Fall Parties

Before we celebrate Thanksgiving, I figured I better post about the girls' Fall Parties at school. I stepped out of my comfort zone and volunteered to help at both parties. Morgan's in the morning and Shelby's in the afternoon. For anyone who knows me, they understand being around that many kids is not my first choice of places to be. I survived and it was nice to see them in action in their classroom. At Morgan's party I helped read a couple of stories to each of the 3 groups they were divided in. At Shelby's party I volunteered to make the treat bags and then helped during the party as needed. Morgan was able to wear her costume, Shelby was not. Her school does not allow costumes. They did that day however, have pajama day. That was the reward for meeting the school goal for their fall fundraiser. Here are a few pics. Forgive the poor quality photos. I have had this camera since this summer and have yet to figure it out.

Morgan ready to go

Filling her bag with treats

"Shaking their Sillies Out" before heading upstairs to get candy

Still working on those sillies

Shelby working on a craft at her party

Digging in "brains" for a prize

Got the prize!

I noticed her desk was still as neat and tidy as the night she put her supplies in before the first day. Can't say the same for some of the other desks I saw that day!

I survived and will probably volunteer again as needed!

A Funny Moment with Morgs

One day when Morgan and I were out and about, we were sitting at a red light. She as always was chatting away. All the sudden she got excited and said, "Look at that truck!" I looked over and saw a Napa Auto Parts truck sitting next to us. Morgan said, "He has a hat on top of his truck." I said, "He sure does. Isn't that funny?" She said, "yeah." And then so serious she says, "Is someone going to tell him?" I couldn't help but laugh. It's this enormous hat. She thought it was real and the dude set it up there and drove off without it! I got the biggest kick out of that. I chuckle to myself every time I see one of these trucks around town now. I had to get a pic so you readers could have a Monday laugh!

Trick or Treat (the Cubs Smell Like My Feet)

Shelby the Cowgirl

Our two trickers

The butterfly's wings & smile were frozen!

Posing with the Brucker Boys from next door

Neighborhood & school friends

We had another chilly evening for trick or treating. Thankfully it didn't rain and we don't spend a lot of time going door to door. We did our usual and visited Ray & Karen & Mark & Pam after hitting the neighborhood. On Saturday night, we took them to downtown Normal's business trick or treating. This is the first time we have done that. Holy cow. TONS of people. Since we moved at a snails pace they didn't get a whole lot of candy. Which was no big deal because they ended up with more than enough to make any dentist sick and happy all at the same time on Sunday. After grabbing a bite to eat at Windy City Wieners (yuck) we went to Jenn and Seth's since they wouldn't be home on Sunday. The title of this post is in honor of Seth, the faithful CUB fan. A few years ago we had Shelby sing that when she got to his door. We continue to chuckle when we sing that since it still applies.

Carving the Great Pumpkin

Pumpkin Patch

Columbus Day weekend I took the girls up to WI for our annual pumpkin patch trip. I really love the trip this time of the year. The beautiful colors of fall make for a much more eye pleasing trip than the usual boredom I-39 has to offer. Face it folks, if you don't believe the Creator God is responsible for all, you are either ignorant, stubborn or just plain stupid. Sorry, just had to say that. But it's true. Here is just one of the beauties we set our eyes upon.
Another reason a trip to my parents is enjoyable in October is the weather. It is generally not too hot and not too cold. Considering my parents do not have air conditioning and they keep the thermostat set at 59 and lovingly bump it up to maybe 68 for guests, it's a good time to go. This year it was lovely, almost hot but without humidity. Last year we wore winter coats, hats & gloves to the pumpkin patch. It is amazing the difference from one year to the next. It's hard to get a good picture of all 5 of the kids especially when the sun is shining in their eyes and 4 different people are staring at them with cameras. Here they are on the wagon waiting to head out to pick and cut their pumpkin right from the patch!

Annual height check

Shelby's Pick

Morgan wasn't in the mood for a picture in the patch and never did find one to claim as her own. Hard to imagine I know. She did pick a tiny pumpkin back at the little store. She's holding it in her picture above.
After the pumpkin patch we went back to my parents and visited my dad's little patch. Although his patch is small, he had 2 enormous pumpkins. Below is the biggest of the 2. One of my brothers hauled this one home and the other took the 2nd largest. I took the 3rd largest but considerably smaller compared to the other 2.

We barely fit all the pumpkins & kids in the back of papa's truck!

Ashley and I took the girls for a scooter ride on the trail in town. The girls found a friend to pose with.
The trail runs along the mighty Pecatonica River. Here they are watching the rapids move quickly by.

Coming soon will be the great pumpkin carving event and trick or treating. Still trying to catch up on this old blog.

Fall Soccer Wrap Up

Shelby wrapped up her fall soccer season a few weeks ago. I think she enjoyed it and plans to continue playing in the spring when competition starts again. She will be on the same team as this fall. It was fun to see her old preschool friend Isabelle on the opposing team of one of the last games. I enjoyed catching up with her mom as well. Here are a few pics. I found it hard to get good pictures. It seemed like she spent more time at the opposite end of the field then where I sat each game.

Shelby and Isabelle did not get to play against each other. They either sat out at opposite times or played on opposite fields. So this is the best I got of Isabelle. But it clearly shows her personality!

So we will put away the PCSL uniforms and the ball & shoes, and wait for spring. And then we will see if she is interested in continuing with soccer.

4 In 3

Continuing the theme of Morgan and her injuries, I thought I would post about the first 1/2 of this week. If you haven't figured it out already, this should give you a true understanding of our Morgan. 4 in 3 means, 4 injuries in 3 days. After reading my last post, Nate said that isn't even the 1/2 of it. Let's start with Monday. When Shelby and I went to BSF, I sent Nate and Morgan to return an unneeded Halloween costume. She was wearing the Minnie Mouse dress up dress and ears and he requested she change before they go. (He just wasn't in the holiday mood I guess). He said as she was going upstairs to change she started to take the dress off. She tipped herself over backwards while taking the dress over her head. She went down a few stairs. On Tuesday, I was gone for BSF and the girls were having fun with the remote control Barbie Jeep. Somehow during this activity she bit her lip in a couple of places making it bleed. Later that evening at bedtime was the accident recorded in my last entry. Wednesday made 4. Her final injury of the week was at AWANAS. While running during game time she tripped and fell and hit her eye on the leg of a table. She was left with a small bruise and lump. Here's to hoping she's had her fill for a while. I know I have.