Decorating Cookies

This year we decided to have a decorating party. On a friday afterschool, the kids next door and one from across the street, with their moms, came over to decorate some cookies. I baked some the day before and Jennifer baked some, while Daniele provided some tasty frosting.

The kids had lots of fun decorating Santa's, Trees, Bells, Angels & Stars. They were a yummy snack for after school.

2011 Christmas Tree

This year Chris and Caleb got final vote on the tree. So we ended up with a 10ft tree, that took 4 men to get into our house. The kids and I decorated the bottom 6 ft of the tree and then Chris took over and got the last 3-4 ft. With the beautiful lights and ornaments on, it filled the window and shone brightly every night.

Halloween 2011

These are pictures from a Halloween party we went to before Halloween. The pics of kids Trick or Treating will come later this week.

Caleb gettin' his picture taken with another pretty girl. What a cutie. I better watch out for when he's in high school!

Miss Social at the party. She was walking up to everyone saying I'm 7 years old, I'm a Mummy, What are you?

Pumpkin Carving

This year Caleb and I decided to try carving Ghost pumpkins. They are white on the outside, and as we found out while carving, a lot thicker on the inside. A plus to them for Caleb, they aren't as "juicy" so he was not squeamish at all and got right in there and helped. I think all of our pumpkins have "blood" coming out of them somewhere. Fun decorating and carving with the family and Papa Mark & Grandma Patti!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

We were a bit slow at getting to the pumpkin patch this year. All day school puts a hamper in the afternoon activities! With 2 days off for conferences after Chloe's birthday, it was the perfect time to hit the Pumpkin patch! We chose a new place that we had never been before- The Plumper Pumpkin Patch.

It did not disappoint! So much fun stuff for the kids to do and see. A small 20 ft. slide and a Big 40 ft slide, an obstacle course consisting of small hay pyramids, tires to run through and duck in and a slide to start it all. And of course there were lots of animals to check out- horses, donkeys, goats, calfs, turkeys. Pumpkin bowling and fun places for the kids to pose for pictures too! Next year we hope to make it there earlier in the season and take Chris with us, and hit it on a weekend when the kids can do the horse rides.

Chloe's Birthday

I can't believe it Chloe is 7 years old now! WOW! We had a fun filled week with birthday parties with family and friends. I'm hearing alot now "I'm 7 now mom so I think I can do this." Or "I'm 7 so I can help with that." Sometimes it's great and other times I have to stop for a minute and think of how I can have her help without making a bigger mess. Learning new things for her requires extra patience on my part. I guess that means we are both gaining something!

Beaver Family

Finally got some pictures of all of us in our Beaver gear before heading down to Corvallis for a game.

The Guy in orange was walking through the parking lot after the Beaver Victory, and was drinking a beer through his suit. Had to get a picture with the Orange Guy. (Chloe looks at him and says "Holy Cow, who is that?")

1st Day of School

Wow, I can't believe it, Chloe is in 1st grade this year and Caleb is a Kindergartener! That means school everyday for Caleb, and a full day for Chloe!

Chloe my big 1st Grader!

Chloe & Caleb

Caleb my Kindergartener!

Backpacks on and ready to go!

with our neighbors, Madison and Claire- Everyone is excited for school!

Look how excited the Kindergarteners are!

Chloe at her own desk!

Claire and Caleb playing with some playdough at one of the tables in their room.