The Tooth Fairy strikes again!

Thanksgiving parties

The boys both celebrated Thanksgiving at school this week.

On Wednesday, we headed to Jamin's school for his party. The first graders participated in a shoe box float parade. We loved seeing all the creative ideas each child put together. Seeing Jamin enter the hallway was the best part! 

Everyone cheered as the kids walked around the school. Jamin had a great time marching with his classmates and showing off his work. Our first grader with his Mario Kart Lava World float:

After the kids visited the other classrooms and read some stories, everyone gathered in the hall for a Thanksgiving lunch:

On Thursday, Travis' preschool held its Thanksgiving feast. In the days leading up, they baked, made crafts, and held special activities to learn & prepare for this event. Travis couldn't wait! 

Halloween 2012

As evening approached, our Sunshine, Angry Bird, and Lady Bug were extremely eager to trick-or-treat! The last thing they wanted to do was go into the back yard and pose for pictures. Three siblings together was tough...

...but 5 cousins together was impossible! Charlotte and I just laughed and snapped the best/worst candid pictures we could to capture the anticipation of the night (her pictures are obviously much better; check them out here). 

We packed up the kids and headed out trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. 

It was Libby's first time. She got a kick out of it and lasted one street before her legs got tired. She joined Daddy at home to help him hand out candy. 

Brock and Jamin were total pros. They set the pace with their flashlights, and we sometimes had to slow them down. 

Travis had us laughing the entire time! After home owners would open their doors, he would announce the most hilarious things ("My costume puts out the rain!" or "Your pumpkins are exra spooky!") and then carry on random conversations with them ("Did you know I love dogs?" "I went to Disneyland last year!" "My favorite color is green!"). At the end of the night, Travis was thrilled to trick-or-treat at Nanay & Papa's house. Uncle Sean answered the door. After getting his candy, Travis chatted with Sean for about 3 minutes then brightly realized, "Hey! You live here!" We just about died.

More fall fun

Two weeks ago, we picked the pumpkins from our garden. Not only did we harvest a measly four, but they were small-- much too small to carve. Along with Travis' Linder Farms pumpkin and a few leftover squashes, we painted our display of gourds.

While we initially planned to paint faces on the 5 pumpkins, the solid painted look grew on us. The kids wanted an outlet to unleash their Halloween creativity. So we spent evening together where we drank caramel cider, decorated clove oranges,

 

 

and frosted sugar cookies.

Last Friday, Jamin's school held its fall carnival. We dedicated that night a "Mom-Jamin date" and spent hours playing games.

Playing

Scott's a playful dad. Even after a long day of work and school, he takes time to shoot hoops, throw a ball, or wrestle with the kids in the living room.

They have such a great time together. 

I'm thankful for a husband who truly engages with our children-- not only in teaching but also in playing.

Linder Farms field trip

Travis took his first field trip last Monday.

We went to Linder Farms. He couldn't wait!

As soon as we got there, he wanted to play in the corn bin. But the schedule of the trip meant going on a hay ride instead. Travis was mad.

He felt a little happier at the petting zoo. 

Next, it was time to learn about pumpkins. Travis could see the corn bin. Back to square one... until he got to pick his very own pumpkin. Mrs. Walls explained that was his ticket to play.

Play time!

After free play, Travis tore around in the corn bin with his friends. All was right in the world.

Happy #32

Scott turned 32 yesterday!

On Saturday, the two of us went out for sushi and shopping.

Yesterday was a nice, relaxing day filled with family time.

And cake.

Happy birthday, Scotty! We sure love you.