paper bag cowboy

Aiden has a Harvest Party at school today. They were told to dress 'country' and I found this idea online. It's a cowboy vest and chaps made out of paper bags. Aiden thinks it's fabulous, it cost nothing and it can be put in the recycling bin when he's done. Perfect costume. It was also 'Books and Breakfast' at school this morning. It was a little difficult to get everyone out the door for an 8:20 start but it was worth it! It was a sweet little story time in the library with all the kids sitting on a giant blanket, eating snacks and listening to the librarian, principal and a student act out the story of "The Perfect Pumpkin Pie." Amelia sat quietly on my lap (wonders will never cease) and enjoyed a gogurt(note to self: must pick some of these up for future use). I am so impressed with Aiden's school and the positive environment he learns in each day.

look 'hoo' we saw!

As we were leaving the park the other day we spotted an owl up in the trees. It's a terrible picture but it was an incredible sight to see an owl awake in the daytime!

fun fall day

Yesterday, my sister and her husband came down for a visit. It made for a fun day. The weather was gorgeous. Aiden got to carve a pumpkin with his pumpkin pro carver uncle and we had enjoyed some play time at the park. The fall colors are so beautiful right now. What better way to top off a perfect fall day than with homemade apple pie that the kids helped make!

bat baby

Someone is tired of being the lowly side kick (Robin) and insisted on wearing the Batman costume.

batman, robin and a backyard carnival

Today we had a Halloween party at Aiden's classmate's. It was a backyard carnival set up with fun game booths, a bouncy house, pinatas and fun prizes. I told Aiden there might be a celebrity guest at the party and there was. His teacher! Amelia loved her first time in a bouncy house and the creepy, squishy prizes were a hit with both kids. We brought a skeleton veggie man and cupcakes and there were lots more Halloween themed food at the party.

Halloween craft- a -poolooza

Monday was an early release day so I had a fun filled craft day planned. My friend's daughter joined us we cranked out the crafts. They did a spooky tree water color picture, painted pumpkins, made caramel corn with the little broom bags and helped with a witch leg pumpkin project. Now are house looks like Halloween threw up all over it but Aiden loves it!

undercover mother

Today I was a helper in Aiden's classroom. Aiden has been counting down the days since last week. I was pretty excited too. As a parent I was looking forward to seeing what Aiden's day is like outside our home. I was able to help the kids make a leaf art project (and even offered to take then home and finish them up tonight), participate in the school bus safety drill and go to library time. I may or may not have even done the congo line once or twice in the library. I had a blast and I really enjoyed the kids in his class. All 22 of them, yikes! I'm fully prepared for the class field trip to the pumpkin patch tomorrow.

winter clothes organization

Yesterday, the air definitely felt crisp. Time to break out mittens, hats and scarves. I had the kids try on all their old stuff and most still fit. There were a few things that didn't so we gathered those into a bag to be taken to the "winter coat drive" at the hospital,if anyone has old winter coats, gloves, hats etc child or adult size, I will gladly bring those too. My first thought had been the consignment store. But the most I would see is $5-7 for a bag full of winter items, my 99 Goodwill receipts aren't going to help at tax time so this is perfect timing. I keep a pair of gloves, scarf and hat for each member in the over the door shoe hanger in the laundry room (labelled of course). All the extra winter gloves and hats are stored in baskets in the front hall. Hopefully, this will keep it reasonably organized. How can a pair (that make me cringe) Lightning McQueen winter boots fit Aiden for three years straight?

I never thought I would hear...

"Good job on the brussel sprouts, hon." Tonight, my whole family (including Miss Fussypants) ate salmon, brown basmati and wild rice and oven roasted brussel sprouts. I'm a little surprised myself.

family pictures

Here's a few of my favorites from Rebecca's photo shoot. I am seriously lucky to have such a talented friend! I'm saving our family picture as a surprise for our Christmas card.

busy days..

Had a bit of a whirlwind few days. Friday morning I headed out to a conference in Semiahmoo. It's been quite awhile since I've done any continuing ed and it was a bonus that it was local. It was very interesting and the day went quickly. The husbands came out and joined us for dinner and the guest speaker. It was some guy from Canada that had climbed Mt.Everest. He was entertaining and funny just not really motivating. Dale and I took advantage of the free babysitting at home (my parents had come down) and we stayed the night at the hotel. I think we were asleep by 10p but it was nice to wake up on our own. It was still 7am but at least it wasn't to the sound of someone calling for you. We enjoyed a walk around the water and a yummy breakfast of eggs benedict before heading out to meet my parents at the soccer fields. My Mom and I went shopping Saturday afternoon and I had one of those golden touch shopping days. I found everything I wanted in my size. Love that, doesn't happen very often. Today I had a nice walk around Lake Padden with Rebecca before we went up to Canada to visit with the Loffler's. A nice full week end. Thanks to my parents for coming down and watching the kids and cleaning my filthy house! You know it's bad when your step dad cleans your kitchen floor on his hands and knees!

retro trike

Had a little fun with pictures of Amleia on her trike yesterday. She still isn't pedalling but loves to put on her 'he mut.'

Stoney Ridge Farm

Saturday we headed to Stoney Ridge after Aiden's soccer game. Everyone was tired and cranky but darn it we were going to the pumpkin patch, the sun was out! It was incredibly busy (we waited 15 minutes just to get in). Amelia had her first train ride and loved it. We quickly had to distract her with the animals because she would shriek and chase the train for another train ride. The kids weren't into getting their pictures taken so I just let that part go. We had some yummy apple pie with caramel sauce. Amelia loved the wagon ride and corn maze. She was so tired she kept tripping through the pumpkin patch and was covered in dirt and scrapes. I tried to institute the "you can pick any pumpkin, you can carry to the car" rule. Aiden inspected every pumpkin on the field and settled on a small green pumpkin he thinks is fabulous. He dropped it approximately 22 times before we got to the car and broke the stem. After seeing Aiden's (ugly) little pumpkin I found a pretty round orange one for Meelers that I carried back. I love that Aiden thinks his pumpkin is so wonderful. We are headed back in a few weeks for Aiden's field trip so be prepared for monsoon rains on October 23rd! Don't say I didn't warn you.