Autumn Activities

What we have been up to lately... (Stick with me to the end of the post. I promise it will be worth it.)

School Parade: Friday, October 30

Zoo: Monday, October 19
Andrew took 2 days of paternity leave during Fall break. The first day was spent at the zoo. The kids got in free thanks to their PBS kids adventure passes. I got  a text from Andrew saying that Penny seemed bored. She exclaimed: "let's go somewhere else." Overall I think she liked it. Though it sounds like she was grouchy but recently that has been her new normal. It was not crowded and the train and carousel were exciting.

Treehouse Museum: Tuesday, October 20

My kids said this is their favorite museum they've been to this year. Andrew and the kids stayed over 3 hours. Too bad it is in Ogden. Three cheers for the PBS kids adventure pass that got the kids in for a discounted price.

Pumpkin Patch: Friday, October 23

The kids chose ginormous pumpkins. They could have played in the beans for hours. On a whim, we spent an absurd amount of money on festive fall treats at checkout. The pumpkin whoopie pies were outstanding and I think I'll try my hand at making them next year. The apple donuts were special too. I've had better cinnamon rolls. 

Penelope was devastated we threw our pumpkins away now that the holiday is over.

Pool: Friday, October 23

Halloween Party at Nana and Papa's: Sunday, October 25

We had a mixed up menu full of spooky items and the kids got to order what they wanted. (mummy's favorite: pepperoni pizza, witches fingers: breadsticks, deviled dragon eggs: stuffed eggs, ghoulash: pasta, broomsticks: carrots/celery sticks, bat wings: potato chips, goblin eyes, vampire blood, etc.) I made the witches fingers breadsticks and candy corn jello.

Games were also part of the party. Jessica did a dance party lights included! I was in charge of BINGO Halloween style with prizes and Don't Eat Pete. I think poor George may never want to play again... The first piece of candy he picked was "Pete" and the loud shouting scared him. The toilet paper mummy game was a fan favorite. 

Andrew's Work Party: Thursday, October 29

The kids live for these parties! They got pretzel bites, beignets, swig, and hot chocolate. There was also trunk or treating in the parking lot, face paint, and henna. Princess peach was hysterical to discover her face paint washed off during her sleep. Opal and I stayed in the warm house.

Halloween: Saturday, October 31

Free Crave cookies for kids in costume. The cookies were exceptional and they gave us extra.

Isabelle dressed up as Red from the Descendants: Rise of Red movie. Isabelle came home from school and told me with attitude: "why did you talk me out of being Hermione? Next year, I'm going to be Hermione." I don't remember convincing her not to take that route, but sorry I guess?

Penelope dressed up as Princess Peach from The Super Mario Bros movie.

James dressed up as Mario from the Super Mario Bros movie.

Opal was a duck.

James got invited to go trick or treating with not only 1 but 2 groups of friends. I can't believe I'm at this phase where he's already getting "too cool" for us. He had a great time though and I'm thankful he has lots of friends. James claims he weighed his candy and got 5 pounds worth. Believe what you want.

We started the night by trick or treating in my parent's neighborhood. Many houses give out full sized candy bars. Then we headed back to our neighborhood which goes all out. I was up with a tummy ache the next morning thanks to the homemade donuts, popcorn, Rootbeer, peanut butter cookies, cotton candy, and more.

Other Random Tidbits... 

Malia moved back! And in case you didn't know this already... James is super strong!

Opal gives the best full-faced smiles and is very generous with her smiles! She reminds us so much of James. She also slept through the night for the first time!

Stay tuned for more about Opal. Her baby blessing happened and I have plenty to say about that....