October is the month that the weather starts getting not so nice.
Even though this October was much nicer than most.
I don't think it rained significantly until Halloween Eve (of course).
But slightly colder and cloudier weather means the kids spend EVEN MORE time inside.
Even though this October was much nicer than most.
I don't think it rained significantly until Halloween Eve (of course).
But slightly colder and cloudier weather means the kids spend EVEN MORE time inside.
There's more cuddle time.
And there's more crazy project time.
Katie's Mini-marshmallow sculptures.
This may have been an attempt to just get access to mini-marshmallows for eating purposes, but she did put in some effort. I'll give her that.
As you can see, Mikey has discovered the power of paper and tape.
He even created paper shoes.
He found out, much to his dismay after traipsing about the yard, that they were not waterproof.
It's kinda funny. Kids think tape is the most magical substance on earth. That it can do anything.
When we grow up we transfer that love onto Duct tape.
Here's an example. A 2nd grader Katie creation from back in 2014.
I wonder how many paper product shoes are created each day......
Ralph likes Fall.
The picture will give you a hint as to why.
Next up on the crazy October agenda and the PTA calendar....
Dads & Donuts.
This year we ran outta donuts and coffee. Guess people like free donuts.
Shocker.
We had to get there early as I had to "police" the doors to make sure no kids without adults were sneaking in to load up on free donuts.
Don't ask. BIG point of contention within our PTA...
Sigh.
Oh. Yes. He did have a donut.
Mikey and Katie also had donuts.
Thank you, Kinnikinnick!!!
Within this other stuff, we had various doctors appointments.
Katie visited her orthodontist and is making big progress. All looks good there.
Mikey visited a pulmonologist in Seattle. They recommended keeping him on allergy meds and inhaled steroids as a maintenance medicine for breathing issues. They also told us to visit his allergist to see about immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Katie had another infusion and apparently suffered a "glutin-ing" at some point at the end of September. Her tummy was not happy. We don't know what did it but have now eliminated going "out to eat" to see if that helps. Total bummer.
Mikey came home early from school on the day of my first PTA meeting with a stomach virus. Luckily, he didn't spread it to anyone else in the family. Phew.
Mikey visited his allergist where it was determined that he hadn't shown enough debilitating allergy symptoms to qualify him getting injections.
Back to non-medical stuff.
Pumpkin Patch!!!
The place we go has a "Family Adventure Farm" with all sorts of stuff for the kids to do.
We lucked out that it was a rainy day with a football game going on, so it wasn't that busy.
Baseball/softball toss.....
Katie just made it in one of the holes.
I think it was "Double".
Giant Tractor Tire Mountain.
So polite.....
They were big.
They had a little clubhouse thing.
I just like this picture because it looks like he is stuck in the window.
And I don't like this picture because Katie looks so GROWN UP.
Sigh.
There was a build-a-bead necklace station and face painting as well.
Katie went with a familiar Halloween staple.
Mikey told the lady he wanted a "demon".
I wonder what people think of us.......
Here is a tractor pulled crazy barrel train ride.
The back barrels are the best because they move around a lot.
We finally tore them away from the "Adventure Farm" and moved on over towards the actual pumpkin patch.
We had to stop at the sign.
Honestly, I was surprised that Mikey did not argue that he was taller than Katie.
That's just his style.
I think it took about an hour for the kids to select their pumpkins.
At least it felt that way standing in the rain.
They walked the ENTIRE patch.
And let me tell you, the patch is huge.
Katie had her last cross country meet.
Here's her serious face again.
Time to carve up those pumpkins!
I made the kids do some of the work by scooping out the guts.
This is where you get a glimpse of the personalities of my two children via photo highlights.
Katie.......
Mikey.....
I like carving pumpkins.
I like it A LOT.
The kids did their own designs and I transferred them to the pumpkins and carved away.
The day before Halloween was a Friday and so all the kids parties happened on this day.
Because my kids are usually the "allergy kids" (there were others this year!), I volunteer to make the cookies and/or cupcakes and bring frostings/sprinkles for the ubiquitous "decorate your own (insert baked good here)" station.
For Katie's class, it was cupcakes.
Katie's theme was harvest and not Halloween. They did some cool crafts and played some fun games.
Mikey's class had a Halloween theme and he and his 1st and 2nd grade buddies (his class is made up of both) came parading on through Katie's party with their costumes on.
He was so happy and a little proud, I think.
Twin Ultrons.
After Katie's party wrapped up, I ran next door - my kids are only one door away from each other - and helped set up the cookie decorating station.
Mikey's teacher is training a service dog.
Mikey LOVES her (the dog AND the teacher).
Here she is dressed up like a butterfly.
This is Mikey's reaction when his teacher said the party was officially started.
Ultron likes evil frosting on all his special treats.
It was a crazy day before Halloween.
The next day was the day itself.
Here are our pumpkins for the year.
Starting from left to right:
Mikey's - Ultron
Katie's - Pheme
Ralph's - A bunny
Mine - Deathly Hallows
Huzbend - Creepy eyes pumpkin
And here's us!
Left to right again....
Zeus
Batdog
Pheme
Sadness
and
Ultron
It was rainy.
You would think Zeus would have some say as to what the weather would be....
The kids hit up every house in a neighborhood right near ours.
Mikey was so proud that he didn't get tired this year.
They collected A LOT of candy.
Now is usually the time in my Halloween post when I show a picture of the kids eating candy or counting out their candy horde.
But, not this time.
On our way home from trick-or-treating, this sweet old dog walked up to say hi to Ralph.
He had no collar.
We took him in and using Facebook and word of mouth were able to connect with his owners a few hours later.
They live 3 doors down.
He was so sweet.
The kids were hoping that we didn't find the owners so they could keep him.
Speaking of dogs, Ralph loved his costume so much that I think he would've continued to wear it as long as we kept it on him.
He made a good Batdog.
Although, I don't think Batdog would steal peoples dirty socks.
