Weekend Recap

This weekend was full of fun adventures.

We started off at a fast pace, or at least I did - at the Big South 5K

It was my second year running the race and nothing motivated me more than seeing all my guys at the finish line!

After the race, we went to the YMCA for a family festival full of soccer, giant inflatable slides and...

dunk tanks!  Patrick and Finn waited patiently for their turn, 

and then ran up to the target and tried to push the center!  

The afternoon was full of creativity - but you'll have to wait for Masterpiece Monday!

Nothing could have topped it EXCEPT for a date with my husband of 10 YEARS

We had such a beautiful day on Sunday, we vowed not to stay inside.  We headed to the Nature Center with the Weltz Clan to soak in the outdoors.

Sully and Daddy made music in the forest (don't you love Sully's "Cheese" face?)

Patrick and Lizzy built a house out of sticks,

while Ginny and Finn played in the sand.

After hours of playing, we found some walking sticks and hit the trails-

we walked all the way to Dragonfly Pond and found lots of treasures along the way.

We ended our outdoor adventure with a visit to the dairy farm and the most delicious pumpkin ice cream I've ever tasted.

(Presto and Sully looking at the cows)

It was the sweetest way to end a sweet weekend.

Neighborhood Play

Now that the weather has cooled a bit, we've been outside in the late afternoon enjoying the fresh air and our neighborhood friends.

Patrick and Finnegan play soccer...

and Sullivan proves that he can hang with the big guys.

While Johanna and I were outside with the kids, Melissa came over with Athena and Sebastian. We loved every minute of it!  Patrick and Finnegan were so sweet, trying to make the babes laugh and bringing toys out for them to play with.  We sure do love seeing the twin babies - and can't wait for another set to arrive (Johanna is due any day now!)

 And, what were Liliana and Sullivan up to while we were all gushing over the babies??

TROUBLE!

 There is something about chalk, it makes kids of all ages happy!

Finnegan and Patrick have decorated our entire driveway and most of our sidewalk with drawings...

and writings.

 (Finnegan making a stop sign and a car to go with it - great job!)

We are really enjoying this time of the day, but you know it's time to call it quits when all the kids are covered in chalk and Johanna is chasing 2 toddlers who are trying to escape our yard!

Flashback Friday

 This week we decorated for Halloween.  In addition to hanging our ghosts from last year back on our tree, we made 14 more ghosts - enough for our neighbors trees as well. 

 (one for each person/dog that lives there)

Finnegan and Patrick designed the ghosts - personalizing each one

Patrick's ghost had large eyes, pupils and was sticking out it's tongue.

Finnegan gave every ghost a loose tooth!

 Here are the guys hanging the new ghosts at our neighbors' homes.

 We have so much fun with this little Halloween tradition -

here is a flashback to last year, putting up our ghosts for the first time!

Too Big Tuesday

Last week, Sully showed us that he is not too young to appreciate the finer things in life...

Nutella Crepes at lunch with Godmomma Sara!

Does it get any better??

Super Kid Day

Today was a special day at preschool - Patrick's Super Kid Day. 

We prepared all weekend for the special event.  I put together a collage and story about Patrick to put in Mrs. P's Super Kid Book.  Patrick chose some of his favorite things to bring in and share with the class;

Owen, his favorite train, his camera, a firetruck he built with Daddy, a TRex from the Museum of Natural History, his favorite books, and pictures from some of his favorite adventures.

Mrs. P had a giant sign waiting for us and a table to display all the goodies.

Gill and I joined the class at lunch time.  Patrick lead the class in a blessing before they ate and shared a special snack with the group after lunch was over.

The snack consisted of Lightning McQueen Juice boxes, Pumpkin bread that Patrick made with Daddy and Finnegan and his favorite snack - Peanut Butter Puffins.

 Gill and I each read a story to the class - The Gigantic Turnip and I Love Monkey.

Mrs. P read the final book to them - Curious George and the Costume Party

After story time, Patrick chose some songs to sing with the class.

 Patrick wore his Super Hero Cape all day long.  You can't tell from the picture, but on the back is a star with a "P" in the middle.  It was a gift from Aunt Nancy and Uncle Mike and sure made Patrick feel Super Today!

Today was all about celebrating how special Patrick is.  He did show and tell with his favorite items, told stories about each one and even sang songs to the class all by himself.  I am so proud of Super Patrick.  He has such character, a bright personality, a kind heart, the gift of gab and the ability to captivate an audience (or at least a classroom!).

Patrick was not the only super kid today, however.  I know it could not have been easy for Finnegan to step aside and let Patrick have the day, but he did.  Finn was attentive during Patrick's presentation, even raising his hand to ask questions and helping to pass out the snacks.  During lunch, Gill went to sit by Finn but Finnegan refused and told Gill to go sit back down with Patrick!  It takes a big heart to support your brother so selflessly.  Finnegan, Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you - it may have been Patrick's day, but you, too are a Super Kid!

October First Means....

PUMPKINS

And, my cute little pumpkins decided to wear their pumpkin outfits to the farm!

From across the pumpkin patch, the boys spotted some horses.

Much to our surprise, they were not at all scared, they hopped right on 

and were all smiles during their rides.

 After the rides, we played in the hay maze

 and finally picked some pumpkins!

Happy October, everyone!