The Berlands Come To Town

Our first house guests were our favorite Iowans, the Berlands.  It has been two years since their last visit and we couldn’t wait for them to arrive.  They are the kind of friends that can come stay with you for a week and you love every minute of it.  Yep, the very rare kind.  I am not sure who was more excited: the kids to have constant playmates or James to have a constant playmate.  Paul is his soul buddy and they spent as much time as they could out in that marsh.    We shared a fun evening with the Barbots as well.   These 4 pitiful pictures are a reminder to me that I have gotten very slack in pulling out the camera.  Looks like a New Year’s resolution shaping up.

Trick or Treat

   We had one scary witch and one cute pumpkin fairy on our hands this year for Halloween.     The Fryes joined us again this year for trick or treating.  We started out at the park for dinner and some playtime with neighbors and friends.      We couldn’t keep them away from the candy for too long.  The adults could hardly keep up this year.  These kids were on the move.     This night is just one more reason why I am thankful to be back in the neighborhood. 

Preschool Lets Pretend Parade

Love a Sleeping Baby

Pumpkin Carving

You can’t carve a pumpkin without Cameron’s artistic expertise and kids running everywhere.  This is one event we think we are doing for the kids but it really is for the adults.  The kids are pretty much good for scooping the mush out and then they are off get into whatever trouble they can find.    Good times, good times.

Sleepover

I am still not sure how I was talked into this, but Lily and Sarah Ellen had their first sleepovers.  Thankfully not all at our house.  Caroline took the brunt of this one and had the littles over at her house and I had the middles.  These two giggly girls were beyond excited.  I had all kind of things planned:  movie, popcorn, toenail painting.  Little did I know, no plans were needed.  These two were just so thrilled to be with one another with no siblings around. 

We did venture out for a treat at TCBY.  Little did I know the adventure it would be.  On our way, MA calmly and casually says, “my tooth just fell out.”  Knowing this little prankster, I didn’t think she was serious until I looked back to see the gaping whole in her mouth.  Sure enough her tooth was gone.  Unfortunately, she literally lost the tooth.  We scoured the car but couldn’t find it anywhere.  No worries, though, the tooth fairy still got the memo and made the delivery.  I am glad we could share this first with you sweet MA (although I don’t think your mamma was so glad). 

While the evening and night were fun, the next day was not so much fun.  The four year old was rather cranky.  I hear she gave Olivia a run for her money on the talking – and that is saying quite a lot.

Hope you enjoyed it sweet girls, because it might be a while before we have another!

Oyster Time

It doesn’t get much fresher than this.  James scooped up some oysters while out on the canoe, brought them back and cooked them up.  You would think Lily was eating gum drops and lollipops.  That girl can put down some oysters.  Sarah Ellen actually ate a few this time and I believe she is acquiring a taste for them.   (Oh, and the six year old with an oyster knife was NOT my idea)