Merry Christmas!

Oh Santa...

Well Santa didn't go over too well this year either. Waiting in line was great, Will was totally pumped up and anxious to get NEAR Santa but once it was time to actually sit on his lap the faking began. I personally don't think the belt buckle bling or the "I just smoked a giant carton of Reds" look on the Jolly guy was overly inviting.

At least my forced family shot out on the deck in 20 degree weather somewhat worked. And hey it didn't cost us $15.99 and a 45 minute wait from hell with a leaky diaper!!!

The Last Quiet Weekend....

So the snow is steadily falling outside, PSU is playing their last game of the season this afternoon, and I'm trying to get a grasp on the holidays quickly bearing down upon us. Yet at the same time anxiously counting down with Will until we're home to see oodles and oodles of family.

Monday we had an appointment with our favorite photographer to capture a few "moments in the life" of the Koppmann bunch. After harassing her on Facebook, begging for a few sneak peaks she posted these. Now some back story - Will was long over due for a nap and not the least bit cooperative. So with our nerves on edge, we raced for the Jeep after what seemed like an eternity of him being bad in front of a good friend - resolving ourselves to the fact that we *might* get one or two shots. Its amazing what a true artist can capture. Her ability to catch Will in his complete essence: Mr. Joker McSassy Pants, made me realize that through all the temper tantrums and whining he still is the best little boy in the whole world.

Thanks for making every day better than the last Will!

Happy Birthday Aunt Lauren

Here's hoping its fantastic filled with lots of sweet loot!!!

PS We're totally not avoiding you, we're still cleaning up from the flu over here promise!!

Trick or TREATS!!!

Trick or Treating went pretty well last night.
We started off with a visit from our best pals Ian and Ella across the street, which then lead us into a search for lollipops. While Tom manned the door, Will & I zipped to our favorite houses in the neighborhood. Every time we'd approach I'd ask Will "Ok are you ready to say 'Trick or Treat to Mr.Patrick?'" I was met with a resounding "NO!! NO Trick or Treats!" But thankfully Mr. Patrick had chip snacks and that made Will's night. Because what the heck - mommy can dress you up like a dork any day if there are free chip snacks for the taking! As you can tell from the second picture he had this painful-looking scowel which didn't leave his face until we were able to come home and check out the delicious loot with Dad.
All in all a really wonderful fun night!

October Throughout the Years...

A Bankers Holiday....

Tom had off today so we hit the other side of town to enjoy the 80 degree weather. Of course I had to be a "Chinese Tourist" and capture a few pics of the gorgeous fall foliage.....and Lauren I threw in a few "family" shots as requested. And yes I bought a tripod. ah ha ah ah I think the caption should be "dorks-r-us" instead!!!

Fall Catch-Up

Ok I haven't posted in a while so here's a big post of pics to enjoy with a little bit of a Halloween preview......

A Little Rain but TONS of Fun!

A few pictures from a superb trip visiting Aunt Joyce and Uncle Art in Maryland over the weekend. Even though the weather prevented us from a ride on the Uncle G, we zipped over to the aquarium where Dora was making a special appearance. Will was especially delighted that Backpack and Map were there too!

Such gracious hosts even Bella felt right at home. Once we got back she headed straight for some zzz's from all the squirrel watching and sniffing.

The only bad part was now Maisy Mouse looks like a flea compared to Uncle Arts sweet home theater!!

Please smile nice? PLEASE?

On a whim we decided to head to Harner Farm to check out the pumpkin selection today. I was angling for this trip hoping to score some really good shots of Will (or even press my luck and get some family shots). Well at least the pumpkins cooperated.....

A nice smile for mom please? PLEASE?

Then there was an incident with the rooster. Will aka "Curious George" had to stick his fingers into the cage which resulted in some pecking and lots of tears. You can see the little antzy hands just itching to cause trouble....



It was decided that someone had enough of the rooster so we loaded back into "car ma". A spontaneous decision was made to scope out some trails near Mt Nittany....


Again hoping for some good shots, but the lighting was a bit goofy, the fence looks lame and flip flops didn't help the situation. Especially balancing the camera on mossy rocks while trying to run back into the timed shot.

Oh well at least we got to see where the "Hungry Caterpillar" lives!

Creek Walk

A lazy fun Sunday afternoon checking out Slab Cabin Run & practicing my photog skills....

Happy Birthday Aunt Aly we super miss you!

The BIG 40....

Haaaaaaappppy
Birrrrrrrrrrthday
Tooooooooo
Yoooooooou!!!

To the cutest kid on the block Happy 40th!
Great Scott your old! Just kidding.
May all your wildest dreams come true.
Love,
Lara & Will
(and Bella too)

Candles and Busytown Oh My!

A wonderful visit with Grandma & Grandpa this weekend filled with lots of cake, Busytown books and did I mention cake?!! Even though it was "Labor Day" weekend it was a much needed relaxing and fun few days here at Gibson......

New Crocs & The Dog Park

Some new crocks, and an evening out at Wiscoys "Dog Party" then a quick walk to Tudek Park for Bella to run off-leash with her beagle pals.

Quite an evening of sniffing and racing around....

hopefully everyone will sleep well tonight!!!