Veterans Day Celebrations and Mall Carnivals

The 4th grade did a Veteran's Day presentation. They sang patriotic songs and showed pictures of relatives that had served in the Armed Forces. You can tell from the pictures that the kids were obviously thrilled

The carnival was at the mall a few weeks ago. Ashley got to take a friend to run around with while we took the little ones on some rides. The had the best time! Well not Rowan, but Ashley and Alan did. Rowan was scared of most of the rides but loved the fun houses and going through those. Alan and Ashley had no fear of the rides and went on everything they could.

Checking out the view on the Ferris Wheel

Girl Scout Campout

On November 6th, I went on my first camping adventure in 15 years. I went with Ashley's Girl Scout troop to spend the night at Camp Howdy. There is nothing better to reintroduce yourself to the great outdoors like an overnight with a group of 9 year old girls. I was exhausted. Man they have some energy. Those girls were pyros! Their favorite activity was starting the campfire and keeping it going. They really refined their savaging skills looking for twigs and kindling. I am not sure if we should have handed them the large box of matches, but it seemed to keep them entertained for hours.

The goofy girls eating breakfast that was made over the campfire. Ashley was exceptionally silly on this morning. I think it was from the lack of sleep.

The day was full of fun activities.

The girls learning how to take down the tent.

Pumpkins and Trick or Treating

Ashley and Rowan gutted a pumpkin the night before Halloween. It ended up being a 2 sided pumpkin- one side had Cinderella and the other side has Lightning McQueen.

That night we decided to let the little kids joined us for our movie night. We watched the newest Tinkerbell movie and had tons of popcorn. They loved it!

On Halloween day, David spent most of his time getting the front of the house decorated. The kids and I did some last minute shopping and got ready for Trick-or-treating. Ashley was a Renaissance princess, Rowan was Cinderella and Alan was a Chef. Ashley went trick or treating with a friend while the little ones went around with me. We had been worried about how the kids would act while trick or treating, but we shouldn't have. They both were pros within a few houses. The knew to go up to the house, say trick or treat and thank you, then come back to me on the sidewalk. We ended up going to so many streets that I wondered if Rowan would make it home. She did have a minor candy induced meltdown when we got home, but fell asleep quickly. Alan stayed up late and helped David pass out candy and Ashley had a friend spend the night. All- in all it was a successful holiday. OH and I got to eat lots of candy. :)

Spooky houses, Saturday nights and Silly kids

A week before Halloween, we decided to construct a "Spooky House". it was basically a gingerbread house with a Halloween theme to it. The green icing was runny and it was kind of a gross mess, but the kids loved it. I think Rowan ate more candy than she put on the house! Alan helped Ashley out quite a bit, but definitely sampled more than his fair share. The house ended up being eaten with a couple days. It didn't make to Halloween!

Ashley worked as a party helper for some friends Halloween/Birthday party on the 24th. She helped set up and clean up and painted faces while she was there. I think she looked pretty cool and had a really good time.

The next day we took a picnic lunch to the park. They love getting to eat peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches at the park. The weather was gorgeous. We hit a 3 weeks pan of days in the mid 70's. It was wonderful!

The Puzzler and Playtime

Rowan has become quite the puzzle master. She can put a 24 piece puzzle together in just a few minutes. She picked out a 70 piece one at Target and it took her a few hours and a bit of help, but she loved it. She was very proud and officially earned the title of "The Puzzler"

We had our first cold snap in the beginning of October. We spent the day outside playing and David fixed up a Gator that we got for free. It was a nice relaxing weekend of just hanging around the house.

One evening the kids were playing with Ashley's sushi play set. Alan put on the chefs hat and we determined that he had to be a chef for Halloween. He loves cooking and playing chef.

So we can be safe!

October 4th was the Safety Sparktacular at the mall. There was music and games, as well as child id kits, police cars, firetrucks and all kinds mayhem. The kids had a blast! They jumped in a bouncer, ate popcorn while listening to live music and played with rescue dogs.

I told Ashley that I was never to see her in the back of a police car again. I think the shrillness of the siren hurting her ears was another good deterrent

Birthday parties and big boxes

The last part of September was filled with birthday celebrations and room makeovers. Rowan finally got moved out of her crib and into a big girl bed. We saw a bed and fell in love with it, but we weren't sure if it was just TOO much. Eventually, we just gave in and got it. It was too cute to pass up. When we told Rowan she was so excited, but wanted to have princess room to match her princess bed. She picked the color, so it is a very pink pink. There is nothing subdued about it at all.

Her Royal Highness's Dressing Area - notice the hooks for her many gowns.

A happy little princess in her castle bed

The box that the bed came in was huge. The kids had a great time playing in the box and pretending it was a house.

Some birthday party fun at a friend's house

Soccer balls for Sassy Pants

Rowan started soccer on her birthday. She LOVED her class, but did not like the idea of sitting on the ground or getting dirty. The practiced kicking the ball and balancing one foot on the top. By the end she looked like a pro!!!

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Princess Birthday

Rowan turned 3 in September. Of course, she had to have the biggest, pinkest princess party imaginable. We had planned on doing water slides and sprinkler fun, but mother nature had different ideas. The kids ended up playing upstairs and enjoying some princess cake. She loved her party and talked about it for weeks. An umbrella from Uncle Steve and Aunt Chris was a hit. The kids loved pretending that it was raining and walking around the house!