Maris Farm

We did our Family outing to Maris Farms today. Wow that place has exploded in activity since we started going to the pumpkin farms when McKenna was only a few months old. Back then everything was free. Now you pay $5 just to get in, and the people pay it and more for extras. We are included in the basic cost, but we did pay it. There was a HUGE crowd there. It was all in the name of family time and good fun!

We rode a huge slide, the push tractors, the cow train, and the HayRide.

We had our faces painted, jumped in the Bouncy house and the Corn room.

Even did a few "corn" angels

Did a few water duck races, watched a magic show, saw the pigs run, the turkey strut, the chickens cluck and even got to pet a rabbit.

We ate popcorn, corn on the cob (my favorite), free pizza from Papa Murphy's and chocolate milk compliments Smith Brothers.

There were some pictures taken-some were more cooperative than others, if only to get it over with.

Almost bought the perfect pumpkin, but $24 for 1 pumpkin was just too much.

Although a bit distraught we will find the perfect pumpkin for the perfect price another day.

It was a perfectly fun day for us!!!

Coco

As a family we thought this day would never come. My children have begged...since before Tate was born for a dog. For a while this was a dream of a white dog named Scout (my sister's dog), then it was a small white dog either named Sparkles or Mitzy (my mom's dog). The excuse was always that all the kids need to be potty trained first. Dad was never on board with having a dog...until it became functional. There are diabetic dogs, dogs that sniff and help you keep track of your blood sugars. When he learned this he became very excited and decided that one day he'd have one. This would be perfect for me-the dog then goes to work with John and I get to love it in the evenings and take care of it on the weekends. It's the perfect relationship! You know like with John. :) JK

Well we did not get our diabetic dog, but we do have a white German Shepherd/Alaskan Malamute mix named Coco. She's 2-yr old and we are lucky enough to get to take care of her while her owners/parents have their Lil human baby girl in a few weeks. We'll actually be taking care of her for a few months, when we hopefully get our own diabetic dog. Until then the kids are very excited and already Love her! So far she's been a VERY good dog!

Scholtz Pumpkin Farm

Let the Pumpkin Farm Season Begin. McKenna didn't have school today so we decided to go to Scholtz Farm in Sumner. One of our favorite Local farms. Great produce, animals and VERY kid Friendly. We went with our friends the McClellan's.

Check Out the Fun!

Ending with a picnic behind the car. It was a perfect Day!

Where's Daddy

The kids were just outside the front door playing hopscotch and drawing on the sidewalk while I was making dinner. When it became unusually quiet my radar went off and I went in search of my 3 little troublemakers.

This is what I found:

Here they sat on the hillside looking and waiting for Daddy to come home

I Love My Long Beautiful Hair

This Last weekend Tyler let Leslie braid her hair. I love her hair braided-and have found she'll let most anyone do it...except me. Pry because my skills are not up to par. We pulled it out of her braids yesterday and she ran in to see her beautiful curly hair.

She is really quite thrilled and has told me for the 2 days, "I Love My Long Beautiful Curly Hair, Mom!" Her initial declaration was followed by "Mom will you take my picture?" Of course!

Want to be Just like...You!

Poor Tate...it seems that I'm yelling at him...way more than I'd like to. Today I had an epithany...always a moment too late.

Tyler brought me a DVD that she wanted to watch at lunch time. As I explained to her we'd be watching it later (being distracted by the conversation) I didn't notice Tate was over finding a couple of his own. He then proceeded to bring them to me-with his sticky fingers and prints on the backside. As I tried to figure out where he'd gotten them I snappily told him he wasn't allowed to touch the DVD's (a privilege Tyler has just earned). His face twisted in disappointment and then the tears came...and then understanding filled my mind he was trying to be like Tyler.

Later this evening the girls were out playing hopscotch and had asked me to come play. I was trying to show them how to play by throwing the rock on a number and then pick it up...a theory that was lost on the girls but embraced by my almost 2 year old little boy. He quickly picked up a rock and tried to throw it at the hopscotch, nearly hitting McKenna who was spared by my quick reflexes thwarting the rock from her path and leaving me with a bruise. :) Again missing what had just happened and too focused on the pain I quickly scooped up my little boy explaining "you don't throw rocks". After placing him in Time Out...I realized he was just trying to play the game with us. I quickly apologized to my son, embraced him in a big hug and then did my own time out of holding him for the appropriate amount of time.

Apparently I still have a lot to learn as well.

Octoberfest Begins

Octoberfest is a little different at my house. It doesn't involve any alcohol, although from our behavior you might wonder. It begins October 1st and Ends the moment our heads hit the pillow on October 31-Halloween Night.

Being October 1st we brought out the Dress-up clothes.

Had no idea we were in for such a treat!

Tate didn't like dressing up much-he felt a little better once he saw himself in the Mirror, but still wasn't convinced this was for him. I have a month to convince him otherwise.

Our Feline Friends

Rock Star accompanied by Lil Princess on Guitar

A Treat We'd Like to Share with You!

Photo Session 9-30-10

Out in the Yard and at the request of my sweet nieghbor Micha I got to work taking a couple of pictures of the kids...getting a variety of facial expression and in their natural "state" of happiness and innocence. It was fun to play with the lighting and my camera as well. What a tough assignment! :)

They were great performers!

I sure do Love these kids!

Naptime

Just let Me Lay Down for a Minute

Isn't it nice when they put themselves down for a nap?

A rarity that is much appreciated when it happens. Ok they usually don't, but Tate LOVES his blanket, his binki, laying on the couch and watching the Backyardigans. So many similarities to McKenna when she was his age.