Carving Pumpkins

We went to the Lee’s house for a pumpkin carving FHE.  Adrienne had set out paints for all the kids so they could paint the little pumpkins they all got at the pumpkin patch the week before.  They loved it, of course. 

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of actually carving pumpkins.  It’s messy, a lot of work, and since I don’t really have a lot of artistic ability, I’m not that good at it.  But I like having them when they’re done, and I like watching others carve them, and you can’t really go through Halloween without carving at least one pumpkin, so it’s a good thing Dan doesn’t mind doing it.  So he carved, and I took pictures:)  I think the girls take after me when it comes to pumpkins . . . . they didn’t really like them either.

Dan had to show them how it’s done.

So while Dan was carving away, I popped in the frozen pie that we brought for dessert.  I thought we could stick in some candles and sing to Dan since we hadn’t ever sung “Happy Birthday” to him, and according to the girls, his birthday wouldn’t be complete until we did.  I was so naive sticking those candles into a warm, fresh from the oven pie.  And we were all kind of wondering why the candles were all falling over while we were singing.  Hahaha . . . . I can laugh about it now.  But I totally ruined it.  Look at all those candles.  There was melted blue wax all throughout the pie.  I tried scooping most of it out, and we actually still ate it . . . . a little wax can’t hurt you, right?  But definitely a good lesson learned - hot pies will melt wax candles.  Duh. 

Our finished pumpkins.  See, I like having them.  Aren’t they cute?

Pumpkin Patch

         

This little girl was getting sick of pictures . . . . hence the grumpy face.  But then she busted out these model pics.  Haha . . . . I love these!

And I love her in her skinny jeans . . . . especially at the farm:)  

Happy Birthday Dan!!

Last night, on Dan’s actual birthday, we went to an adults only Halloween costume party (which was tons of fun – we even won Best Costume with our Walmart outfits again:) so we didn’t really have any time to open presents after Dan got home from work.  And then Dan had to work again today, so the girls were really anxious for him to open his presents when he finally got home at 2:45.  Lisa sent him an awesome package filled with the most delicious German chocolates and candy.  Thanks Lisa!  (From me too, everything we’ve tried so far is to die for!)  Dan’s parents sent a nice sweater and tie, and the girls and I got him some Dad’s Root Beer and mugs that he can keep in the freezer so he can always enjoy a nice cold beer . . . . haha.  And he got his iPhone a couple of weeks ago, which I was planning on getting him for his birthday anyway, so I made him take a picture with it!  Anyway, we had a fun Saturday afternoon.  After presents, we went to a pumpkin patch, and then out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse (to use Dan’s free birthday appetizer).  Then we ended the night with a little shopping and errand running.  It was a great day!  Happy Birthday Dan.  We love you so much!!

Halloween FHE

We were excited to put on our Halloween FHE for our new friends in Reno!   We first got the idea from Dan’s sister, and did it in Ohio.  And now it is a fun tradition!  Dan started off the night by taking the kids on a Witch Hunt while the adults worked on their Halloween Trivia Quiz we made up.  And no sharing answers!  A prize went to the winner.

Then we did Halloween Bingo and the Mummy Wrap game.  Wrap your mummy and they have to be the first to hop to the other side of the room!  

Which of course turned into total chaos with toilet paper flying everywhere!!!

Until Dan yelled, “Everyone throw your toilet paper on Vickie!”  Too funny.

The last activity was a candy hunt in the backyard.  We have the perfect backyard for hiding Halloween candy and fun little Halloween toys everywhere, so the kids really loved this.  We told everyone to bring a flashlight and candy bag for collecting their treasures.  Here’s a picture right before the big release!

And of course some yummy treats to end the activity with!

Thanks to all our friends who came!  Until next year . . . .

Annie’s School Picture

 

I put some cute clothes on her, fixed her hair, gave her the order form, told her to smile, sent her off, and then hoped for the best.  And it actually turned out pretty cute! 

First Food

James was about a week shy of 6 months when we first fed him solid food.  Definitely later than the girls.  We fed Annie food the day she turned 4 months (we were anxious first time parents), and Leah was almost 5 months when she started.  I always love feeding babies baby food, it’s just that it throws in a few more extra steps in the already busy mornings and evenings.  So, maybe I was putting it off for selfish reasons.  I knew the baby would love food, and finally, I couldn’t resist this cute little face any longer:

What’s that you said, Mom?  Something about food?  What is it?  I want some.  You think I’ll like it?  Well, give me some and let’s find out.  I want to try it.  All those kinds you’re talking about.  Quit just talking about it, and let me try some.  Is it that stuff you guys put in your mouths?  I stare at it and wish I could have some.  I sometimes even make chewing sounds and lick my lips so you’ll know I want some.  But you never give me any.  Pleeeeeease can I try it?

Is this it?  Finally!  Ok, I’m excited.  I’m concentrating.  I hope I like it!

I think I do like it!  I’m so happy!  So happy in fact, that I don’t even know what to do with my hand.  I think I’ll just leave it up like this the whole time you feed me.

Mmmmmm, I LOVE it! 

Mom, you’re not going fast enough.  I have to eat my bib in between bites.

This is so fun!

  

Ok, now I’m stuffed.  No more, Mom.

First foods – rice cereal and applesauce (what I always feed my babies first:)  This was actually the second time we fed him.  The first time we recorded on our video camera.  These pictures were taken September 25, 2010.