We just capped off one of the most beautiful falls I can remember here in Chicago (or anywhere else for that matter). The twins took full advantage!
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| Clare, having just launched a handful, enjoyed tossing leaves everywhere |
With such beautiful weather, the twins enjoyed as many visits to the park as possible,
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| Have wagon in unusually warm weather, will STILL travel |
which was great given that they both started walking at the beginning of the season.
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| I said WALK, not RUN, Luke!! |
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| There's a lot more to do on the playground when you are mobile |
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| It's always great to see Grandpa & Grandma Knapp, and Great Grandma Knapp too |
The twins were able to take part in some of the Eureka Homecoming activities.
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| The twins enjoyed their first parade (the EHS Homecoming parade!)...along with dad's high school friends and Helen |
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| Yes, Clare, parades = CANDY! |
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| The twins strolled into the EHS football game to see dad at the Class of '95 Reunion tent....Go Hornets!! |
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| The twins were also great hosts to Norwegian friends Tonje and Una...in town for the Class of '95 Reunion |
The Eureka grade school playground sure has changed a lot since Dad was younger.
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| Luke has no idea how much blacktop once scraped up kids his age |
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| Ivy and Clare enjoy a moment when Clare wasn't throwing rubber mulch everywhere |
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| Two twins that will probably never experience a steep, metal slide |
Aside from a visit to Eureka, the twins also spent a short weekend in Bloomington in early November visiting friends.
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| Ivy and Clare working through a masterpiece |
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| The beautiful weather continued so these 4 took to the 'Skinner playground' |
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Ivy & Clare and Amelia & Luke all enjoying a beautiful November day for swinging
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| Ivy takes Luke down the longest slide of his life...so far! |
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| Sister survived her turn...and celebrated with a handful of rocks (which were later tossed) |
Back in Chicago, the weather continued to be unseasonably beautiful.
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| These two don't look happy to be 'stuck' indoors |
So, the twins spent many afternoons hanging out on the patio,
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| Snack time, play time, any time is great for patio time |
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| Hey Daddy, let's go outside!! |
and walking around the courtyard showing off their new motor skills.
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| 'Best Sister Ever' indeed |
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| Yes, Brother is comfortably wearing shorts...in November |
Despite the unusually warm fall, the twins enjoyed a wardrobe change to more fall-like clothing.
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| Time for overalls...which serve dual purpose with runaway toddlers |
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| Clare looks stunning in her flannel-wear |
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| In fact, we had a full flannel photo shoot one day |
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| These two sure enjoyed themselves in the courtyard...in their flannel |
This fall, the twins got back into the pool for swim lessons,
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| Waiting for lesson time to begin |
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| Clare really came along this set of lessons, and Luke continued to be a fish |
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| Learning safety skills during the lesson |
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| Who enjoyed the lesson more?? |
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| Our two little goldfish toweling off |
and had a very successful 15 month checkup.
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| Clare broke the 20 lb barrier...20 lbs and 11 oz |
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| Luke continues to grow...23 lbs and 7 oz now |
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| Dr. Newport was happy to see these two walking all over the place |
This fall, indoor time was less frequent, and unpopular.
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| The couch is still the place to be |
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| Always a lot of smiles on the couch |
The twins became obsessed with 'The Street'...as in Sesame Street.
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| Don't bother us Dad, Sesame Street's on!! |
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| Murray's (yes, I know all their names now) giving the 'word on the Street' for the day |
The twins also started grabbing books (usually the same ones) to be read over and over again.
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| Yes, Papa is performing an encore reading of the 'Faces' book for Luke...again |
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| Although currently less enthused by reading, Clare is consistent in picking the same book herself most times |
Meanwhile, we also took time to perfect our selfies where definite progress has been made.
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| Great smile Clare, just don't reach for the phone |
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| Nice work, Luke |
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| These aren't selfies, only Dad's attempt at using a fancy feature on his not so fancy camera |
Finally, fall means the start of the holiday season. This year, we hosted Grandpa & Grandma Knapp for the week of Thanksgiving.
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| Grandma Knapp got suckered into reading a book or two |
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| Thanksgiving Dinner was quite the spread....these two approved!! |
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| Clare enjoyed sampling a bit of everything, while Luke needed a Veggie Pack to supplement his meal (or maybe stomach the abundance of Black Friday marketing going on in the background) |
Thanksgiving week also (typically) coincides with Grandma Knapp's birthday and Grandpa & Grandma Knapp's anniversary, so we had some extra celebrating to do.
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| Luke has a special delivery for Grandma |
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| Grandma loved her card...oh look, there's Grandpa on his phone in the background...but her favorite gift was being with her grandchildren on her birthday |
Because we will be in Florida for Christmas with Papa's family, the twins got their first presents of the year from Grandpa and Grandma Knapp.
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| Grandma did not disappoint these two, who absolutely loved their Sesame Street themed gifts! |
After an absolutely wonderful fall, we are excited to see what the Winter season brings for the twins. From our family to yours, have a wonderful holiday season!
