Halloween Weekend

On Friday we all went to a Halloween party...but not Aubrin. Aubrin was a bit sad on Friday that Jackson got to wear his costume to school and she didn't. She wanted to go to his party with Jack and daddy, but had to stay home. On Friday when I got home from school, I got out of the car and I was still dressed in my costume from work ( I was the storybook character Pinkalicious). She asked why I was dressed that way and I told her I had a party at school-instant tears. Once again, someone went to a party and it was not her. Todd tried to make it better and told her we were carving pumpkins after dinner and that was her party. She thought that was a great idea. Good thinking dad!!! Pumpkin carving was so much fun. Jackson and Aubrin both had a piece of chalk to draw the face on their pumpkins that they wanted. Both faces were really simple, but fun! They tried taking out all the goop with their hands, but after a few seconds they both asked for spoons. Aubrin had a great time at HER pumpkin party. On Saturday we dropped the kids off at Scott and Katie's. It was our first time going to their new apartment since they got married. Jackson and Aubrin were very excited to go. Todd and I had some running around to do to pick out counter tops, tile and back splashes. We thought it would go much faster if we didn't have the kids with us. It was a successful morning for all. We got what we needed and the kids had a great time. Today the kids spent most of the day outside. Todd had a lot of yard work and I had a lot of inside work. They picked to help dad! They were both so excited to get their costumes on and go trick or treating. They asked all afternoon if it was time yet. We got the kids dressed a little early so we could go visit Sheila, the Porters and Kalynn. They all live in our sub, but too far to walk. We snapped a few pictures and off we went. They were both so excited to show off their costumes. Sheila had Halloween bags filled with special treats for the kids. When we got home it was time to bundle up and go trick or treating with dad. The past couple of years Todd has been the one to go trick or treating and I have stayed home to had out candy. About an hour later I heard Jackson coming down the street blowing his whistle. He ran up the front walk so excited to tell me about his candy and trick or treating. Todd was right behind him carrying our little love bug. Todd said that she had a great time, but the masks were just a bit too much for her. She felt much for safe in daddy's arms. As soon as Aubrin came in the house she stripped her outfit off and dove into her bag for the one piece of candy that she was allowed to have. Of course she picked out a sucker. Jackson stood on the porch and handed out candy. At one point he stood closer to the walk and stared calling out, "Come and get your candy. I have gummies, suckers and some pinkalicious ones too." It was hilarious. After we turned out the porch light the kids got in their jammies and read books on the couch with daddy. It was a great Halloween!

Pumpkin Party

Today Jackson had his pumpkin party at school. He was so excited to wear his costume and show his friends. I think he was even more excited that dad was coming to the party. Todd took the morning off so he could spend the morning in Jackson's classroom.They had a great morning together playing games, doing crafts and eating yummy treats. Last year at the party I remember Jackson being very shy and not wanting to stand up and say what his costume was. Todd said this year was different. Jackson was much more confident getting up to share. He stood in the middle of the circle and did a few trick with his night stick...oh goodness. I think he feeling right at home this year. After the party Todd had to get back to work. Jackson really wanted to go and spend some time in Todd's classroom. As Todd was teaching his class and Jackson was writing at Todd's desk, the fire alarms went off. They had to evacuate the building. Todd called Shelia right away to pick Jackson up. Todd said that Jackson was great through the whole situation, but Todd had to worry about his students and could not be "Dad" at that moment. When Shelia came to get Jackson he was devastated that he had to leave. Later when I got home and talked to Jackson about all of the excitement in his day he told me all about his party, but more importantly, the fire at the school. He just didn't understand why he had to come home. He thought being a police office (remember he was still in costume at Todd's school) he should have stayed to rescue the people. He said, " Police don't leave a fire. They stay and help people." I love that he took on the identity of his costume so seriously.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

On Thursday we celebrated my dads birthday. My parents were in Chicago for his actual birthday so we were celebrating a bit late. Since my mom and dad were watching the kids at our house on Thursday, they just stayed until dinner time. Jackson and Aubrin helped grandma make a special birthday cake during the day. After we all enjoyed the yummy dinner that my mom made, Jackson and Aubrin both gave grandpa the spacial cards they made for him. When it came time to blow out birthday candles, Jackson was pretty sure we didn't have enough. He said having 59 candles on the cake would be way to many. We loved that we could share a special day with grandpa!

Halloween Dinner

Tonight we went to Buffalo Wild Wings for a Halloween dinner. Every Wednesday is kids night. They have a craft, clowns making balloon art and a great deal for dinner. Tonight was a Halloween party. Todd called me at work early in the day and suggested that we go. Since we have to eat and the kids love wearing their costumes, it sounded like a great plan. The kids each got a bag filled with fun treats, painted a pumpkin and had a yummy dessert. Aubrin was too busy being social and didn't eat very much of her dinner. Little girls that don't eat their dinner don't get dessert. Jackson ate great, so he got to make a sundae at the ice cream bar. Although I don't even think Aubrin noticed. She was so busy watching all of the other kids and saying hello to everyone. Her butterfly costume suits her well as she is at times a "social butterfly." It was a great way to spend an evening with the family after a long day at work.

Fun Fall Weekend

We had a nonstop weekend of busy, busy fun! Todd had his annual "Boys Trip" to Las Vegas, so it was just my babes and I this weekend. On Saturday we got up and headed to Longs Orchard. I was so disappointed the last time we went when Erin was in town, but in
the past couple of weeks they have added a few new things for the kids to do. We spent the morning in the corn maze, jumping on the bouncy pillow, feeding the goats, playing on the structures and racing on the cars. The kids had a blast. It sprinkled on and off while we were there, but nothing to send us home.
For the past couple of weeks the kids Halloween costumes have been hanging in their closets and they have been patiently waiting to wear them. The countdown to Boo Bash was on and Saturday was the day. After Aubrin's nap ( or lack of) the kids got into their costumes and we went to Boo Bash in downtown Milford. We met up with Gabe and Nevada. When we got there we were waiting for the kickoff to start when a police office walked up to Jackson. At home Jackson had misplaced his badge and we didn't have time to tear the house apart to find it. The police office noticed that Jackson didn't have a badge on. So he went back to his patrol car and got one for Jackson to wear. Jackson was beaming as the officer put it on him. When the officer walked away Jackson said, "Mom, did you see that we were dressed the same, did you see mom?" He was so excited. As the Halloween music started, Boo Bash officially started. Aubrin was a bit frightened by some of the costumes, but as long as we were holding hands she was good. It was so busy that we didn't make it to all of the stores, but Jackson, Aubrin and Gabe were getting hungry so we all said our good bye's and headed home.
Today we did our usual Sunday morning grocery shopping and then spent the rest of the day playing outside.I love that we had this unusual warm day so late in October. We raked the leaves in the yard into big piles and then had a great time playing in them. While Aubrin took her nap Jackson and I had some time to have some quiet time together. Jackson is really into making books. So we spent some time making a book about dinosaurs. Then of course we headed back outside to play. Later in the evening we decorated Halloween cookies. Well, Jackson and I decorated cookies and Aubrin ate frosting! It was a very busy weekend, but it's weekends like this that I cherish each moment. Happy Fall!

A Visit With the Animals

Jackson and Aubrin both LOVE farm animals. If we are ever unsure of what to do, the farm is always a fun option. One of Todd's baseball players lives on a farm and his mom offered for us to bring the kids over to see the animals. As we pulled into the driveway I couldn't believe what we saw. I was expecting a few small animals and maybe a small barn. Was I ever wrong. The farm was on 10 acres with a large barn that housed, bunnies, ducks, horses, a donkey, pigs, kittens and goats. The view from the house looking down at the farm was breath taking. It backed right up to the Huron River and the land was covered in beautiful fall trees. We were able to go behind the fence with all of the animals. The kids fed the horses, goats and pig. Mary offered for the kids to ride the horses, but I think they were a bit nervous. Holding and petting the kittens was more their speed for the first visit. Jackson told her the next time we come he would be ready to ride a horse. Mary told us to bring our pumpkins over after Halloween. The pig eats them whole!!!! Jackson attempted to ride the goat, but as soon as Mary tried putting him on, "Goat Boy" ran away. Aubrin fed the animals and felt comfortable petting them if Todd or I were holding her. After we fed the animals we took a walk down by the river. Mary is a photographer so we had a few impromptu family pictures taken. We weren't really dressed for family pictures, but sometimes the most unplanned things turn out the best. I'm really excited to see them. The kids had a great time and can't wait to go back and feed the pig our pumpkins!

Behavior Plan

In our house we have very simple rules for Jackson and Aubrin~ use kind words, keep your hands to yourself and always use your manners. Both are learning the way and also how far they can push the limit. For the most part, please and thank you is used, a few reminders about brother and sisterly love is offered and nice words are USUALLY used. Our little Aubrin however, has found a new love for the word poopy. I'm not sure why this is a fun word to say, or how she fits it into her sentences, but she does... and most importantly to her, she makes her big brother laugh. Although, leave it to her big brother to try and help the situation. The other day Jackson said that he had a plan to help Aubrin stop saying the "p" word. He hung a piece of paper on the refrigerator and said,

"Mom, every time Aubrin says the "p" word, I am going to put an A on the paper, because that's what her name starts with. When she gets five A's I will send her to time-out."

Leave it to Jackson to try and solve the problem and to better a situation. So for the next couple of days every time Aubrin used this word Jackson would write an A on the paper. When she got to five Jackson sent her to time-out. Aubrin went willingly. Jackson set his timer and when it went off he told Aubrin she could get up. He also had a talk with her about why she was sent to time-out and how it made him sad, but he reassured Aubrin that he was not mad at her and that he hoped she would make better choices. I could hear my voice coming out of Jackson's mouth- scary! I'm not sure that Jackson's behavior plan is working, but I do appreciate the thoughtfulness of him wanting to help his sister be successful and wanting to watch over her.

A Field Trip to the Apple Orchard

Today Jackson had his first field trip of the year. Last year Todd went on most of the field trips and I went to the classroom celebrations. Today I was lucky enough that it worked out for me to take the morning off and go to the apple orchard with Jackson and his class. When we go to the apple orchard Jackson was excited to see his teachers and introduce me to a few of his new friends. Last year there were 18 kids in the class and this year there are 21 kids. Only 5 of the kids are new to the group. Last year it seemed that many of the kids would stay close to moms and dads when at a field trip or a class party, this year they were all running around calling out each others names and having a great time together. It's amazing at what a year of growth will do. We started on a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and the apple orchard. After "Betsy" the green tractor pulled us out to the pumpkin patch all of the kids got off and found their perfect pumpkin. Most of the apples were already off of the trees, so the kids got to pick an apple out of a big apple box they found in the middle of the orchard. We all climbed back on Betsy and we were off to have cider and donuts. After we had a yummy treat, the kids were free to play in the farm area, visit with the animals or play on the structures. It was such a wonderful morning to spend with my little guy.

A Morning At The Orchard

Last weekend Erin and her family were in town for a short visit. Short or not, I'll take what I can get. It was a busy weekend with the football game and a few other outings, but we were able to spend sometime at the apple orchard.

We were excited to take Will and Emerson to the apple orchard for their first time. Jackson and Aubrin love going to see the animals, pick out pumpkins and eat yummy treats. I was so disappointed when we got to the orchard and many things were not open. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, the animals and the play area were not open. Although, it didn't seem to even phase the kids. We had donuts and cider and took a ride through the apple orchard. My mom and dad seemed so thrilled to have all of us together in one place and enjoying the morning together. After the orchard we all came back to our house for lunch and a little bit of play time.

Will and Emerson are getting so big. Jackson and Aubrin loved having their cousins over.