Happy Halloween from The Dark Knight(s)!

Couple of neighborhood hoodlums dressed as Batman.

Such a crack up!

Connor's funny faces, jokes and stories are never lost on Quinn.

Quinn's "Snow"

While Connor and Preston were playing in the snow, I was inside trying to get a million things crossed off of my to-do list. Quinn was happily, quietly playing. I'm such a fool for not checking in to see exactly what she was doing so happily and quietly. Well, apparently she was "taking down" an entire roll of papertowels. After she completed the unrolling she was incredibly annoyed that she was tangled in the mess. So, of course she started yelling and waving her arms.

First Snow Day

The men in my house were very excited about the snow. I, on the other hand - not so excited.

Visitor

For Quinn's birthday we decided to just keep it small this year. But, we totally enjoyed every moment of the day and the weekend because my mom came out to visit. It's hard to describe what it's like when my mom comes to visit. It's sort of like the normal circus of our lives melts down to a very manageable hummmmmmmmm.
Maybe it's because she comes armed with new wardrobes for the kids or the coolest toys. But, I really think it's because she comes with this fresh, exciting energy for her grandchildren.
She spent a day with each kiddo solo and hopefully enjoyed the day as much as the kids did.
Honestly, Quinn is still skeptical and just tolerant of anyone that isn't Preston, Connor or I. But, Connor ADORES my mother. It's like they have this lingo and bond and everyone else is on the outside. I keep waiting for him to say something like, "But, Mom she just like totally gets me."
When Connor has bad dreams we ask him to think good thoughts and it's usually, "I'm going to dream that I live on the farm with Grandma Chi Chi."
Mom, thank you for coming. It was truly a treat.

Quinn's Birthday Fun!

We had a nice family celebration for Quinn's birthday last night. But I don't think she enjoyed the cake - at all.

Happy 1st Birthday QB!

Baby girl, a year ago you joined the family - making us officially The Barton 4. At that time we had no idea what was in store for our family, and we still have trouble predicting your next move. All went well that day a year ago, no complications or difficulty (and thanks to the epidural, not much pain). We took you home from the hospital with little pomp or circumstance, just complete joy.
It wasn't all that easy those first 3 months - dairy intolerance, acid reflux, etc. made it difficult for you to be happy and content. But, girl are you a completely different kiddo now.
You are a happy and joyful child that has quickly become the queen of the land. Your father and I completely adore you, but no one loves you like your devoted big brother Connor. From day one he has doted on you, granted it is sometimes a bit too much love. But always from a place of excitement, joy and delight.
You have completed our family in a way that I couldn't have imagined. You make us laugh with your silly giggle and your wild ways. We are a bit frightened, but so excited to watch you become this little person from such a beautiful baby. Happy First Birthday Quinn.