Halloween

We had a fun and busy Halloween!

Ready for Kaden's first soccer game of the season!  He's so excited to be in the "big league"

Ready to go to trunk-or-treat at the church.  We had some neighbors come with us and we all had a great time!  Matt is working weekends but was able to get the night off!  We were excited to have Daddy come with us!  After trunk-or-treat, we came home and went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood.  There were TONS of people out and about.  We met lots of our neighbors we haven't met before and planned a block party for next year!  It was a really fun night! (I didn't take the camera, just decided to enjoy and not worry bout pics!)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Her hair was so funny after I took it all out - had to get a picture of that!

And the all important ritual of sorting all the candy - wierd, I know.  Matt's tradition, not mine! :)

All in all it was a great Halloween!

Pumpkin Patch

We went to a pumpkin patch last week with some friends.  We grabbed subway for dinner, spent a couple hours at the pumpkin patch, had a picnic, and ended with hot chocolate from QT!  If was our first time at this pumpkin patch and it was great - small, simple, and fairly cheap.  Thanks Jen and Emery - we had a great time!

Birthdays

Bailey's birthday - she chose donuts for breakfast and got to blow out candles first thing in the morning!  She loved her new barbies and movie.  We hung out at home most of the day, then grabbed subway and went to the pumpkin patch that evening.

Kaden's birthday - he chose german pancakes for breakfast and got to open presents before going to school.  He loved his checker/chess set, movie, and computer game.  We had a crazy day with the costume parade and halloween party at school.  Then up to town to visit HL and Kim, get some pizza and end the night with ice cream and cake!

We also got to go to Peter Piper a couple weeks ago for a birthday dinner with Oma and Grandpa. (I forgot to take pics).  I am glad october is over - it's crazy with 2 birthdays and halloween all in 4 days!

Bai's Birthday Party

We had Bailey's birthday party a couple weeks ago (had to do it before all the halloween craziness).  It was a super fun and super simple party.  Had a few friends, decorated cupcakes, opened presents, painted nails, did makeup, and call it good!  Short and sweet - just like I like it!

These were my helper girls! My sis-in-law Kim and my mom (she happened to be in town this weekend so it worked out great!) The girls LOVED Kim - she's as wild and crazy as they are! :)

Showin off their new looks!

So happy to get a picture with her friend, not so happy to get a picture with mom.  Are we already starting this?

Even Papa got in on the action!  Lookin good Dad!

In Memory

One of matt's friends, Shane Figueroa, was killed in the line of duty a year ago.  The City of Maricopa dedicated a bridge in his memory.  I think this was a great way to remember him.  But to be honest, I try not to drive that way - I don't like seeing the sign and being reminded of a fallen officer.  That's a risk of Matt's job that's I'd rather not dwell on.

Tooth fairy

Kaden lost his first tooth yesterday!  He was trying to eat an apple and complained that it hurt.  The tooth was barely hangin on, so I talked him into pulling it out.  He grabbed a rag and barely tugged at it and it came out!  Kaden, of course being Kaden, freaked out and said "I don't like that!  Why did you make me do that?"  Then he ran to the bathroom to look in the mirror.  Next he informs me that he is going to look like a jerk with one big tooth in the front.  Oh drama.  Now that he has gotten used to the idea - he is excited and loves to show everyone!

When I was kid and losing teeth - I loved having a tooth pillow with a pocket.  I wanted to make one for Kaden.  So being the mean mom that I am, I told him he couldn't put the tooth under his pillow last night.  He had to wait for the little pillow I was making.  I found directions here and got it done today.  I think it turned out cute and most importantly, it was quick, easy, and used stuff I already had! 

Dance Recital

Last saturday was Bailey's first dance recital.  She has loved taking jazz and ballet from Miss Rachel!  I fully expected Bailey to be shy in front of everyone, cling to me, and not do either dances.  She proved me wrong and did both of them so good!  I was very proud of her!

She was so excited to put on makeup for her recital! (Goes great with the big bruise on her forehead!)

Aurora and Bailey ready for their jazz routine

They dance to the song "I'm forever your girl"

Getting ready to start her ballet routine

They dance to a cute little song "The toothfairy loves ballet"

Aurora and Bailey with their medals they earned

Great job Bai - you were a great little dancer.

Camping

Went camping for fall break - here's some highlight:

This is what the girls did most of the time - played in the dirt and got filthy!

Kaden - proud of himself for helping set up the tent.  Matt kept giving him directions and he said, "I'm on it!"

The beautiful view

This was the highlight of the trip for me - we stayed up late eating treats and playing games!  Matt will sometimes play card games, but calls it a "mandatory good time"!  He's a smart a.  Kaden loves cards as much as I do - so we played and played and played.  Dad volunteered to go lay by Lex and get her to sleep.  Guess who was asleep first. Bailey said she would rather read her book.  Typical.

Note to self - sleeping in a tent - not fun.  At least the kids enjoyed it.

Did a short hike with the whole fam.

Then Kaden and Dad went on a long hike.  Our ultimate champion whiner, Bailey, would never have made it!

Lex was SO dirty by the time we left!

Things that were not so fun:

*Bailey whining

*Sleeping in a tent

*Having an awful cold and trying to pretend I felt fine

*Not having any medicine for that cold

*Sharing a queen sized air mattress when your used to your big king bed

*All the work and packing that goes into such a short little camping trip

*All the laundry that this fun little trip generated

Things that were fun:

*Seeing rabbits, quail, a coyote, and tons of birds

*Watching how amazed Lexie was with everything

*Kaden so proud of himself for hiking so high

*Having bathrooms since we camped at a state park

*Watching the sunset and listening to super funny jokes made up by a 5 year old

*Playing card games by the light of the lantern

*Making memories the kids are still talking about