Can we keep it?

During our walk Sis found this little caterpillar on the path. It was so cute and fuzzy, but in the end we decided that he would be happiest in his natural home. Actually I just didn't think he would survive our hike back to the car. I'm keeping a look out now though and walking prepared. It would be amazing to watch the caterpillar - cocoon - butterfly transformation with the kids.

Toward the end of the walk Sis came across this "cute cute cute worm". Since we we close to the car, we did keep this one. He's living in the garden.

Fall Photos

Here's photos of out annual fall leaf fun. They are from a couple weeks ago as most of the leaves now have fallen.
We were actually just going for a family walk that day and came across all these leaves. The kids were having a great time and I couldn't resist pulling the camera out.

Halloween 2009

Here's photos of Cinderella and the Pirate.

We had a busy Halloween. Friday night was the Harvest Festival at Bro's school. The kids had a great time playing games with friends. Then last night we went out with some more friends we know from Bro's school and visited all their usual stops (their relatives and close friends). So while we didn't get much door-to-door trick or treating in, we did get to visit with quite a few new friends.

The kids then sold back all the candy they don't eat to the dentist office. It was about 4 pounds and that's just half of their loot! It was a very nice Halloween.

Carving Time

Pumpkin carving is usually a task I leave for daddy but he ended up working this year so the kids and I took a stab at it alone.

The two pumpkins the kids carved were grown in our garden, making the event extra special this year. And I learned that pumpkins can turn orange and look "done" in August, yet still be in perfect condition at Halloween.

Sis wanted all circles and named her pumpkin "Happy".

For those of you not familiar with Transformers, Bro can fill you in. This is an autobot, the symbol for the good guy transforms.

I attempted a cannibal theme this year, which the kids found hilarious. I was pleased with the end result.

And here's the ghost that Bro whittled himself. Pretty impressive!

Now off to roast all those pumpkin seeds!

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Patch

This year's trip to the pumpkin patch started out with laughter...

But quickly turned to tears.


Sis slipped around the back of the hay slide where four lab puppies were playing. They were probably about 6 months old so Sis was just their size. Hubbie went around to fetch her after she had been out of sight just over a minute and found her pinned by the pups who were playing with her puppy style. They were yanking at her hair and jumping all over her. She ended up with this wound and had a good black eye the next day. We left immediately after this happened, without pumpkins, to get the wound properly washed.

Sis later said she was disappointed that she didn't get to pet the puppies more. I was afraid she would be fearful of dogs after the attack, but it seems no long term damage was done.

Pointless Arguing

While having lunch out with Sis I noticed a baby looking and talking to her.

"Look at the baby, Sis. I think she likes you."

To which she replied, "That baby is a boy, mama."

"Look at her pink shoes. I think she's a girl," I attempted.

"Well, I guess that BOY likes pink," was her reply.

Watch Us Dance

The Monster Mash performed VanTassell style!

Click Here

A Really Good Scream

I finally took Sis in for her 4 year old check up. Yes, I do realize her birthday was in MAY but I had to find a new doctor and when it comes to that I'm a complete slacker.

The good news is that she is still on the chart for weight. She hit about 5% last year and this year at 32 pounds she is up to 14% (fully clothed in many layers but on the chart nonetheless). Her height is 39 1/2 inches, still around 24%. And, of course, she is very bright and above average in every other area (those may not be the doctor's exact words but I know how to translate all that doctor lingo!)

The bad news...5 SHOTS!!! I made the mistake of not giving her a heads up that these were in store and when she saw the nurse come in with all those needles she screamed louder than I have ever heard a child scream. It started pre-poke and continued for many moments after the process was over. The nurse kept saying, "Wow she has a really good scream." All the way out of the office she kept shouting "I am NEVER coming back here." Though her attitude lightened some when she heard me schedule Bro's appointment for his flu shot!

By the time we got to the car all these little red marks had appeared around her eyes. Almost like little bruised from screaming so hard. Unfortunately the camera didn't capture them well.

New Look for Bro

Bro has been testing out some new hair styles.

We followed the hairspray fumes to the bathroom and found him doing a little dance in the mirror and singing "Cool hair, cool hair". What's a mother to do?

Later that night he discovered what happens when you stick a suction cup on your forehead and leave it there a while.

He sported this battle wound all week long!

The Big Time Consumer

This project was thrown on me last minute when the gal in charge fell and broke her wrist. I have been totally consumed with this for the last week and have spent everyday since Thursday at the school working on one aspect or another. Luckily I rounded up lots of volunteers so the actual painting went very quickly.


We painted the U.S. map on the little kids side of the playground and the world map on the bigger kids' side. The delight in their faces this morning made it worth it.

On the downside, the world map was tagged the first night before the sealant went on. We were able to touch it up but I worry that it won't be long before it happens again. Anyone up for an all night security guard position?

*As a result of this project and other PTA commitments I have tons of back posting to do, so I have scheduled one for everyday this week!