party pics

We attending the annual Halloween party at OCC Friday night, which could be considered Kate's favorite night out there because of the dancing. The Powers family joined us, making it unable to be topped in future years, because these are her dance pals! Tate was her handsome Spiderman Prince, Annie was a 50s girl, and Jay was Dracula. Girlfriend started the party dancing...and ended it the same way. In between she ate half a hot dog. Not much to go on, but what can a party girl do?

pre-Halloween Party

a visit with Grandma and Grandpa

The day was windy, that was for sure. It did not stop grandma and grandpa from becoming kids again and jumping and swinging with Kate. Look at that air both got on the trampoline! We had a great visit eating and hanging out together. They stayed for two nights, instead of just one as before, and it was so nice to have more time with them. Kate was sad when they left and thought they should come back next week. I agree. Thanks for visiting, G and G!

girls' day

Kate has loved me being home, and we are so fortunate for how things worked out for us (for now) with the living arrangements also allowing us to be a one income family. She tells me quite often how daddy goes to work so mommy can stay home, so even though she doesn't "get it," there is a part of her that does. Almost every day, she says, is a girls' day, becuase we do so much together. Don't get me wrong, when the weekend comes (or a weekday night), and daddy is home, Kate loves to be with him, but the other times? Total girl!

We had Bobbi Brown makeovers this past week. I went for one, and the girl was so nice to say that she she would give Kate one after mine was over. She put "fairy dust" on her eyes and a pink gloss on her lips. Kate was set for Mexican lunch! The only downer was the lipstick that went away while eating. Yep, girly girl.

The weather has been nice enough for us to spend afternoons outside still. The swingset and trampoline are getting quite a bit of use, and that makes me quite happy with those major purchases. I always wanted her to be able to be outside without leaving her house, and we are lucky enough to have that out here. Girlfriend loves to be outside. Even in the chilly mornings, she wants to put on a coat and head out. She has a wimpy mama though, who says we have to wait until lunchtime.

We have been cooking still, too. Kate's new favorite? Pumpkin. As in pie, bars, cake, muffins, ice cream...the list continues. Good thing we like it, too!

We haven't decorated cookies since moving in, so this weekend we did some halloween cookies, and I let Kate go free with the orange sugar and chocolate sprinkles. The downer? A new oven that I have not figured out how to not burn the bottoms. The heating element is on the top, instead of the bottom, so it cooks differently. I also think it cooks hotter, but that may be me. Guess we are just going to have to bake and cook more to see...Matt will enjoy that!

I sure do love my girls' days...and feel very happy that I can have them now.

who was the real winner?

Over fall break, Matt and I went out of town for a night, and Kate had Carri for the whole time. These two...played the whole time. They decorated cookies (and ate them for dinner), went to Chuck E. Cheese (and had a great time). Kate even likes pepperoini now, she says! Even though Matt and I had a great time being adults and shopping and eating without Kate, I don't think we were missed in the least. In fact, when we got home, Kate said, "Come on, Carri. Let's go outside and play." And they did. Yeah, so easy to leave her in Carri's hands!

two gimps walk into a bar...

ok, so maybe not a bar, but the orthopedic's office has seen its fair share of our family this season. Kate has been released from Dr. Moore, but now "mom" is a recurring visitor due to the stress fracture in her foot. Our last appointment was five minutes before mom's, so Kate wanted to stay with mom and said she could help if needed. Mom went to all of Kate's appointments, so naturally Kate wanted to go with her!

i.love.this.girl

with all of my heart and soul.

this is how we do it

cleaning out the gutters...

our own driving range

daddy date night

Over fall break, Kate went with Matt to the district volleyball games. Like a true gentleman, he bought her food (popcorn) and drink (pop). She dressed as a DCHS fan and even chose a headband instead of a bow for the date. Pleased as punch to be with Daddy!

apple fest

We went to the Apple Festival this past weekend. Kate was finally old enough to ride the rides, but she was a little apprehensive about the rides. We started small, with the trains/boats that go around. Daddy locked her in and she was looking for familiar faces as she waited for it to begin. Each time around was better, and then she was ready for the bigger rides.

Still apprehensive to ride with Daddy on the bigger "wind jammer," she put on the bravest face she could muster as they waited. And once they were off, the kid NEVER STOPPED SMILING. Matt was pointing at me to capture the smile, but it wasn't hard...she loved it!

What a fun family day at the Orchard.