Happy Halloweens n Things

I couldn't narrow down the Halloween photos. This year was the first year we actually trick or treated our own neighborhood!  And Rhettsy was by far the most brave.  He figured out the deal really quick and not even a barking dog was going to keep him from the chocolate! 

After we hit the neighbors, we went on to the trunk or treat at the church.  I have to say, it's an easy way for the kids to score a ton of  candy, which they love.  But I hate how quick it goes and also how many strangers there are there.  I just liked it better when I felt like I knew all the kids.  It's nice that the church is providing a safe place for the community to come on Halloween.  It's just so impersonal now.  I wish we could boycott altogether and make our kids work for their sugar!  Like the old days, with pillowcases as bags, running from house to house so you can get the maximum candy before it's time to go home!   

We were supposed to be the Wizard of Oz but Rhett refused to wear the Tin Man costume (as seen here) which meant I wouldn't bust out my Dorothy and Brandon wouldn't don the scarecrow.  So, here we were.  

We ended the night at my parent's house with pizza and lots of candy watching It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

How to choose

How could I possibly expect them to choose pumpkins when I can't even choose which photos to include/not include in the blog post about the pumpkin patch.  Anyway, the barrage of pumpkin patch photos continued...

It's the Great Pumpkin

We went to the Schilter Farm for Macrae's Preschool field trip.  Upon arrival the boys started directly into a game of hide and seek.  Seriously. 

Harvesting

The fall came upon me too quickly. I was mourning the loss of summer through the whole month of September.  I didn't want to let it go.  The sunshine was still making an appearance here and there and I did not allow myself to believe that it was waning.  I was in a rut.  I was bored.  Tired.  And I didn't want to let the cold into my world.

Until October hit.  I decided if I missed out on fall I would feel cheated (just like I had felt about the summer) and could possibly regret it later.  So I bought some fall scented candles at Bath and Body Works.  Um...it changed my life.  (okay, dramatic but still...)  I know it's ridiculous.  But have you smelled this or this?  Because if you haven't I couldn't recommend those scents ENOUGH!  

Okay, the second thing I did was to finally paint my entry way and finish some decorating I have been mulling over in my brain for oh, 4 years!  And well, that really did change my life.

Steilacoom Farmer's Market

The fall is surely here now.  I can hardly allow myself to enjoy it yet.  I love summer.  Everything about it.  BBQ's, heat, sunshine early in the morning, going on walks with the kids, flowers, lakes, boating, fresh produce, swimming in the pool, no school... and did I mention I love the heat?  So before our summer fades completely I need to post one more ode to my favorite things to do in the summer, Farmer's Markets. 

The one in Steilacoom is the best!  It's less than 5 minutes from our house, the parking is convenient, it's contained so the kids won't get lost, and it still offers everything the other markets offer. 

FREE Chocolate milk?  yes please! 

 kettle corn, my favorite!

Fresh flowers, Isla's favorite!

 Until next summer....I'll be missing you!

Happy Birthday Spider Man BOY-Macrae

Macrae was so excited to have ice cream cone cupcakes at his school and balloons to give to each one of his friends.  Green for the boys and Pink for the girls.  4 years old is great because he thought the school cupcakes and balloons = a birthday party so it was easy for me.  And then he wanted teriyaki from Hana which he calls "that place where we ate with Barret."  This kid is a DREAM!  I don't know if it's the middle child thing or just his disposition but he's agreeable and sweet.  He loves his mom and gives me as many kisses as I want.  Also he always holds open the door for me.  What a gentleman he's becoming!

He wanted a GREEN Spider Man Cake.  So, here it is.  

Happy Birthday to my best boy! 

The truth is

(My) Boys are pretty easily entertained