Halloween FUN!!

We are ready for the candy. Bring it on!!

OK, the girls FINALLY got to dress up and get ready for trick-or-treating. They were so anxious to get started that they barely ate dinner. In fact, I had to threaten that they wouldn't get to go unless they actually ate. Then, it was time to get ready. Riley was quickly in costume and for once wanted no makeup. Kamryn took a little bit of work.

Kamryn had decided quite awhile ago that she would be a witch for Halloween. I was surprised since she owns so many princess dresses. Luckily, we had this from a previous year and she was really looking forward to wearing this. When she told the teachers at school about her costume, they seemed surprised and asked if she was sure. She replied, "Yes, I'm going to be a witch!" I thought she would be a "nice" or a "pretty" witch, but she decided she would be a "mean" witch - complete with broom and spider candy bucket. The only bad part was that it was very windy in our neighborhood and the hat kept flying off.

Doesn't she make a cute mean witch?

Riley wanted to dress up as a graduation girl - complete with diploma. I'm not really sure why this was her decision, but I was glad. This costume might have been inspired by the new HSM3 movie, but she had decided on this WAY before the movie came out. Again, didn't have to go and get a costume as this was from her kindergarten graduation last year. I got SO lucky in the costume department this year.

At least we have awhile before this is for real! I'm sure it will happen faster than we know!

We had a great time trick-or-treating, but we found that many people weren't home or weren't doing anything. We had to take the big loop in our neighborhood and Kamryn made it the whole way. Riley could have kept going but Kamryn was ready to stop after the loop. What a trooper though, especially since we hooked up with some neighbors and their friends and Kamryn was the youngest by 3 years. She kept up with the big kids and ran up and down a lot of hills to the houses. This is one night it would be nice to have sidewalks in our neighborhood. Despite lots of people not being home, the kids made out with their candy haul. It will take them (and by them I mean all of us) quite awhile to eat it all. It was so nice to be out with the kids in jeans and a t-shirt and even have to bring a jacket. So often we are in shorts, getting eaten by mosquitoes, and roasting on this night. Since Doug had to work, we left our candy at the door with a note to take some. Surprisingly, there was still candy left when we made it back. I didn't know how it would work, but it seemed fine and we weren't the only house to do it this way. At least I know it is possible. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

School Picture Time

Here is Kamryn's school picture. I can't believe it's already time for her to have a school picture. In fact, I believe someone thought this was Riley at first glance (a picture of Riley when she was younger). We're so proud of Kamryn and the great job she is doing in school. She seems to have the same ability to learn that Riley had at this age except she doesn't have the talking problem that Riley did (and still does). We love her so much and feel blessed to be her parents!

Excited!!

The girls cannot wait for tomorrow! They are literally counting down the days until Halloween. Our house has been decorated for a while now and the girls still think we need more stuff. I wonder what it would look like if we followed their ideas? I guess one reason that they are so excited is that they were unable to go to our fall festival at church this year. Usually, we go there and have fun (and get candy) and then have regular Halloween (most often in two different costumes). Sometimes, they get really lucky and have another party too. This year, we were looking forward to the fall festival, but that was during Riley's virus time. I didn't think it would be very fair to take Kamryn and leave Riley home with Doug. So, tomorrow will be the first time they put on any type of costume (excluding dressing up as princesses here at the house). The only bummer about tomorrow is that Doug has to work. It is always more fun when he is here with us. I'll just have to get some really good pictures! Hope you all have a spooktacular Halloween!!

Sacrament Presentation

Sunday was our sacrament presentation at church. For those of you who do not go to our church, each year our Primary (kids ages 18 months-12 years) sing songs and share messages about the gospel. The littlest ones (18 months -3 years) usually just sing a song or two. This year it was two songs and Kamryn did a great job. Riley had to learn several songs and even learned one in spanish. She remembered her part and delivered it perfectly. Leading up to the day we weren't sure if she'd make it since she had been sick. Luckily, we woke up that morning and her fever was gone. The presentation was beautiful, as always.

Soccer Season Finale

Today was Kamryn's last soccer game. She really enjoys playing and kicks the ball pretty good. Now she just needs to work on getting faster and and being a little more physical (or at least be willing to get in there and go for the ball when necessary). This was the first game I actually got to see this season as Doug usually watches her while Riley and I were at cheer. It was fun to get to see her run around out there smiling the whole time. she gets a good amount of playing time for her age because some on her team aren't always willing to stay out there. When she is out of the game, she spends her time kicking the ball back and forth with Doug (or me today). She is so funny because she loves to wear her pink shorts. So as you can see, she makes quite the statement with her orange jersey and socks to go with the hot pink shorts! Go Kamryn!!

Pumpkin Perfection

Well, the girls FINALLY got to decorate the pumpkins we got at Green Meadows. They were so excited to actually decorate them. They had both planned what they wanted to do and we had gathered the supplies. It took a few days for the end result because we had to wait for the paint to dry a couple of times. Anyway, I think they were pleased with their results and I know they had fun!

Kamryn and her Pink Princess Bat Pumpkin

Riley and her Rainbow Princess Pumpkin

Riley and Mom

On Monday, Riley was out of school for the end of the nine weeks. So, we used this day to go and have some fun together at the Magic Kingdom. We took Kamryn to school (one of her hurricane make-up days) and dropped Mimi off at the airport and off we went. She had BIG plans for us, but they quickly had to be adjusted when we got there and saw how busy it was. Two weeks earlier when I had been with Kamryn there was hardly any wait, but today there were 90 minute waits for all of the big and popular rides. If I didn't know it was October, I would have thought it was spring by the crowds in the park. Thank goodness for fast passes! Because it was crowded, we didn't get to do as much as we wanted but we still had fun. When Kamryn and I went, we rode 8 rides in 2 hours, where as Riley and I rode 8 rides (and saw the parade) in 6 hours. Hopefully, the crowds will thin out again. It's a lot more fun when there aren't so many people there. Despite the crowds, we actually saw people we knew which amazed us. I think our next visit will be a family one, but who knows.

Virus in the house!

Ok, my house has become the virus zone! First Kamryn had it a week or so ago. Then Doug started and now Riley has it. Riley and Kamryn have/had the same kind - sore throat, fever, sinus stuff. Doug, however, has some sinus/cough thing going on. He got sick around the time Kamryn did, but he still has something. He has seen the doctor a few times and is taking a variety of things, but cannot get rid of a hacking cough. Kind of hard for him to work when he can't go 10 words without having a coughing fit that sounds like he's going to cough up a lung. He hasn't run a fever in days, but cannot shake the cough. Today (Saturday) is the first day he has been at work in a week. He hasn't called or come home yet, so I hope that is a good sign! Now, if I could just somehow get Riley better without catching this thing myself, I'll be doing good.

Cheer!

Cheerleading officially ended for our Tiny Mite squad last weekend. Pop Warner held a exhibition for the Tiny Mites and Mighty Mites that was set up like a competition. The only real difference was that we didn't actually get judged or receive scores. Each squad had roughly 2 minutes to perform a cheer, do a stunt or two, and dance. Our girls did awesome! They had practiced really hard and it showed. They hit their routine really well and had fun doing it. All those who we know who were there said they would have placed in the top two easy. That made the girls (and us coaches) feel great! Not only did they learn that routine, they learned almost 60 cheers to perform at the games. I'm so proud of the girls and the work they put into the season. They also really had fun! Go South Lake Eagles!!

That being said, we don't know if Riley will cheer again. She enjoys it, but it gets hectic and we definitely want family, school and church to come first. We'll have to see how our schedule plays out for next year.

AAAHHH

OK, I was playing with the slideshow application thing and now I have two slide shows instead of just one. I just wanted to add some pictures to the existing one, but instead got two. For now, I'll have to leave it. I have to go and get Riley at the bus stop and then go pick up Kamryn from school. Hopefully, I'll get back to this soon so I can fix this little problem! Oh well, for now, try to enjoy the dual slideshow of pics!

Green Meadows

I was going to title this 'Petting Farm' but decided that didn't really sound too good. Anyway, Saturday, the girls and I went to Green Meadows Petting Farm with some friends. Due to our various Sat. morning activities (dance, cheer, soccer) we got there just as they were finishing their tour. We did get to go on the hayride with them and everyone got to pick out a pumpkin. Some of the group left and some stayed for a picnic lunch. After that, everyone pretty much left but the girls and I stayed. They played on the playground for awhile and then we asked to join another tour. The girls really wanted to do the tour because you get to see the animals, go on a pony ride, go on a train ride, etc. Well, we did have fun, even though it decided to rain (rather hard I might add) while we were out there. We caught ducks and chickens, pet goats and sheep, rode ponies, rode the train, and milked a cow. They really enjoyed it and got VERY dirty. After returning home, they changed clothes and then went to play with their friends and seemed to play forever. They even stayed there for dinner as the neighbors were having a party for the Gator/LSU game. It was a long day, but one they'll remember for awhile I'm sure.

Always Searching for Another Handbag

Like many of us, I'm always looking for handbags. I really like bags. I have too many and always want another. I saw this site on a friend of mines blog where they are giving away FREE hand bags to promote the launch of the company's new site. Check out the link here.

RILEY is 7!!

The day finally arrived! Riley is now 7 and is SO excited. We had a family party at lunch time with Riley planning the entire menu. We started with fresh fruit and dip and mozzarella (monstarella according to Riley) sticks as people arrived. The people included uncle Vic, Aunt Josie, Heather, Austin, Grandpa, Mimi, Grandma Jeryl, Mr Al and us. As soon as that food was gone and before we could eat lunch, Riley wanted to open presents. She had asked for a Nintendo DS for her birthday (it was either that or a party and she chose that) and was anxious to see if she got it. We made her read all of her cards out loud.

She got several outfits. This one was from Mimi but was the one Riley had found shopping the day before. She found this all by herself (it has leggings t00) and even a shirt to wear underneath. The family thinks she is quite the fashion whiz. I'm not sure about that, but she does like to shop and only wants what looks good on her.

She did get her DS and was very excited! She also got two games as a present so she has something to play. Riley is aware that Doug and I have certain rules as far as the DS is concerned (homework first, can be taken away if not doing well in school, not at meals, etc) and is willing to stick to them. I guess we'll see. At least the games she got from Jeryl and Al are ones where she has to think and use her brain. I'm sure she'll be getting more with the money she got. the party ended with a dance party in Kamryn's room and then everyone went their separate ways - family home to Ocala and the Villages, Doug and the girls to the Tittsworth's for conference, and me taking my mom to St Pete to see my grandfather.

What a FUN day!! Happy Birthday Riley!!

Mimi's visit

We picked up Mimi at the airport on Friday. She flew into the Sanford airport which was a new adventure for us. It is quite a ways from here, but a nice drive thanks to all the highways. I picked Riley up from school a little early (Kamryn and I had taken a cookie cake to her class for her birthday) and off we went. After picking her up, we stopped by IKEA. Riley has been worried that she was getting too big (tall) to play in the IKEA play area. She was ecstatic to find out that she is still good (the height limit is 54 inches) so she and Kamryn went to play. That meant my mom and I had to walk around the store. They have so many cool things there and of course we bought some stuff. After we picked the girls up, we even ate dinner there in the cafe on the 2nd floor. It was actually ok. Well, Kamryn and Riley's noodles weren't very hot so Kamryn didn't like them. But, my mom and I had ordered steaks that came with rice and veggies and were awesome. We each had enough that we could share with Kamryn. The girls REALLY wanted to go to the mall, but we said it was time to head home and that we would go on Saturday. So, after our morning activities on Saturday, off to the mall we went. It gave Doug a chance to rest/relax before work and Riley time to shop for birthday ideas. She has been dying to shop at Limited Too so we went to look since we knew she was getting money for her birthday. She was so funny though because she quickly got bored of looking and trying on and wanted to leave. So, off we went to another store where we 'forced' her to try on more clothes (she really needed jeans ans she is hard to fit). Well, thanks to Mimi, both girls walked away BIG winners with cute clothes and Christmas outfits. Riley also has an idea of what she wants to spend her money on the next time.

Obsessed with Halloween

Kamryn (and Riley) are obsessed with Halloween. We have had to decorate our house already and they keep insisting we don't have enough decorations. Well, Friday Kamryn was out of school again (some teacher conference for two days) and she wanted to wear a Halloween shirt. She had gotten one from my mom that lights up, but it has long sleeves. She also has a short sleeve one that used to be Riley's. As you can see, she went the long sleeve shirt even though the temp was in the 80's. She LOVED it. She wore her Halloween headband and got comments from everyone wherever we were that day. She would just smile and say 'thank you' or 'I know' to their comments about her looking cute and ready for Halloween. After our errands, I had Kamryn help me put up the rest of our decorations that had just been delivered (I ordered some and my mom sent me one). She had fun helping me figure out where to put them. My kids already have their costumes planned and are anticipating the big event. Luckily, both of them have chosen things that we already own and are easy so I don't have to run around looking for that elusive item.

Mommy Daughter fun

Kamryn was out of school last Thursday and Friday so we had some fun together. Thursday, after Riley went to school, Kamryn and I went to Disney. She wore a pirate shirt and insisted that I wear mine. I couldn't resist her cut way of asking, so I obliged and donned my pirate shirt. We went to the Magic Kingdom and had a blast. We were only there a little while (maybe two hours) but we saw SO much. We rode the people mover, Buzz Lightyear, the race cars, the carousel, Pooh, small world, and the magic carpets.

We even found Donald Duck out and about. The biggest moment came right before we were to leave to go meet friends, Kamryn said she wanted to go on Splash Mountain. While I enjoy the ride, I usually don't ride it because I don't like to get wet and then walk around the park. Anyway, I couldn't get her to change her mind and I wasn't sure she was tall enough (I knew it would be close but she was wearing flip flops). So, off we went to the attraction. they measured her out front and she just made it so we got in line. The line was moving fast (10 minutes to get all the way in) and we were 1 or 2 logs away from getting on - then the ride broke. Well, it was taking longer to fix so we had to leave to meet our friends. I had to promise to bring her back to this ride the next time we're in the park. I still can't believe she wanted to ride it, but she was pretty insistent. If she does ride Splash the next time we're at the park, I'll have to buy her a shirt or something (a picture won't work because I know you won't be able to see her). What a big girl she's becoming!! We got a yummy rice krispie treat to share on our way out of the park.