On Saturday morning, we headed to the beach! I had totally forgotten how warm it can be on the central coast during October and November, so I neglected to bring swimsuits for the kids. But that didn't stop them from having a great time. They just played in the ocean in their clothes! Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them play together and get sopping wet. Next time, I will definitely bring their swimsuits!!
Friday was my mom's birthday - it was such a treat to spend the entire day with her! We celebrated with a yummy dinner at Bayside, next to the marina at Morro Bay. It was so good. Afterwards, we walked by Morro Rock and the kids played on the beach in the dark. They had a blast! We're so spoiled to be able to spend time with my parents at their "little house" on the coast. We always have such a good time when we're together!
This year, Grandpa and Grandma Girard were able to visit for Grandparents Day. It was so nice that they would come to watch the program and visit the kids' classrooms. We had a nice visit with them. Unfortunately, I again neglected to take many pictures! Above you can see that both Grandpa and Nathan were worn out on Friday afternoon after Grandparents Day and the Fall Festival. They looked so cute snoozing next to each other!
Grandma enjoyed looking at cookbooks with Allie. Seriously, this is one of Allie's favorite pastimes! Thanks for coming, Grandpa and Grandma! It was a very special time!
We met some good friends on Saturday morning for breakfast and discovered that a band review was underway downtown. After we ate, we sat and enjoyed the bands that passed by. When we returned home, Nathan decided he'd have his own one-man band. Later this weekend, we were treated to a performance by the girls as well! Very fun!
On Thursday morning, Nathan's class (and the other two kindergarten classes) headed to the pumpkin patch. I enjoyed having some special time with Nathan. We went on a hayride and searched for the perfect pumpkin - which was quite small! Nathan insisted that he wanted a tiny pumpkin, so that's what he got! It's a special blessing to be able to go with our children on field trips. I'm thankful that I get to share those special moments with them!
My two favorite Michigan State fans!
Buddies!
My little gardening helper
a treat for Spinner!
This leopard just sat and licked our tour guide's hand! It can carry an animal weighing 300 pounds to the top of a tree. 
A beautiful Bengal tiger
Most of the kids thought this was a panther, but there is no such animal. This is a black leopard.
This jaguar put on quite a show for us! The tour guide got it pretty riled up and it actually jumped up on the fence right in front of us. It happened so quickly that I didn't get a picture of it! Did you know that jaguars can take a bite out of a bowling ball? Yikes!
Allie with her friend Madison
Me with my sunshine girl. 