Halloween Night

I thought that if I heard "How much longer till Trick or Treating?" I may scream. The day seemed to drag on and on; thankfully dusk did indeed come and after a yummy specail Halloween dinner we headed out.

Tomato Basil soup (aka: monster mash or monster blood-depending on who you ask!) , Mummy dogs and broccoli (thrown in for good measure to counteract all the sugar that would follow!)
Our little ballerina waiting and waiting and waiting....

The scariest little mummy ever!

All wiped out and back home to munch on goodies and hand out candy to our own trick or treaters.

The evening was a great success. Carver and Springer had the best time and seemed especially grown up this year. Several times, out of habit, I would say "Carver wait up for your sister" and then realized SHE was way ahead of him. She got the hang of things real fast and never looked back! Carver's spent the better part of the last year working up the nerve to go to the "scary house" (what this particular house is called year round). This house scared his pants off 3 years ago and he hasn't quite forgotten it. So, we headed back first thing and after G shouted out "Small children version, please!" we headed down the "spooky path". The scary wolf man kept his chain saw off long enough for them to grab some candy and head out. Neither were too tickled with it while we were there, but by the time we hit the side walk they were basking in their bravery!

Party at the Preschool

Today Springer had her fall festival at preschool. She decided to go as a Davidson cheerleader...taking her role quite seriously.... Exhibit A
Exhibit B

Painting pumpkins (it may never dry)

The bean bag toss

"Bobbing" for apples with Anna Wade and Abby

Have you ever tried wrangling fifteen 3 year olds for a picture? Fifteen three year olds in costume? Not an easy task!

The Mouseketeer

Springer adores Mickey Mouse and the movie, The Mouseketeers, is among her favorites. As I prepared dinner the other evening she disappeared (rarely good news around here). Imagine my laughter when she rounded the corner dressed in my brown suede boots singing one of the songs from the movie. She considered herself part of the gang and after serenading me went off in search of her sword!

Pumpkin Carving

After a stop by our local pumpkin spot we headed home for an afternoon of carving. There is always great discussion about just what kind of face to give our Jack-O-Lantern. This year Carver and Springer decided on a big smile with lots of teeth. They especially enjoyed digging out the 'goo' and seeing who could spit and throw the seeds the furthest. I think everyone was happy with our results and most importantly we all enjoyed making memories together.

Pumpkin Patch

A vist with the Barretts

Brandon and Liz came into town and we enjoyed a no kids dinner with them over the weekend as well as a 'with kids' trip to the park this afternoon. Unfortunately I neglected to get a shot of all five of them (and poor John Mac never even made it with all the action). Nonetheless we had fun running around the lake, playing on the playground and feeding Nini: who did make an appearance again today. Fun times with great friends: so wish y'all lived closer!Caroline, Springer, Carver and Henry

Sweet Caroline

Swan Lake

We met our friends at the park today for a little playdate, lunch and a walk down to see the ducks. Instead of ducks we met this gorgeous swan. "Nini" as Springer named her. Nini was lovely, graceful and greatly enjoyed the bread that Ellie and Springer fed her...but she enjoyed it a little too much. She mistook Springer's hand for bread and bit her! Springer looked shocked at first and then the tears came. I think it scared her as much as anything although it did pinch her hard enough to leave a mark. Springer has since deemed the unfortunate incident an 'accident' and true to form has found great humor in it. "Nini"
Ellie and Springer prior to running out of bread!

A beautiful day

Fall

Crisp, fall air greeted us this morning and Carver wasted no time in grabbing his sweatshirt. I think when you wear a uniform each day it's a pretty big deal to mix it up a bit! He looked like such a big boy as he headed out to his daddy's car that I just had to snap a picture.

Wildcat Garden

The garden at Carver's school is a regular part of their education. I'm amazed at all the lessons they incorporate into gardening. This past week the garden's soil was readied and the kindergartners (the planters) headed out to plant the fall seeds. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and now anxiously await harvesting day. Everything they planted will find it's way to the Dining Hall and even those often neglected radishes taste surprisingly sweet when planted with such care and love!

Rainy Day

This weekend brought lots of rain and in the middle of the afternoon I noticed Springer was quiet and the kitchen door was open. Now it was still raining-steadily. I peaked out to the driveway and this is what I saw...Springer playing in a puddle with her new little pirate duck. I should have recorded it because she was just talking, talking, talking to that duck. She eventually came in drenching wet, but grinning and happy as could be.
That's my little free spirit girl!

Georgia

Terribly unfortunate circumstances lead us to Georgia last weekend. The bright side was the opportunity to spend some time with our family. A stop in Atlanta afforded us the chance to visit with Sara James, Smith, Micah and Tricia. Those three (and before long, four!) always enjoy every second of their time together.
The brainwashing by Micah and Tricia is pure evil!

Nate joined us on a trip to Lakebottom Park-Carver especially loved having his Uncle Nate along.

Festival in the Park

One of our favorite September activities is Festival in the Park. We headed over as soon as we picked up Carver from school to beat the crowds. In fact Springer had her first roller coaster ride all to her self. Although it's clearly not a high roller coaster it is pretty fast and a bit bumpy. She didn't make a peep but held on for dear life. I wish I could have captured the look on her face!

Her only complaint about the swing was that it didn't go fast enough!

Testing their Hawaiian blood and taking a ride on a moving surf board.

We ran out of tickets last year before making it to the Ferris wheel but Carver was not about to let it happen twice. He LOVED his first ever ride and claimed it was the best part of the day.

Springer was sorely disappointed not to ride as well but upon finding dirt quickly made peace in its shadows!

In the Groove

Well Carver informed me today that he's been in kindergarten for 14 days. On one hand that seems hard to believe, but it also seems strange to think of him not being in kindergarten. To say that 'he loves it' is a bit cliche, but he truly does. Each day he comes home rattling on and on about what they learned in Spanish (although right now he says it's easy because he knows all the words they're learning-I've told him to just give that one some time!) or what he read during Reader's Workshop or what they did in Healthful Living (aka 'gym') or how they beat the 4th graders in a soccer game (still unsure about that one-I think we have some generous 4th graders!). He could talk all day-and often does. We continue to be immensely grateful that he's adjusted so quickly and enjoys himself so much.

Springer finally started her first full week today. She couldn't be more pleased to be back with her pals. Now that she's in the three year olds class she gets to take part in the carpool line pick up. She walked to the car with her teacher today and was grinning from ear to ear. Before she could even get buckled in her seat she squealed, "I'm a big girl now! Just wike Carver was when he was here! When I was a baby I got picked up inside, but now I sit outside. I get to do it again tomorrow!!" (all high pitched and full of smiles)

As we drove home I said, "Springer, I missed you today. When we get home can we snuggle?"

Springer: I want some milk and a cartoon.

Me: Well can we snuggle too?

Springer: Yes, but you can't put your arm on me and NO kisses! (said with a grin)

Me: No kisses?!

Springer: NO. Kisses make me nervous!

I did get a few.....

Springer's First Day of School

After what seemed like forever (for both of us!) Springer finally began school today. She woke up grinning and never stopped. Although her teachers are new some of her favorite little girl friends are in her class this year...Abby, Ellie and Anna Wade are among her dearest friends. She ran in to greet them this morning and barely said good-bye when I left. I can't believe how much she's changed and grown since she began last year. Her spunky personality remains the same, but she's really come in to herself in the past several months-so much more confident, funny and interested in everything around her. I'm really excited about this year ahead and deeply grateful for her sweet little life today.