Fall Fun

Its been a fantastic fall thus far. Lots going on and keeping us busy and smiling as the weather gets cooler. We have had some crazy fog lately too, so thick, I don't remember having several days in a row like this before, and it lasts sometimes for the whole day! So wacky!

We had a simple Thanksgiving over at Dad and Rita's. Before we left I snapped a few shots of the kids in their pumpkin outfits from last year that still fit, woot!

Of course one with Meeko too! He is pretty much full size now, and as you can see, he is our 3rd baby. 

The holiday weekend also marked our family visit to the pumpkin patch. We were having a great time until some crazy lady accused me of stealing her pumpkin... yeah no joke... she proceeded to take it from our bag and walk away... that was just WEIRD!

 Yep, the pumpkin hats still fit too, yay!

Gosh I love these guys, they make life awesome! They are growing up so fast!!!

The following weekend was Ariel's big pageant! We got all packed up and checked into the hotel on Friday afternoon. Ariel was excited to see her friends and they had so much fun stuff planned that we were always busy. I am still waiting on the photos, so I will do another post when those come in. I will say that besides starting to get sick on Saturday, she did her best and won Mini Grand Supreme in the 4-9 year old group. It was a first time for her to get that high of a title, so it was very exciting! She won a beautiful crown, sash, trophy, gifts and $25 which she put towards a book at her school's book fair.

Mommy upon coming home had to spent the next few days sewing like crazy to finish the halloween costumes. They were pretty pleased with them as you can see. Done just in time for the local family event in the village on Thursday night.

Princess Leia... in the throne room dress, in case you are wondering where the 'buns' are. She liked this gown better, more her style. Haha.

My little Luke Skywalker... he loves this costume... seriously loves it.

During dance this week its 'Halloween costume' week so for each class she has been wearing different outfits, depending on the class, as some are easier to dance in of course. Today for jazz she wore her cupcake fairy outfit, and I painted up her face. So pretty!

Today I had 2 photoshoots, both went extremely well, and I had wonderful weather which is half the battle! I am pretty zonked now. We concluded the day with dinner at Mike and Jo's to celebrate Henry's upcoming 3rd birthday. It was nice to have dinner made after a busy day of working, so it was a treat for sure. We got home and Ken and the kids fell asleep in our bed reading Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. Thankfully I managed to wake at least Ken to carry everyone to their own beds, as I could have ended up on the couch.

We have harvestfest this week at a local church where the kids do AWANAS. Looking forward to some fun with the kids. They have been really enjoying Cubbies and Sparkies. Ariel finished book 2 and is on to book 3 now. It was amazing to see her memorize Psalm 23, something I did around her age. I think she learned it faster than I did. Xander is nearly done book 1, and is already telling me how he will be a Sparkie next year. So proud of them and how its helping their spiritual walk.

Well, I did some editing but I am getting cold and tired, so time for bed! Zzzzz

October... I want pumpkins!

Ok, I've decided to stop apologizing for lack of blogging. It happens when it happens. What can I say :)

Here is the quick catch up on us all. I have finally found the 'fall rhythm' of school, activities and work. Its actually easier this year for some reason, no less busy but yet it seems to fit better... or I am just adjusting better. Who knows. Work hasn't slowed down, which is great, but I am somewhat looking forward to a break... probably Christmas ha! This weekend is brings to an end of 'wedding season' at least for now. I haven't had them come so late into the fall before, so that was different but all good. I am starting to get brides contacting me for next summer, and so begins the cycle.

Brownies has been going well. I am finally getting the feeling like I am not totally scared and out of my 'zone'. The paperwork is coming together. I have been a whirlwind of trying to confirm particular wait-list girls into our unit, which is stressful since I am a pleaser and hate disappointing people. I know there are several girls who would love to transfer in but we are so full with 28 girls... yes you read that right. I am looking forward to the holiday monday and a night off... hmmm turkey! We have successfully sold all our cookies, 64 cases which I transported in our car, I should have taken a photo, it was a sight for sure. Meet my little cookie friends.... yep, I am nuts.

Next week Ariel has her big pageant weekend. We have been busy building props, practicing routines and finishing up costume touches. My poor dinning table is covered with stuff, I do look forward to seeing it again once the event is done. Ariel has improved so much in her stage routines with facial expressions, it will be an exciting weekend no matter what happens. We are looking forward to a weekend with our girl friends, kinda a mini break for me, even though I work up till the time we leave, ack! I am eager to share our photos we had done but its all a surprise for next weekend so until its happened, here is another picture we had done of Ariel in her royalty crown and sash, thought these be cute for her room.

The kids have been loving the AWANA program. Both are keeners and working hard each week to learn their verses. Ariel is blowing people away with her memory skills. She finished the first book in less than 3 weeks, and is half way through the second book. Since she is grade 2 and would only be a Spark this year, she can do all the books in one year. So she has one more to do and they are busy looking at extra stuff she can do because chances are she will be done in record time. She is really asking great questions about her faith from doing these too, its always wonderful to sit with them and go over verses. She just learned Psalm 23, which I remember learning around her age ... she learned it faster than I did. Xander LOVES the Cubbies program and looks forward to it all week. Its so cute when he has to wear his vest to bed, and when he earns a patch I have to have it sewed on by the next morning so he can admire his achievement. Pretty darn cute! He has nearly finished his first book too. So proud of the kids.

Speaking of Xander, we had his first 'party day' at school, and he stood on the line, didn't sing but at least wasn't completely miserable. That is progress, haha. Daddy came too as it was the one they celebrated his birthday. He is very much my shy little guy, but don't be fooled, he has a dynamic personality he wants to share... on his own time.

Also, as promised, here is miss Ariel in her Character skirt. Looking lovely and very grown up for ballet all of a sudden. Her second class she takes midweek has only 2 other girls so she is loving the extra attention and practice time. It will be very helpful next year when she does her first exam.  She is really enjoying all her classes and the new steps. I got to watch the end of her production class tonight, eek! Love it... a hint, MJ!

Finally here is the other 'baby' of the house. Yep, he grew... I think he is pretty much done now. He is pretty much the same size Lucas was. He is a bit of a dope right now but oh is he a cuddler. He is so wonderful with the kids, if we could just curb that craziness when people come to visit, he gets a tad excited... to say the least. He is lovely and we can't imagine life without him.... he is keeping my feet warm as I type. He is getting his special visit to the vet this month... we will see how much he loves me after that.

What else has been happening? Xander had a dentist appointment. He loves the dentist, watching the tv in the ceiling is a highlight for him, and the treat at the end. Whose kid is sad to leave, mine apparently.

We are hoping to go to the pumpkin patch this weekend while its sunny. Ariel is going with her class next week, so she is getting Meeko his first pumpkin. Hee. Lots of halloween stuff coming up... I need to get sewing. Want a hint to the theme this year.... here ya go! They are both excited... as is Daddy... not sure who is more, ha!