First Day of Fall!

We used our fire pit for the first time this season tonight. The kids were so excited! We roasted marshmallows, although we confirmed that Jack would much rather have his uncooked. Then we read some stories by the fire.

AnneMarie wanted to tell spooky stories as well. She made us all use this hose attachment as a microphone. Jack told his in a hilarious, deep voice.

Everyone's stories involved a group of kids hearing strage noises while they walked in the woods. Sometimes it turned out to be an owl, or a different bird, or they never knew what it was. But without fail, the kids in the story made it back to their cabin safely. Whew!

The fire pit cost us $4 to make ... all but four of these pavers we found scattered around our backyard when we moved in. We saw the fire pit idea in a gardening magazine.

Another sign of fall: pumpkins! We managed to grow three pumpkins, this one got eaten by something in the garden.

First Day of KidZone!

Today was Jack's first day of "preschool" at Kidzone, through the City of Rio Rancho. He is in the ladybug class with Miss Marie, just like AnneMarie & Julia were. He was excited but nervous, I stayed for the first half hour or so. When I picked him up, I asked if he made any friends or learned anyone's name. Well, he said he met a boy named "Pumpkin" (which is one of Marie's favorite terms of endearment). He went on and on about things Pumpkin did and said, it was very funny. When he says Miss Marie it sounds like "Mystery." Overall, it was a successful first day at KidZone, although I was a bit sad. Luckily, I was able to distract myself by heading over to help out in first grade! That went well and I will be going back often.

Jack enjoyed this magnetic board during the free time at the beginning of the day.

The theme today was apples and they made apple prints. They also ate a snack and at some point, Jack went to the bathroom on his own. He got very upset when it was time to leave. He can't wait to go back on Thursday!

AnneMarie's 6th Birthday Party

For her birthday this year, AnneMarie wanted a "Peacock Party." This wasn't easy to pull off but we came up with a few ideas. We played pin the feather on the peacock and everyone got a real peacock feather as a party favor.

Here is AnneMarie next to a decoration she made for the party. It is held to the wall with much of the tape she received (among other things) from Grandma & Papa. She is wearing the birthday dress I made her and a necklace she got from Papa. She styled her own hair (after this picture was taken).

The dining room had some feathers tapes to the walls.

I made this peacock out of fruit. I usually decorate a cake for birthdays, but she didn't want a cake this year, so I did this instead. I found very detailed directions on the web. It was actually pretty easy.

Jack took this glamour shot of Sydney in the back yard.

One of her most requested gifts, Barbie swimming with dolphins, from Grandma & Papa.

She LOVES the blanket Aunt Aleigh gave her. She has slept with it every night since she got it.

AnneMarie does not like frosting. She requested chocolate bread for her birthday cake. She also insisted that we put this peacock Pet Shop toy on top.

You can barely see it but she is wearing the apron Mrs. Kimber made her - and holding the "batter" (whisk) that came in the pocket.
It was a wonderful day with friends and family!