Day 305/365 ~ 2012

Halloween started with the pre-school Halloween Party. I was happy to get to help out. Here's Katie with all of her cute little classmates.



She was excited to hand out her "Pumpkin Pie Plah-doh" to her friends.



BFFs.

I just love these two girls and how different they are. But yet they love each other so much and make the cutest little pair.  They talk about how they are "like sisters."



I had such a fun time setting a cute Halloween table for the kids.



A few treats to get the night rolling. After all, there simply isn't enough sugar consumed on this day!



And a treat of a snack...and oh my, do you see what I bought there in the background?  I find it fun to be a little shocking and out of character at times.



These were a hit.  Mama and Daddy had fun with them too.
After bouncing off every wall in the house, it was finally time to get ready to go!!






"Harry Potter"



"Ronald Weasley."



"Butterfly Fairy Princess."



We joked that Dan looked like Hagrid, minus the hair, of course.



Me and my girl.



Love her authentic smile here.



Sweetness.



Gone are the days of holding hands and walking together. The children were off and running!

They had a great time! Over 100 pieces of candy just in matthew's bag! And that was even with avoiding all the "scary" houses. :)

It was one of my favorite Halloweens. The kids were bubbling with excitement and so much fun to be with. A great day from start to finish!

Day 304/365 ~ 2012

The wait is almost over!
Halloween is almost here!
Tomorrow is the big day!!

Day 303/365 ~ 2012

Ready to carve pumpkins!



The kids couldn't wait to get started drawing their creations, which Dan carves exactly as they draw (adds to the charm). Except Andrew who didn't feel like fighting with his pen. Dan drew his pumpkin as he directed, and he was thrilled with the result.





My artsy craftsy boy loves things like this. He drew all over the back of his pumpkin too, for good measure.



The inside of the pumpkin is always fascinating!



Little fingers like to explore the squishy seeds!



The finished product!



All lit up on Halloween night!
Dan loved my "Z" pumpkin and thinks that should be a new tradition. I agree!
One of the adults on Halloween night said we had the best, most "clever" pumpkins.
I thought that was funny!  I don't know about that, but we had fun!

Day 302/365 ~ 2012

Shannon dropped Katie off from gymnastics and while we chatted, the Bug decided it was a good time to take off her coat and go for a stroll!  Nevermind the cool, fall temperatures!



Later that day we went to get the van (it had been in the shop getting serviced all day.) Only to get in it, drive away, hear a funny sound and discover a huge bolt in the tire! Back we went to wait for another hour....



This was one of the ways we entertained ourselves. We were quickly on the road again, and thankful for Shannon who saved me by picking up the boys at the last minute (literally!) from school!

Day 301/365 ~ 2012

Dan and I got the biggest kick out of these photos.
Taken in the "Photo Booth" at the school carnival.
Just classic shots of our kids.



1. Kaitlin strikes a pose
2.  Jumps off the chair.  Oops!  Too short to be seen.
3.  Parent manning the booth came to lift her back up.
4.  Showing off her pretty costume she chose for the booth.



Our very serious Matthew didn't know his photo was being taken.
Was waiting for it to start.  :)



And then there's fiesta Batman.
Dan and I cracked up at the pink sombrero he chose with the batman mask.
Notice his is all crumpled?
Classic Andrew.
1-3 Party Batman
4.  Trying to take a photo of his bottom.
Yep.  Sure was.  He's 7, after all.

PS.  The school carnival was last month.  but I was putting these photos away and wanted to include them in our project life book.

Day 300/365 ~ 2012

This sight gives me peace.
I've worked diligently on filing/acting on the stack of papers cluttering my desk during any spare moment I've had.
Trying to get caught up on things...I've fallen far behind.
This sight makes me very happy.
(Matthew made that sweet autumnal wreath. I love it).

Day 299/365

Countdown to Halloween!
This is the second year of wear we've gotten out of this cute lil' pumpkin shirt (bought greatly discounted after the season 3 years ago), paired with a skirt that I found at Target this year (purchased large enough to wear next year too!)
I love to dress Kaitlin for the holidays, but try to do it inexpensively. 

298/365 ~ 2012

A photo from the weekend.
Mike and Michelle thoughtfully sent beautiful flowers to mom on the anniversary of Dad's passing.

Day 297/365 ~ 2012

When I'm stressed, I clean.
First stop, the family room toy cabinet.
Look out house, here I come!

Day 296/365 ~ 2012

My little Cutie Patootie. 
Looking sweet in her pumpkin dress...she had to be my picture of the day.

Day 295/365 ~ 2012

Happy Birthday Grammie!
We celebrated Grammie's breakfast with Mom's amazing french toast before leaving town.  This time, Eggnog French toast...oh, it was good!



Winnie is such a fantastic Grandmother to her grandkids.  We are very grateful for you!  Happy birthday and have a wonderful year!!

Day 294/365 ~ 2012

It's been 4 years since we lost Dad.
It's starting to feel like it's been so long since we've seen him...talked to him...we all miss him, and getting to share life with him, dearly.
There's much I'd like to talk to him about.  Especially now.....



Arranging the flowers was a family affair.



My Dad's friend Carl, spoke at my Dad's memorial. We have since developed a dear friendship.  Carl came to the graveside and then joined me and my mom for lunch.

Carl and his wife put together thoughtful gifts for each of the kids that perfectly represented them and their interests and each of them were so happy.



This photo doesn't do this basket justice that was filled with gorgeous cut flowers (with a stargazer lily in the middle ~ it seriously looked like a flower girl basket!) and complete with bulbs for each season for planting for future enjoyment. Kaitlin was thrilled and said,
"It's so beautiful, it's like a garden!"
Not to mention the sweet vintage apron (that had to be immediately worn ~ you can see it in the photo). :)



Our little scientist loved his magnifying glass (which you can't see in this photo) but you can see the delight on his face.



And look at this little man! With his new "army guy" hat and REAL canteen!
Oh. My.  He had his camo pants on and was out protecting us in the backyard at Nana's house.

Thank you so much, Jeannie and Carl for your thoughtfulness and the time that you spent preparing these gifts ~ the kids were delighted. 

Day 293/365 ~ 2012

Cartoon character/Super Hero day at school today!
I think there are few cuter things than a little boy in a super hero shirt.



Matthew's Mario hat kills me.
But he loves it.   :)

Day 292/365 ~ 2012

Pumpkin patch field trip for the Lollipop class!
I took Kaitlin on this same field trip when Matthew was in pre-school.
She rode in a front pack...and now she's the big kid!
Time certainly flies.



The weather was beautiful (I've been on this trip when it wasn't!) and the animals were particularly friendly and funny (including two wrestling little pigs!) The Bug Loooved the animals!








I was very happy to share this special day with my girl.



So many pumpkins to choose from!
The kids were allowed to choose one ~ the catch was that they had to be able to carry it themselves!  It was hard finding one small enough!



But we did!



Katie and her Bestie.
Another fun fall day ~ I love fall!