HALLOWEEN: PART II

We bundled the kids up in a hand-me-down furry dragon costume (two sizes too big) and a hand-me-down lion costume (one size too small) and set sail (well, wagon wheels) for trick-or-treating.  Despite my technology meltdown (and therefore, lack of photos!), we had a great night.  

As we pulled the kids from one neighbor to the next, we'd hear AA call JP an alligator; to which JP would shout, "ADDIE ... I'm NOT an awhagattor; I'm a dragon. RRROAAR!"  Then I'd turn around, flip AA's lion mane back over her head to keep her warm, and she'd flip it right off.  This continued again and again.

 The kids really got into the whole process this year.  We let JP find and ring the doorbell on his own.  Most of the time he initiated the "trick or treat/RROARR/thank you/Happy Halloween" conversation while AA repeated everything she heard.

In the past, A and I would take the Halloween pails after the kids went to sleep and never bring them back out ... somehow, I don't think that the kids will be forgetting tonights treasures in the morning!

HALLOWEEN: PART I

This year, the kids will get to celebrate Halloween in two different costumes.  Their real costumes were for the inside party we had tonight at the daycare center.  Tomorrow, they'll wear warm and fuzzy hand-me-downs from the neighbors.  It's just not practical to wear something like this outside in MN this time of year! 

I'm not sure if AA quite understands what she is dressed up as ... but I don't think she really cares!  Her sparkle shoes and red scarf brought out her sass factor!  And JP was so happy to dress up like his daddy.

For the first time EVER, I curled AA's hair and let her play with my makeup.  When I told her it was time to get going to the Halloween party, she told me, "I'm getting wready, Mamma, just wait."  Oh dear.

The party tonight was really well done- much more than we anticipated.  We had so much fun seeing all of the teachers dressed up.  We played games and the kids collected little trinkets ... no candy!

I was able to watch JP interact with his friends that I hear so much about.  We met many of the parents too ... normally I'm in such a hurry to drop off and pick the kids up from daycare that I don't know his friends well.

Our close friends in town also attend our daycare.  Brayden's daddy, Mr. A flies with A.  How appropriate that he showed up as an airplane to the party!  We tried to capture a photo of the entire flight crew ... but, well, no such luck!

We're so excited for part II!

PUMPKINS

Getting ready for Halloween!  

BUSY WEEKEND

We made quite the rounds this weekend ... first stop: Great Grandma H.  I don't think that JP quite comprehends how I can have a Grandma!  AA didn't know what to think of Great Grandma either; although that sparkly and speedy red scooter was enticing!

Second stop: a tour of Uncle M's new house!  Grandpa T led the way ... his bag full of treats and tricks sure kept the kids entertained all afternoon.

Third stop:  a walk to Aunt J's park.  The kids took turns walking Chole the dog; I'm sure Chole is still sleeping after her long afternoon with JP and AA!

 Our Saturday evening ended with cake pops from Aunt K!

 On Sunday we drove out to the pumpkin patch and played hide and go seek in the corn fields.

 We let the kids each pick out their own pumpkin; 

 I'm actually quite impressed with their selection.

 When these little legs grew weary we hitch hiked our way onto a tractor to get back to the entrance.

As each week passes by, I can definitely say that the fun:to:work ratio in parenting is improving!  

GROWING

It's so hard to imagine that my little sweetheart is almost TWO!  She is filled with more spunk and sass than I've ever possessed (A may disagree!).  Just a few months ago, this little one could barely say "mamma" and now she can consistently count into the mid teens.  She can sing her ABC's (well, she still thinks L-M-N-O-P is pronounced "M&M-O-T") right on tune.  She loves reading books, taking her dollies potty (though she never goes!), and jumping (she can actually get a few inches off the ground). 

Her tiny mouth is still speckled with mismatched teeth; just this week her bottom front ones popped!  Her hair becomes more and more blonde each day and she actually holds still when I comb through the tangles after bathtime.  She loves when I clip fancy barrettes around her pigtails and she'd wear her pink tutu every day if she could find it. 

As much as AA loves hanging on to me all weekend, I'm told she's Miss Independant at daycare.  She drops everything and runs to "take Daddy down" the moment A walks in the door.  She holds JP's hand when walking in parking lots and plays with his cars when he's feeling generous.

Just how can I freeze time?

SHAMPOO

I think every mom has snapped a picture of her kids taking a bath with shampoo spiked hair ... 

figured I better join the crowd tonight!

RAINY DAY

Our weekend plans included yard work, picking out pumpkins, and meeting some friends at the apple orchard.  But it rained.  And it rained.  And it rained.

 So we found inside activities to do all weekend.   

 The favorite activity was Bounce House.

 I think the four adults burned off just as much energy chasing the three little ones from one inflatable to another!

I guess we'll postpone our outdoor plans until next weekend!

FALL

Summer

is

over ...

we're ready for fall!

COUSINS

JP and AA stayed at Grandma S and Grandpa J's house for the first time without us this week.  While A joined me for a conference on the East Coast, my kiddos had a blast.  JP rode the tractor and the four wheeler and watched Finding Nemo.  I don't think they even noticed we were away.

We reunited at Cousins E's 6th birthday party.  As the kids get older, birthday parties become more and more fun.  JP and AA sang Happy Birthday right on tune before devouring a piece of chocolate cake. 

And JP was such a good little cousin; he sat patiently and watched E open one superboy toy after another.  Cousin E is truly JP's hero!

Although the bounce house captured my children for most of the afternoon, the pinata stole the show at night!  Even AA had a turn at bat!