Halloween!

The big day has finally arrived for Batman and Flower Princess to go out trick or treating. Unfortunately, it has rained off and on all day! When we started out it was barely raining but then of course, it started pouring! We had to walk with umbrellas and even had to get the car at one point. By the end we were able to finish off our street with just a drizzle and the kids were able to walk (aka run) from house to house. They both had a great time.

After finishing up at our house, we headed over to a special place . . . Pop Pop and Cook Cook's house. Caroline loved being able to take as much candy as she wanted. At the end of the night we asked them what their favorite part was and they both said going to Pop Pop and Cook's.

Getting ready to brave the great outdoors!
At Pop Pop and Cook Cook's

Halloween Playdate

We had our annual Halloween Playdate today hosted by Thomas, Nicholas and Dana. All the kids dressed up and brought Halloween themed food. This year we had Batman (Jack), Flower Princess (Caroline), Pinocchio (Thomas), Jimmy Cricket (Nicholas), Prince Charming (Riley), Cinderella (Mattie Lou), Optimus Prime (Dru), Bubblebee (Marley), Flash Gordon (Landon), Superman (Lawson), Minnie Mouse (Olivia) and Mickey Mouse (Alex). The kids also made a cute pumpkin craft. They all had a good time and the food was yummy!

Halloween School Celebration

Just in case we haven't celebrated Halloween enough, we continued the celebration at Jack and Caroline's school. Their school does not do anything officially for the holiday so Stephanie and I planned something for both classes. For Caroline's class I sent in a brownie bite snack with candy corn hershey kiss on top. They loved it and it wan't too messy for the little ones. For Jack's class, Stephanie made sugar cookies and they were allowed to decorate with icing and sprinkles. They all had a great time.

Little Diva

I think the picture says it all!

Caroline's Gymnastics Dress Up Day

Caroline's gymnastic class celebrated Halloween by wearing their costumes to class. It was so cute seeing all the kids dressed up. Their teacher, Ms. Peggy, also dressed up as a black cat.

Caroline with Ms. Peggy
Caroline and Mattie Lou love spending time together each Wednesday. Typically, each week we will do something special with Mattie Lou. They play great together and Caroline now talks about her all the time. The girls are all smiles playing around at gymnastics. Caroline do her warm up stretches!
The next two pictures are the girls favorite part of class. At the end of class they get to run down the big trampoline and jump into the foam pit. Ms. Peggy lines the girls up and then counts to 3 for them to start. Caroline never seems to wait until 3 and takes off before the rest of the kids. The 2nd picture will show what Caroline does every time. She stops and then jumps in to the foam pit. Mattie Lou, on the other hand, jumps right into the pit without stopping. She has no fear! I'm going to video tape it one week.

Pumpkin Carving with Friends

Riley and Mattie Lou invited us over today to carve a pumpkin. I was a little nervous about letting the kids loose with sharp tools but they actually did a great job. We drew a simple face that consisted of two diamond eyes, an upside down triangle and a spooky mouth. Jack and Caroline both helped with the carving. Jack even did part of it all my himself. I did not let Caroline loose with a sharp instrument (the reason why there is not a picture of her carving). After the pumpkin carving, they made a card for Pop Pop and Cook Cook. Caroline loved making her card! Thanks for having us over and we can't wait to do this again next year!

Jack was so excited to carve his pumpkin with a sharp knife!The finished productRiley, Mattie Lou, Jack, Caroline, Thomas and Landon The L family pumpkin, R family, and W familyJack making some music

Let the Trick or Treating Begin!

With Halloween still a week away, the kids started their trick or treating festivities this weekend. On Saturday, we went Trick or Treating at the Avenues. Each store gives out candy and they have activities for the kids. Although it was a little cool, the kids had a great time. Jack got to run around with Riley and Thomas while Caroline wanted to be pushed around in the stroller (she is the princess, after all).

Flower princess, Batman, Prince Charming and Cinderella
Caroline eyeing her candy!The boys!On Sunday, we went to the kids school for their Trunk or Treat. Jack and Caroline enjoyed getting to see some of their classmates dressed up and of course enjoyed the candy. Jack's favorite was his swirly lollipop Ms. Pat gave each student.

Jack getting to see his music teach of 3 years. She is not at school this year but he was so excited to she her again!

Sports Day at School

The kids had Sports Day at School this week. Jack's official day was yesterday and Caroline had her day today. Both kids sported their favorite team (and of course Daddy's) NC State. . . GO PACK! Both were excited to support their team and show their team spirit.

Jack doing the Wolfpack cheer!
Caroline in her football dress (she calls it this b/c of the buttons)Two future Wolfpack students?

Jack's First ER Visit

Today, we had our first emergency room visit with Jack. He fell on the playground at school and cut his chin and a bloody nose. They think he tripped on his shoes strings and then hit his chin on the ground. After getting to the school, we decided we would go to the ER just to make sure he didn't need stitches. Luckily, Stephanie and Mattie Lou were kind enough to come pick up Caroline and let her spend time with at their house. Jack was very brave and never cried at the hospital. In the end, he did not need stitches. They used some strong steri strips to close the cut. He should be good to go in about 5 days. So with all the drama, I had promised him if he was a Brave Boy, he could pick out a new toy. Little did I know that he would leave the hospital with two stuffed animals. Of course, Jack was ready to go to Target to pick out a new toy. He picked out some construction vehicles and then a My Little Pony for Caroline. He also got a new pair of shoes that do not tie and some dinosaur slippers. He was truly a BRAVE BIG Boy today! Caroline was a good little sister too. She stayed with Ms. Stephanie and even got to take a nap in Mommy Stepahnie's bed. She had a fun time!

Jack with all of his new treasures!Caroline with her new pony

Nap Time Fun!

Caroline has been able to get in and out of her bed for several months now. She typically will just sit on her bed with her numerous dolls. Occasionally, she will get up to get a book from her book case but then return to her bed. Well today she had fun with all of her pull ups and bedtime diapers. She pulled all of them out and placed them on her bed. She ended up sleeping at the foot of her bed in a small area that was somewhat clean. I tried to get a picture of her still sleeping, but she woke up! She is such a mess. I can remember Jack would do the same thing with all of his clothes.

Happy Fall!

Hiking Kennesaw Mountain

Now that Jack is in school four days a week, we have a "Fun Friday" each week with just Jack and Mom. Caroline is going to Fun Friday at school. Each week, we try to plan something fun. This past week, we decided to hike the trail at Kennesaw Mountain with Riley! The boys did great climbing the steep mountain. They collected nuts, acorns and leaves along the way. We even saw a very big black snake! Once on top, they had a snack, used their binoculars to look out and explored some more. Instead of hiking back down, Mom went and got the car. They may need to be a little older before adventuring back down! Jack is enjoying his special Friday with Mom and his friends!

Apple Orchard - Fall Fun

After soccer, we headed to Ellijay to Hillcrest Apple Orchard with our friends Riley, Mattie Lou, Mrs. Stephanie and Mr. Randy. We have never been to their Orchard before but will be going back again next year! The kids had fun milking Buttercup the cow, picking their own apples, sliding down the big slide and the pig races. Before the pig race began, Dad was picked to race a horse around the track. He didn't win but he made up proud!

Riley and Jack were both picked to go up and cheer on a pig. Jack had to tell everyone his name and where he was from. He did great with his responses . . . (name) Jack Jack (from) HOME! With all his cheering, his pig came in first! Way to go Jack!

With the apples we purchased, we made a delicious apple pie. Jack and Caroline helped Mom from start to finish. They loved making it but only wanted the ice cream not the pie!

Neither Stephanie nor I got a group shot of the kids! What were we thinking? I guess you can say a long day.

Jack
CarolineMattie LouDad racing his horse!Jack raising his had as the winner to collect his prize candyRiley coming down the big slideJack on the slidePeanut coming down the hillJack milking ButtercupCaroline would only pet Buttercup

First Soccer Game

Today, Jack had his first soccer game. He played the red team which happened to be Riley's team. Although Jack's team didn't technically win, they had fun chasing after the ball! Jack is enjoying being the goalie. During the middle of the game, Jack and Riley stopped to compare their numbers. They are both the number 2.

Jack getting directions from the coach

Notice Jack's tongue!Riley playing the goalie

Hanging Out Together

As I was getting things ready for school, Jack and Caroline were being so quiet watching television. I looked around the corner and this is what I found. The two of them snuggled together on the couch watching one of their favorite shows . . . Dinosaur Train.