Pumpkin Patch/Farm

So this year it was Madeline's turn to go to the pumpkin patch with her Preschool. She had never been to a farm so this was all a new experience for her. First the teachers read the kids a story about a pumpkin patch farm.

Then we got to go to all the different corners of the farm. We got to see goats, llamas and sheep, and then the farm dog and farm cat.

Then we went to the chicken coop. They were loud and there were a bunch of them! After that it was off to the duck pond. They said the wild ducks come to visit, but they don't stay for long! We got to see a HUGE horse chestnut tree. It was over a 100 years old! The nuts are soooo good for keeping the spiders out of your house. All you do is spread a few of them around inside your house, and you won't be seeing the spiders anytime soon! We also got to see the greenhouse where they grow all the starter plants so they can keep fresh produce all year round. We also got to see the crops that are still growing on the farm. Then it was off to the corn maze. You had to find your way through it to get to the end to pick a pumpkin. By this time Madeline was tired from all the busy things we had just done and seen, that she ran through the maze as fast as she could so she could get her pumpkin and we could go. She is definitely not a farm girl! With as much energy as that little girl has, it is always so amazing to see her pooped! Anyway, here is the pumpkin she picked out. (Notice the look on her face, like "are we done yet?")
Next up....... Halloween!!!!!!!

Autumn

You know, I love that word. Autumn. Sure almost everyone calls it "Fall" but it sounds so much better when you say "Autumn." Trust me. Give it a try. Say "Autumn" out loud. You'll see......... See now doesn't that sound better?
I am getting so excited. This is my favorite time of year. I love all the changes in nature, the cool crisp days and nights, and the warm fires that burn in the fireplace. So, we got our first load of firewood of the season today. The girls wanted me to take a picture on top of the wood pile, so I did. Then they actually asked if they could help! (such good girls!) So we let them unload the wood, and then Andy and I took turns chopping it. They wanted to chop too, but I didn't want any trips to the emergency room today so that was a "no". Anyways, here are some pictures of our first real "Autumn" day of 2008. It makes me so happy! I love it!

The girls being silly as usual, on the wood pile.

The girls in a row, in the front yard.

Enjoying a nice fire. Did I mention I love this time of year!?!

Artistic Connections

Dry Erase Boards. I already had one that I used for my "to do" lists. It sat on the refrigerator unused, except by me, for 6 months. Now since Kassie got her board for her birthday, everybody has wanted to use it and mine to make silly drawings. Here's the problem. I have three artists and only 2 boards. So I went and bought another one. Then Andy got into it. He started having contests with them, of who could make the better (insert silly thing) picture. Oh goody. Now I have to go buy another one. Next thing you know, all my walls will be covered with dry erase boards! Not that that is a bad thing. Anyways, here are some of the "winning" (I was the judge) pictures.

Best picture of a family member. Sydney's "Silly Kassie"

Best use of multiple characters. Kassie's "Rockstars"

Best cartoon character. Madeline's "Spongebob" I also had to show her snowman too.

Best scary and totally unnecessary drawing. Andy's "Deadly Snowman"
Don't ask........

I love my little, and big, artists!

The capalillar

Now, Madeline is 4 years old, so she speaks her words pretty clearly now, but today was the cutest thing I've heard from her, wordwise, in a while. Andy & I were out on the back porch this afternoon, when I saw a caterpillar. He immediately ran inside and got Madeline and Kassie, because they both love "nature." Madeline saw it and says, "Aww, what a cute capalillar!" I told her it is called a caterpillar, and she says, "That's what I said Mommy, a capalillar!" It just took me back a few years to when she was learning to talk, and all the funny ways she would say things. I miss those times..... So anyway, here are some cute pictures of the "capalillar" the girls named "Ticklely" because it tickled them as it crawled up their arms.



Well, I just wanted to share that. I gotta go take dinner out of the oven now. I made some delicious baked pork chops with sweet potatoes, pecans, and pears. I love this time of year! I love cooking all the good fall foods.
Au revoir, until next time!

Kassie's 7th Birthday!!

Happy birthday to Kassie!! Our middle daughter is 7 years old today! I cannot believe how fast time truly does fly by. It seems like yesterday when.........nevermind, you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, you knew they were coming, so without further ado, here they are!


Sidewalk chalk for the artiste. Shells and beads to make jewelry.

Hannah Montana Jewelry Box and new clothes! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Dry Erase Board for her "to do list" and a Catz game for the GameBoy

Super Smash Bros and her favorite Pikachu!!! Thanks Uncle James!

Madeline was itching to open Kassie's presents. Birthday girl Kassie!!!

Sydney cheesing like usual!! Mom and her girls!!

Personal Family Day - AKA the Puyallup Fair

So last night Andy and I decided we would take the girls to the Puyallup Fair today. This morning I called the girls' school and told them that they would be absent today for a "Personal Family Day."

So off to the fair we went this morning. It was a beautiful day. Perfect weather. The kids rode a lot of rides.

First was the Merry-go-round, because that is all of our favorite.

Then the girls went on the roller coasters. Andy did the Big Slide with the girls. They also rode a bunch of other rides.Then we all played games to try and win prizes. And we actually won a few!

After walking around for about 4 hours, we then realized the nice sunny day was too perfect. The heat was starting to get to us. So off to Toonville, where the Dora the Explorer tent shielded us from the sunshine and heat. Madeline was thrilled to see her! Kassie thought it was ok. She used to LOVE Dora, but she'll be 7 in 12 days so she's "getting a little old for it now, mom". Her words, not mine. Sydney was unimpressed, as any 9 year old would be. She was happy to get out of the sun, though. We stayed in there, took pictures, and then left to go "explore" some more.

Andy and I love looking at all the 4-H stuff. We love seeing all the animals. He used to do 4-H, so it is nostalgic for him. Every year we take the girls into the barns, and every year the two older girls complain about how bad it smells. But, we make them live through the smell, and in the end they are happy to have seen the animals. This year was different. We started walking into the first barn and Syd and Kass both started in on there whines about it. Then Madeline, as loud as she could it seemed, said "Ooooh YUCK! It SMELLS!" She then proceeded to turn around and walk right out of there. Andy and I looked at each other and knew the battle had begun. So unfortunately this year, because we were already so tired, and that was the last thing we were going to do before we left, we did not see the animals. No big deal though, because next week we plan on taking them to a farm........ :) Tee hee hee. Anyways, all in all it was a wonderful "Personal Family Day" that we all thoroughly enjoyed. I leave you with a picture of the moon off the waterfront tonight. Enjoy, until next time!

Another School Year......

School time!!!! The kids were so excited to go back to school. (Gasp!) We on the other hand were, for some strange reason, not so thrilled. This year it is really hard for Andy and me. We generally love it when school time rolls around because then we have some time to get things done, while the kids are in school. This year would really be no different, except for the fact that our baby Madeline, well she's not a baby anymore, just started Preschool! (Sob....) Andy and I just looked at each other and said, "We're getting old." 3 girls, 3 brand new school years, and one empty house. Here are their first day of school pictures.

Sydney going into 4th Grade!!!

Kassie going into 1st Grade!!!

Madeline going into Preschool!!!

My, my, my, how time flies. It's scary! Ok, I'm done now. I'm going to go find something to do with all my free time. (Sniffle.....)