bones and cheers

Jack was ready for trick-or-treating.  He was able to do it at Children's Day Out and also that night with Kate.  The nighttime was pretty chilly so both had their coats on, but it did not stop Kate from wanting to see other kids (that were not scary, of course).

 Jack got a little piano playing in while while we waited for Kate to be finished with school.

 Seriously...happiest guy ever (even when sick as he has been for the last two months).

 He enjoyed listening to Kate play a few songs as well.

 My little DCHS cheerleader at Martha's house.

 BOO!

 Kate and Betsy at Betsy's house.

 Kate and Mason

 Our HAPPY jack-o-lanterns.

the happy guy

When I was ready to get Jack out of his car seat, this is how he had turned his hat...and he was sleeping!  Love this little man!  He has brought so much happiness into our family.  So much personality and so loved by his sister!

get on up, clap your hands...

when you hear the Fresh Beat Band

 dance and move, to our song,

 join the band and play along...

 and so we did!  Kate, although suffering from the coughing issues, gave it her beat effort and loved every.minute.of.it.  Loved it!  I bought VIP tickets long ago and didn't tell Kate about this until the morning of.  She was so, so, so surprised and that we got to go "just girls" was even better!

 After the show (notice the shirt), we went to the Party Room where there were activities, snacks, hula hoops and later...

 the back-up dancers came and taught the kids a Fresh Beat dance.  Kate was front and center for this (though she did not get one of the "rock star" jackets and was quite upset about this.  (I had no reason to buy a $45 silver jacket for Kate).

 The band came out and she hugged Shout...

 then sat in the middle of the group for her picture.  She wore her skirt like Kiki's.

 Yep, girlfriend could go on tour with them.  What a great night with my girl.  So glad I was able to surprise her and that she enjoyed the concert.  Probably the only time she will have third row seats at a concert!

Grandma and Grandpa come to visit: Apple Fest

While Grandma and Grandpa were here, Kate requested Grandma's Swedish pancakes for breakfast (and Grandma was happy to oblige).  

 Next we loaded up and went to Reid's Apple Festival.  We ate homemade corn dogs, pork burgers, freshly cut french fries, apples with carmel, and German roasted nuts.  Always a good time for food!  Kate wanted to ride on a few of the rides, so Grandpa took her to get tickets and then loaded her on the various rides.

 Kate enjoyed the helicopter ride, waving as she went around.  After this, Kate and her daddy went on the tilt-a-whirl.  She was not as amused on this one, but there were no tears and she lasted for the whole thing.

 After that, she was content riding on "slower" rides.  She asked Grandpa to go with her on the carousel.  Normally she would ride a horse, but she wanted to ride in the carriages and wanted Grandpa to stay on.

 Practicing their waves.

 Jack was happy to hand out with Daddy and watch Kate go 'round and 'round.

 We took a little breather and ate some apples with caramel.  YUM!

 I liked the sign next to this ride.

A great visit with the grandparents, and we will see you guys in April!

a new kind of fairy

A couple of weeks ago, Kate told her her mouth hurt.  When I finally looked, she showed me where and I noticed her tooth was a bit wiggly.  Not thinking it would fall out anytime soon, she still ate apples, chewed ice, etc.  

 Skip to last night.  My dad and Susan were here for a couple of days and Kendall came out to visit the kiddos before heading back to UK.  She was getting ready to leave and was holding Jack when Kate ran over to give her a hug.  Kate "hip" hugged her and jumped back.  I saw something fall on the floor but didn't think it was much.  Kate then said, "I think I lost my tooth."  Yep, sure enough, it was her tooth on the floor.  No tears, no drama, nothing!  (I was expecting it as I could only imagine it hanging by a root and Matt suggesting we tie it to the doorknob).  We picked it up, cheered, and Kate quickly ran to look at the "hole" in her mouth.  "Do I look different?" was her first question upon seeing herself.

Yes, my sweets, you look older.  You are older.  You aren't my baby anymore.  You are my little girl, and you aren't so little!

All of the excitement was too much for Jack as he then threw up on Kendall.  Another fun evening at our house!

As a side note, the tooth fairy came in the night (after a two hour stay-awake period for Kate) and she left a note signed Toothanna, some fairy dust, and also FIVE dollars!  Kate is aware of fairy names now that she read Silverlicious.

post break activities

The weather has cooled but we are getting out more.  As soon as I put a blanket on Jack, he spends the rest of the time trying to kick it off while I spend it trying to put it on and not run over it, too.  The "pod" eliminates all of this as I just put it on and go.  Jack stays warm and only looks a little funny!  :-)

 Kate got a new "cell phone."  It is pretend and has barbie on it.  She takes it everywhere and spends hours talking on it.  She goes in the bathroom and whispers.  She says, "hold on" when I come in the room.  She is cracking me up.  Here, she is walking and talking.

 We had to walk through the cemetery  so we could see Mary.  We drive by her frequently, and now Kate was able to go up and pray to her.

 We made some chai spice break, thanks to Kelly.

 Kate brought home her journal from school, and this was one of her pictures.  I love it.

 Dudley the bear got to visit for a day, and we took pictures with Dudley.

 Posing for a sib shot!

 Surprise park trip. Got to get the days in while we can.

 Jack's new fashion accessory -- a fish mask for his breathing treatments. (for the WHOLE winter)

 Playing the piano.  If it bangs, it is better.

 Chasing the Cheerios.  The new game!