Halloween Project

My sister and I have the cutest pumpkin trick or treat bags that our mother made for us when we were little. I have been wanting to make similar bags for my boys for years. I have been searching for this pattern everywhere. My mother claims she lent it to a friend and assumed that it had been lost in one of their many moves. I have searched the internet high and low and learned that most likely this pattern has been discontinued. Bummer.

One day while catching up on some blog reading I come across the very same pumpkin trick or treat bag that is sitting in my linen closet. Had this person found the pattern? Thrilled beyond belief I contacted her. It turned out she hadn't found the pattern. She just recreated it herself. Well, that is good enough for me! She shared her tutorial and I was able to crank these pumpkins out just in time for Halloween! Unfortunately the boys didn't like the face that was on my pumpkin. So, I let them draw their own "scary" faces. The good news is I get to make a cute girly one not too long from now!

Pumpkin Carving Party!

The pumpkin carving party was a couple nights ago and it was great fun! I really enjoy this yearly tradition. This year was the first year B was interested in carving the pumpkin himself. I can't wait for them to be old enough to come up with creations all on their own!

There were some delicious cookies to cover anyone's face in chocolate!

Prince Charming did the scooping.

The boys waited patiently to be able to draw their faces on the pumpkins.

Our beautiful hostess is contemplating her design.

B with his finished pumpkin.

E (incredibly impatient due to a skipped nap) with his finished pumpkin.

Thanks again to the lovely hosts who have this party every year. We really enjoy the yummy food, great company, and creative designs. Can't wait until next year!

The Inaugural Trip

B brought home the journal he had been working on in school during September the other day. When we were flipping through it, one of the entries he had to do was draw or write about his favorite restaurant. He drew a yellow "M." Many of you can guess that he was referring to McDonald's. He has never been. My guess is that he had some peer influence and just wanted to get it over with.

After having a fantastic day at school, Prince Charming asked him if he would actually like to go to McDonalds to see what it is all about. Of course B took him up on the offer! Today B got to have his first taste. He ordered his very first Happy Meal complete with a cheeseburger, fries, orange soda, and the infamous toy! Overall review? He approves.

Side note: Since it has been a very LONG time since Prince Charming and I have had McDonald's (seriously, we can't remember when) we both decided to splurge on a Big Mac and Fries. They tasted just like we remembered.

We added some curb appeal!

We finally got around to adding some curb appeal to the home we have been living in for the last 5 years! It's about time! We added some fresh coats of paint (hired professionals of course - we are too lazy) and landscaped the planters. The orange tree you see in the front yard in the first picture was removed two years ago (it was diseased) when we had the backyard landscaped. Anyway, we are thoroughly enjoying the new look!

Before

After!

Such a sweet kid

While tucking in the B-Man tonight, he says to me, "I love every bit of you."

I could just eat that kid up!

26 weeks

Here is the ever-growing belly! This little girl certainly has bony elbows and heels. I get jabbed in the ribs constantly. This pregnancy has flown by. It will be January 18th before I know it!

He lost another tooth!

This child is becoming an expert at pulling his own teeth. Moments before he came to me with the tooth in his hand he said, "Dad, look! I can turn it all the way around." Now he is trying to wiggle all of his other teeth to see which one is next.