Beth's Pumpkin Cat

Yesterday was the big day! I went to school to help Beth decorate a pumpkin using only edible objects. She decided to make a cat, so we used red peppers for the ears, candy for the eyes, green onions for the whiskers, black licorice for the mouth and bubble gum tape for the tongue and bow. We had a great time! It was fun to see what the other kids came up with too. As you can see, Beth was very proud of her creation!

Pumpkin Patch

Today we headed to a nearby pumpkin patch. It was a cool, breezy day and we weren't sure about going, but the kids convinced us that we should go - so off we went!

Nathan was the first one to choose a pumpkin. He happily posed for a quick picture, then placed it gently into the wagon. (Well, he was gentle the second time around. The first time he basically dumped it in the wagon. Good thing he chose a tough pumpkin!)

Elizabeth found her pumpkin next. She knew exactly what shape she was looking for. She is all excited to bring it to school next Tuesday. We're supposed to bring edible items and decorate it together. Hmmm... we'll have to get creative!

Now Allie Grace was the most discriminating in her search for a pumpkin! It took FOREVER! I am not entirely sure what her criteria was, but it took much negotiating before she finally chose one. We had to list each pumpkin's individual merits and, just so you know, it's easy to run out of adjectives when describing pumpkins so we had to get creative at times! But, all's well that ends well - she is thrilled with her pumpkin. :)

Our visit to the pumpkin patch was complete after the kids rode the "pumpkin train" through the patch. As you can tell, everyone had a great time!

Future Cheerleaders?!?

Even though we have two girls, I can honestly say that I've never thought they'd ever want to become cheerleaders. (Not that I've spent too much time thinking about what they'll want to do as they get older!) So when a Junior Cheer Camp was advertised at school, I was surprised that Beth was so excited about it. She went last Saturday and spent three hours in the gym learning some cheers and a dance routine. Last night all of the junior cheerleaders entertained us at the football game during half time. It was great fun! And although Beth was very tired, she had a ball!

Beth and her friend Tiffnee were partners and stuck together like glue during the games!

Beth let Allie have her hat after halftime. I can pretty much guarantee that Allie will join Beth out there next year. She was doing a lot of the moves already. But since the cheer camp was just for 1st through 6th graders, she will have to wait until next year! Allie really enjoyed being at the game anyway!

Wishful Thinking!

Nathan has recently contracted a somewhat common disease that can afflict all ages. We call it "I-want-itis." Yes, it's sad but true. Every day as we receive catalogs in the mail, he sits and peruses them. Every so often, he'll announce, "I want this, Mommy!" I'll calmly say, "Maybe for Christmas, " and he'll respond, "Oh thank you Mommy! Thank you!" Now we all know he won't be receiving all of these items but for now he is enjoying studying all of the toy catalogs. We've been throwing them away as we can - when he's not sleeping with them! This is how he fell asleep this afternoon - looking at yet another catalog! (You can also tell that while he loves his "big boy bed," he hasn't quite gotten the knack of sleeping in it normally. His head is rarely on the pillow and he's usually laying sideways! Oh well, we're just glad he sleeps in it!)

Fun with Grandpa and Grandma

We enjoyed playing at a new park with Grandpa and Grandma Girard. The girls were off today for a teacher inservice and we loved having them home with us! It was a beautiful morning to be outside.

Beth loves playing on this "spinning top." She'll spin around and around. Allie and Nathan won't go near them because they get so dizzy, but she absolutely loves it!

A Day of Celebrations!

On Saturday afternoon, we headed to Hanford to celebrate my great-aunt and uncle's 70th wedding anniversary. Seventy years of marriage is an amazing milestone! It was fun to see them and see other extended family that we haven't seen for awhile.

This is Uncle Corrie and Aunt Jennie with our kids. They have always been so good to us!

The kids looked so cute that I had to get a quick picture of them before we left for the party!

Later on Saturday night, Phil and I headed back to Hanford to celebrate my dad's and Aunt Vickey's 65th birthdays. They both had birthdays within the last week. We had a great time! We really like our parents' friends! They are blessed to have some awesome, lasting friendships. It was a treat to be out without our kids - Grandpa and Grandma Girard babysat last night and everyone had a great time!

Slowing Down...

As you've surely noticed, I'm not posting as often on our blog. I'm currently working on scrapbooking our springtime memories and have SO many pictures, especially since starting the blog! So, I'm a little leery of taking too many pictures, even though I don't use nearly all of them in our scrapbook. =) So, my apologies for the lack of new posts. I'll try to post at least once a week - and more often when we're doing something special!

Fun with Cousins!

Zachary had a sleepover at our house two weekends ago. The boys played outside for a long time and had such fun! And, even better for us, they actually slept well! Beth and Allie enjoyed having Zach stay with us too.

Last weekend we met Deb and her son, Jack, at a park in Kingsburg. Phil's parents were visiting and it was fun to spend time all together. Allie especially enjoys helping Jack climb up the steps to the slide. Here he is explaining that he has a DINOSAUR on his shirt!

The weather has been so beautiful lately - perfect for playing outside!