harvesting fall

Norman stayed with us for the weekend.That means that Jack spent a majority of his time laying on Norman's bed.  And taking his toys to play on Norman's bed.  

 Kate and I harvested our sweet potatoes.  All that I found on harvesting them was that the leaves would brown when they were ready; however, once the frost came, the leaves died, so we chanced it.  Monster potatoes.

 
Jack is slowly starting to eat new foods.  Maybe food therapy is working for him; maybe he is just getting older.

 Kate was able to wear her costume to school for Halloween.  The princess Mermaid made an appearance.  The costume was itchy; the clothes underneath uncomfortable.

 I got new glasses.  Not so happy to have them again, but I only need them at night or in rain.  I don't see much dark, so rainy days are the downfall!

 Jack and I got outside to play and he is still working to get his feet on the pedals and get a good speed going.

 TRACTOR!!

Rogers family does the Caribbean Cove

Friday we headed to Indy for the weekend to meet Dad, Susan, Sara, Jeremy, Aubrey, and Zachary.  Jack began the trip, along with Kate, with snacks.  I am not sure they ever stopped, which is funny considering Jack is not a big eater.  

We were the last to arrive, so we met the family at Texas Roadhouse.  Ten total, three in highchairs.  Fast food at a slow-cooking restaurant.  

Night time was comical.  And by comical I mean I am  sure  I will laugh about it later.  Not now.  We tried to get Kate and Jack in bed and asleep for over an hour.  Jack was not pleased with his crib.  It did not have bumper pads, so each time he slammed his head to the top, he hit on the rails.  He also could see Kate, Matt, and me.  So, he whined to get out.  Kate and I were sleeping in the hide-a-bed (not sleeping) and finally, I just put Jack in with us.  He went to sleep after some time, and in the night, I realized the three of us were sleeping on the same pillow.  Again…someday there will be laughter.

 Morning comes early!

Saturday was spent at the water park.  Jack loved the hot tub.  Kate loved it all.  We all went down the water slides, even grandpa (who then visited the First Aid station).  The littles took naps and Kate barreled through, playing all day and jumping pools.

A little lazy river floating with Jeremy, Daddy and Sara.

That night we decided to go to Famous Dave's for dinner.  A great decision for all! A little pre-party photo session.

 What a great weekend for family fun.  I look forward to some age on the kids next year (not necessarily on me though).  Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa.

snippets

Kate's school had a pumpkin decorating contest at school where the pumpkin had to be a character from a book.  We chose Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet. I bought some supplies and Kate added the finishing touches to the ensemble:  shells, bows, a tiara and earrings.  

 We had an outing to Target and the kids love the popcorn.  I love that it keeps them occupied through most of the store.

 Carolyn took Jack to the park one day and she sent me this sweet picture.  Goodness this boy loves the way she lets him play.  So many things they do that I would not…most involving getting dirty!

 A quick walk through Mom's neighborhood in the wagon.

 And 50s day at Kate's school to celebrate 50 days of school.  She loved the poodle skirt because it was made out of blanket sleeper material.

this guy

Is a mess.

family photos

Family photo fun.  Literally took 30 min to take pictures and some action shots.  

the end of fall break fun

Mom was out of town for the weekend and we said we would pick up breakfast on Sunday and bring it to eat with Grandaddy.  Kate loves to pick up breakfast anytime, so this was complete motivation to get up and moving on Sunday morning.  We all headed in, picked up wraps at Dunkin' Donuts, and went to visit Grandaddy (and take Norman home).  Jack wanted his bottle and he, lately, wants to sit on someone's lap to drink it.  He backs up to that person.  This time, he wanted Grandaddy to give it to him.  Grandaddy obliged.

 Kate wanted a picture of her with her daddy.

 Jack has found a new box of Kate's baubles, and he strings them on his shopping cart, neck, stroller, etc. and walks around the house.  These were all twisted together, so he brought them to me to untangle.

 Easter Bunny ears can be worn anytime, anyplace, and any way.

 Back to the sandbox.  We had just returned home from walking to the bus stop.

 Jack's teacher sent me these from school.  Once again, give the boy a bucket and a shovel and he is good!

 Helping...always helping.

 My sweet girl's school picture from Kindergarten!  I love her teeth.

Holiday World

A friend texted during fall break that she had tickets for a great price.  I nabbed a couple of them and made a date with my girl to head to Holiday World since we had only been to Splashin' Safari the last time.  Matt had to work the cross-country meet that day, so he kept Jack here.  This girl was pumped to get the day with her mama, and her mama was just as happy.  We had such a great time at Disney when we did it, just the two of us, that this was another chance to get to do it on Kate's schedule.  We arrived early enough to plan our day.  The weather was fantastic and the Halloween decorations were fabulous.

 Kate wanted to pose next to the sculpture fountain and also to show the flowers.  We went straight to the merry-go-round.  The first time, I rode with Kate; the second she wanted to go by herself.  Growing up right before my eyes.

 We went on the bumper cars and Kate drove.  I had to push the pedal, but the rest was up to Kate.

 We went on the high-flying swings.  My stomach is not made for rides anymore.  That was proven at the Minnesota State Fair years ago and again on this trip.  Vertigo or old age...doesn't matter.

 One of the shows was a pumpkin that spoke.  Kate wanted to pose with him, too.

 And this big pumpkin photo op.  On our way to get lunch.

 Outside of the lunch booth was this strange thing, and again Kate wanted pictures.

 We went to another section of the park where we rode the teacups.  Again...the spinning.  I was elated when she told me she wanted to go without me the second time.

 She is quite sweaty because there is a park there, too, and she played and played.  And I sat and sat, just watching her move through the equipment.  Such an independent spirit.  She didn't mind that she didn't have friends playing with her; she just ran around.

 We went for funnel cakes after that, and we sent this picture to mom to show her we were eating them.

 ooooooooh, soooooo goooooood!

 As we were hitting the last section of the park, Kate saw this ride that shot straight up and dropped down then back up, down, etc.  She wanted me to ride with her.  I did the first time, and it was not puke-worthy because of the straightness of the ride.  Girlfriend loved it.  And by loved it, I mean she rode it six times.  In a row.  She made a friend who rode it with her most of those times, too.  The giggles and screams were so funny.  Belly laughs.

 The last ride was a kiddie ride...up and down controlled by a joystick.  She made sure she got in the pink sleigh.  No surprises there!