Ice Skating Part Deux: Christmas Eve

The children were giddy with excitement today and racing about the house wreaking havoc. We decided to do something fun (and active) with them to occupy the time until we had to leave for church. Ice skating sounded like the perfect solution, so back to the rink we went for round two.

And who should show up at the rink on this Christmas Eve? Santa!

Eleanor could not believe her luck. Ice skating with Santa all to herself! It really must be Christmas!

Cool guy Will was still uninterested in the ice. I think he is destined to be a surfer. Hawaii bound.

And the ice skating had no chance once he saw what was pulling in across the street. A miniature train!! Dad was cajoled into taking him for a ride. (Paul was a good sport. The train really is tiny, built for toddlers. Will insisted that Daddy go too.)

This made his day.

And this made hers.

Merry Christmas to All!

Ice Skating

A friend and I took all of the kids skating at our outdoor shopping center. It was a first for the girls and for Will too. The big kids had a blast! I wish I had thought to take them earlier in the month. It took the little girls a few minutes to get their bearings, they held hands and helped each other out. So cute! The boys were off like a shot from the minute they had skates on. Falling on their rear or not, they were absolutely fearless!

The girls trying to help Will make a circuit.

Look out, here are the future Red Wings players!

Will made one lap and then decided he was done. The poor guy was too cold.

And a surprise for the end of the trip; Santa showed up!

A First Taste of Snow

The first (nearly) measurable snowfall here for the season. The kids were so excited to head out and build a snowman. It's such a cute pint sized version! I'm sure they will have ample opportunities to build a grand one in the months to come.....

Halloween 2010

And here are the three little "banditos" on their way out the door to gather some sugary loot. Will wanted to be Buzz Lightyear which was fortuitous as we already had the costume. Love that! Nick is a character from the Iron Man movie. Don't ask me which one. I haven't seen an action movie in years. I'm sure Nick would roll his eyes and sigh heavily should I ask. Mothers. And Miss Eleanor wanted to be an angel. I think I will print a copy of these photos and post them somewhere notable. To refer to on the frequent occasions when she is less than angelic.








A fun time was had by all. And a bountiful supply of cavity inducing comestibles were deposited on our family room rug. Many of which are destined to be "donated" to the "poor children who can't afford costumes for trick or treating". Just as my parents used to tell us back in the day.

Fall Color Photos

Miss Eleanor was very, very ready to pose for fall photos tonight. Will was too busy to stop moving and smile for me. And Nick has apparently decided that it is mortifying to be seen in public with a parent, siblings, or while wearing a button down shirt. I had no idea the teen angst starts at age 8!

Rock Creek Farm

A beautiful Saturday afternoon in October calls for a trip to the pumpkin patch. This farm is our favorite, they let you drive right out to the fields and pick them off the vines. The kids have a blast running through pumpkins as far as the eye can see and searching for just the right one.








Short and round or tall and slim? Hmmmm... Personally I like the short, round ones with a nice deep orange color, and of course it must have a stem with character.

Pumpkin Patch

"Cap'n Spooky"

Poor little Will was in a less than stellar mood for the pumpkin expedition. It was afternoon and prime napping time. And we had headed straight for the farm after a morning of football games. Instead he was content to wander amongst the pumpkins and gaze at his cool fireman boots.

Boots

Our children simply adore rain boots. Alas, it is dry out here in the West and the galoshes don't see too many puddles. The dusty, dirty pumpkin farm was the perfect opportunity. I think they look pretty cute on everyone. I just might want a pair for myself!