Happy Halloween!!

halloween fun!

the makeing of Jack 'O Lantern

wild lights, round 2

Trip #2 to see the wild lights!! it was later in the week, was a lot less crowded and we got to see a lot more. And we had just as much fun as we did the first time!! Love the pictures of Madde and Mia - the are so funny together!!

Becoming a woodland fairy!

merry go round & campfire stories

children's zoo

chalk-love

Wild lights, round 1

We are local Zoo members, so when they have soecial events we like to take advantage of it and go! Tongiht, we joined Leanne, Olivia and Mason to check out the zoo lights! The kids loved it and the weather was perfect!

My little superheros!

The kids have had their capes since last easter. They love them and once one puts theirs on , the other wants theirs on too. I found the super masks at target. On a whim, I made the kids puppies a cape too! Amelia has had Toto since she was 18 months. He was free with purchase, You can read about it here. And i suggest you do. It was a funny post if I do say so myself! Lucas got Harry dog because he kept stealing Toto. They are best buds with their puppies! they have both made many trips with us, including Florida.

Enjoy my little superhero's! Amelia was all business in her cape, skirt and red mary janes!! i tried to tell her superhero's didn't usually wear skirts and mary jane's, but she was determined that would be the perfect outfit! Lou - well, he was a little more laid back about his clothies!

eckert's 2011

We love eckert's, especially in the fall! I love the colors of the pumpkins, the giant clouds in the sky, the farm house in the distance, the pumpkin butter i know is waiting in the country store - just everything! Here are some of my favorite pics from this year!

Stay together everyone!!

the journey of a giraffe

When I was pregnant with Amelia, I looked at every baby item i could find. I would veer off any road to any store, big or small, to look at their baby items. At one of these stores I found a super soft, plush lovely lovey. It was made by a company called little giraffe. It was perfect for a baby to have with him, hold onto, be their lovey.

i bought it for her. I read the tag and it said for the parents to sleep with it so the baby would latch to it easier. done. threw it in our bed for 2 nights before she was born and packed it for the hospital trip. After she was born, we kept it near her, covered her with it while feeding, etc. As she grew, it was evident it worked. She HAD to have it to go to bed. Don't try to sneak her into her crib with out it, she would loudly vocalize her displeasure.

After Amelia became mobile, there were many nights that we had to search high and low, in closets, under couches, in cabinents and behind animals to find that blanket. At some point I decided that I should go back and buy her another blanket because she loved it so much. I washed the second one, we slept with it too and it worked! we had a spare.

When Amelia was approaching 5, we noticed the blanket was disintegrating right before our eyes. Originally, the blanket was velour and chenille. It was the velour side that she loved and it was falling apart. It has been sewn back together about 12 times, but it was clear this time it was simply not going to happen. And I had one sad girl on my hands. I had tried to get her to like another blanket, but they were not as soft, not as plush, just not her lovey.

What's a mom to do? I had to do something so while in Springfield, we ran across a "big girl" version of her blanket. it was velour on both sides with zebra trim. I asked her if she would like that lovey and she said no. so we compromised. we took her lovey and attached it to the new lovey. we (know when I say "we" in any sewing capacity that i mean Lori Dale!) put the chenille side up, and then took every scrap of chenille we could muster from that blanket and put it on the top. so it was kinda tripled layered. It has held her over, but even still, the chenille is falling off. Luckily she is OK with the new side now. Here are some pictures through the years of her giraffe blanket.

flashback: purple day

"Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness."

While we were unable to host an event this year, it has crossed my mind to try for the upcoming year. something simple - sell baked goods? sell purple ribbons? sell purple pens? I want to do something to bring awareness to epilepsy, but what? What would you be most interested in?

Our first field trip

Today we went to the Mills Apple Farm with Amelia's class. I had never previously been, so I was excited to see what it was like. It is a very nice, family run farm. The tractor driver spoke about how apples were made, how to pick them and encouraged the kids to pick up any apples they dropped or knocked off. Then we went to make apple cider, taste our apple cider and enjoy a picnic lunch. Amelia and I had such a good time! i think Amelia's favorite part was riding on the bus!

how he rolls

this is how ferd rolls! This kitten is so mellow and laid back, he really didn't mind being carried around in Amelia's giraffe purse!

Do you see what I see??

Can you spot the kitty?

Pixie and Pirates

the 3rd annual Pixie and Pirate in the park was yesterday. This was our first time being able to go and we had such a good time! here are some pictures, because really, that is why we take them. cute boys dresses as pirates and cute girls dressed as pixie's and pirates!

Being a Daisy

My sweet Rose is officially a daisy! I am so excited for her and secretly I am really excited for me too. I look forward to attending meetings with her, camping with her, and helping her earn her badges. She is currently learning her girl scout promise:

GIRL SCOUT PROMISE

On my honor, I will try

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout

Law

Here are some pics of her first meeting where they are learning about the flower, petals and what we will be doing. And talk about lucky, our leader is wonderful!! I think she will make this a fabulous experience for Amelia and the other girls. Her name is Amy and she is fab!

howdy partner

meet my new nap partner.

it was almost like he discussed this with Amelia. they determined that she would now be in school so he could scoot right in, which he did :) he is such a sweet snuggler. he puts his little arm around my neck, grabs a lock of hair and off to slumber land he goes! I am usually not far behind :)

grant's farm

Last week my friend Angela and I decided to brave the heat and go to grant's farm. I love love the free things that there are to do in St. Louis! While parking may be a little steep, there are a few free places to park within walking distance.

The only downside to our trip was that Maddie and Angela got stung by bees!! They were both troopers about it and didn't complain much at all. Angela got some personal attention from the EMS guy, who was conveniently located bear the goat pen! And the end of the night, Amelia was so tired she climbed into bed on her own and fell asleep! Was a great day despite the injuries and heat!