October 31st

October 31st - a day full of activity. We joined Candie, Elyjah, & Judah at a playground in their neighborhood. It was still a little chilly, and Miss E wasn't interested in playing (you'll see why below).

Even though we hadn't had rain in a day or so, the volleyball court remained a wading pool. Elyjah & Judah were all about playing in the water, but it took Big J some time to venture in...can't blame him, it was a little chilly!

After naps, we headed off to Elyjah's birthday party at another playground. All the kids dressed up (except ours who wanted to show off their new pumpkin shirts thanks to some friends) and had a grand time enjoying some beautiful weather.
Hulk and a Ladybug
(aka the birthday boy and his mama, Candie)
He wanted her to dress up, and she kindly obliged. What a great mom!
Big J showing off his jack-o-lantern shirt.
Pin the nose on the pumpkin.
We actually got Miss E to participate!
Proof of how literal kids at this age are: The game was wrap the mummy...when Candie said, "GO!" most of the kids took off racing toward the fence at the edge of the park! We all got a good laugh!
The birthday boy wanted donuts instead of cake so we got to enjoy Krispy Kreme's Halloween specials! It was a nice change.
Miss McK had a grand ol' time, can't you tell?
Miss E hung close to me & Clay during most of the party, but I did catch her smiling after the pinata busted and she got a lollipop!
After the party, we headed to a local church's fall festival for dinner and fun. Caught the kids walking together with matching braids! Kudos to Clay for doing Miss E's hair.
Our group enjoying a hot dog dinner. We were quite a sight!

Headed to the games.

Bean bag toss...LOVE his swinging hair!

Miss Priss wasn't into doing the games - she hung out by the wall.

Basketball toss!
It was a great day...so much so Big J kept asking to go to Halloween for days after it was all over!

Big milestones

It's been a busy week at our house as you can see by the following posts - surprise visitors last weekend, additional kids in our care this week, and family fun. It's also been a good week in small ways -

- Miss McK is sleeping through the night!!!

- The Paci Princess visited Miss E Friday night. E gathered all her pacis into a bag to leave for her to pick up and take to all the babies that need them. The next morning, E found a note and big girl present (a Skipper Barbie doll). While she's been sad, it hasn't been as tough of a transition as it could have been. She didn't even ask for them tonight (night #3 without them).

- The above two things had to happen before I could consider moving McK out of our room. I'm going to give it probably one more week to make sure this isn't just a fluke, but I'm thinking next weekend we might make the transition. Oh, to have a room to ourselves again!

I finally took time (LOTS of time) to update the blog tonight so enjoy multiple posts and more pictures than you can probably stand. Don't forget you can enlarge them by simply double-clicking on the picture.

Now I think sleep is calling my name...

Block party

The kick off of costume party fun began today at our church's block party. The kids enjoyed getting in their costumes - a princess (thanks to our dress up box inherited from my niece) and a prince (or really a Kung Fu master of sorts borrowed from friends, but Big J insisted he was a prince!). Miss McK slept until time to go so I didn't worry about dressing her up today. There will be plenty of time for pictures on Saturday between a birthday party and fall festival. The kids loved the games, the pirate ship bounce house with slide, and face painting. Good times with good friends!

Pumpkin Patch 2009

The pumpkin patch - a fun tradition that we got to experience on my sister's birthday this year! Big J had the time of his life even after falling in some mud and getting stung by a bee right on his lip (see pics as evidence). He LOVED the bounce house and obstacle course/big slide. Miss E wasn't too fond of taking pictures after the first few, but finally came around on the hayride. We had perfect weather and it wasn't too crowded. What a wonderful day of memories.