Zoo Lights

We finally made it to Zoo Lights!  It was a warmer, dry evening and so the zoo was PACKED, but we really enjoyed our first outing to see the annual display of Christmas lights all around the zoo.  I think the bus ride to and from the overflow lot and chasing the cheetah lights were the highlight of the evening for the boys.  I thought the zoo looked beautiful and can't believe how many lights they have on!

Roloff Farms Pumpkin Patch

We finally made it out to the Roloff Farms Pumpkin Patch.  We always said that when the boys are older, we could go since we'd heard there were lots of structures and buildings to climb and might be a bit too crazy and dangerous with our three.  Well, I can tell you that at seven and five, our boys found every single thing you could possibly climb in addition to photo ops/displays you weren't supposed to climb.  It was a bit crazy, but I think we all had a good time.  Lots of people there  from near and far, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Roloffs themselves, I'm sure.  There was a long line to take your picture with Amy Roloff, so we decided not to wait in that.  We skipped the tractor ride, too, 'cause at $6 a person, that's just too much.  We enjoyed all of the free displays, skipped the t-shirt & button souvenirs, but we did buy a $5 bag of rainbow colored and flavored popcorn to enjoy on our ride home.

Backyard Playtime!

First Day of Kindergarten

Ben & Gavin were excited to head back to school this fall, a week after Carson started.  They get to have the same teacher, Mrs. Lee, and have their buddy, Isaiah, in class with them upstairs this year!

First Day of School!

Neighbor friends, Alissa (1st) & Will (3rd)

Happy to sit with friends in his row: Nathan, Brandon, Alice

Walking home with Gavin, Tyler (4th), & Will

Awesome! Cupcakes! Carson, Fred (2nd), Will, & Tyler

Carson started his first day of 2nd grade today.  He looped up with his 1st grade teacher, so it was an easy transition.  Lots of familiar faces and we both knew first day expectations. 

The weather is gorgeous today, but a bit on the hot side.  Ben and Gavin were struggling on the walk to pick up Carson, but made it home to have popsicles.  The boys and I made cupcakes for Carson and the other neighbor kids with a school decor kit from Grandma Joanne.  Fun to make and fun to eat!

Sounds like everyone had a successful day back!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a LONG fun filled Labor Day Weekend, ending summer with lots of playing and swimming! 

We started out the fun with all three boys' last swim lessons on Thursday night.  They all love the water and swimming and all advanced a level during the summer.

We met up with our friends at Oaks Amusement Park on Friday afternoon since the boys earned cheap ride bracelets through our library reading program.  It was a crazy crowded day there!  We ran into a few other friends and decided that we'd go in the middle of the week next summer.

Brian and Carson spent Saturday at the OSU game while Ben, Gavin, and I went to Salem, accompanied by our friends, Heather and Luke.  The five of us had "an adventure day full of surprises."  We went to the Gilbert House Children's Museum, Salem's Riverfront Carousel, saw a train go by up close, played in Grandma & Grandpa's hot tub (their favorite part), had BBQ at their house, and were joined by the big brothers and dads for dessert and Popeye cartoons. 

On Sunday, our family attended my parent's church for an outdoor service and baptisms.  Lots of songs, 33 baptisms, cotton candy, and (thank goodness) sitting in the shade.  After a two hour service and the weather really heating up, we headed home.  Brian took the boys to our local outdoor pool for fun cool-off time.  Grandma Michelle bought costumes for the boys, so Gavin ran around as a green Power Ranger and Ben as Spiderman much of the weekend, as well.

On Monday, we all headed to the pool after I purged and reorganized the boys' clothes.  Getting ready for a garage sale this Friday!

Cat in the Hat Picture Booth Collage

(Click once, then again to enlarge collage.)

I saw this idea online when I searched Dr. Seuss themed parties where someone set up a photo booth.  And the boys enjoyed doing photo booths at Carson's school carnival this past year with silly props.  I set out boas, Cat hats made by Kelly, silly glasses I bought at the Dollar Tree, and bead necklaces leftover from other events.  It was so much fun and a great way to make sure I got a picture of every guest.  I definitely plan to do something like this again at future parties.

Thing One & Thing Two turn 5!

The birthday boys, Gavin & Ben!

Grandma Joanne helping at the bookmark making table.

Grandma Michelle running the Grinch Goop.

Angie, my assistant extraordinaire, & Brian as The Cat.

Ryon, our neighbor, creating some amazing face paintings.

Grandpa Jack pouring drinks for kiddos.

 

The boys thought it was awesome that Brian made an appearance as The Cat!


I had so much fun and lots of help throwing this Dr. Seuss (mostly Cat in the Hat) birthday party for the twins.  I borrowed fabric and supplies from Sally, and Dr. Seuss fabric from Kelly;  Cat Hats made by Kelly;  party goodies including the blue boas, Thing party hair, & Thing cupcakes idea from Cherie (FHM MoM);  borrowed tables, benches, & more from Kelly, Cindy & Sally;  party prep, clean-up, and assistance from Angie, my mom, my dad, and Brian's mom plus most of the parents stepped in to help out during the party, especially with the extra gooey goop (Krista & Justine);  mad face painting and mask drawing skillz from Ryon; and lastly, a borrowed costume from Kim (FHM MoM) which Brian wore and was a hit!  A hug thank you to everyone!!

Car Chat

Conversation in the car on the morning of Cousin Zoey's birthday party:

Me:  Grandma and Grandpa will be at Zoey's party today!

Carson:  Which ones?  Which Grandma and Grandpa?

Me:  My parents.

Gavin:  You have parents?

Me:  Yes, Grandma Michelle and Grandpa Jack are my parents.  I'm their daughter.  

Gavin:  Whoa.  That's cool.

Ben:  You were a little girl?

Me:  Yep.

Gavin:  You were a little girl, then you were a big girl.

Ben:  And now you are OUR mommy!


Just love these guys and their expressive reactions to the connections they make.  :)

South Beach Camping Trip Day Four

Wow, I was really impressed with how quickly the pack-up/clean-up process went.  It must be due to all of the friends to play with at our campsites.  For the most part, the boys played with the other kiddos while we packed and cleaned and didn't try to "help" as much as they did last summer, which made for a much easier time of it. 

We just hung out at the campground on the last day, enjoying our last outdoor breakfast, with the kids riding bikes, playing on the playground, and enjoying the yurts and tents on our last morning.  Everyone seemed to have a great time with only a couple of meltdowns.  The children all enjoyed each other's company and didn't cry or get upset when it was time to leave either!  What a fantastic trip!