running!

Doesn't he look like his is devising some sort of mischief?

100% chance

-Some one-on-one time with Jenny. I crave it.

-Hanging with my old Bible study gals. Okay, Tobin was melting down for a good bit of it, but my parents helped, so I didn't completely miss out.

-Jenny and I went to the Overland Park Market. Miss that place.

Obviously Aunt Jenny needed some help reorganizing.

Pink cup...Tobin is in touch with his feminine side.

Rapley cousins: Abbey, Ava and Tobin

So cute!

-Helping John and Kathy prep for a dinner party and then getting to eat the results. Yum!

-Tobin was FANTASTIC on the road coming and going. Made it in 4.5 hours with no stops each way...yes, that must be a record!

-Getting to see our friend Dave. We miss you!

Bust a move!

At the bottom of the stairs...

...at the top of the stairs!

-Tobin loved climbing stairs at Jenny's and at Grandma and Grandpa Rapley's houses.

-Going to Costco with my Dad and having some great conversation. I love talking with you Dad!

-Watching Northern Exposure on DVD with Jenny. Seriously, how did I forget how much I loved that show in high school?

-A trip to Target and Whole Foods...can you tell which stores I miss in Stillwater?

Aunt Jenny is a great tickler!

And last, but not least...
-Coming home to Eric! We missed his arms and kisses.