Winter Festival 2015

Lauren had her Winter Festival performance last weekend. It's my favorite Garden event of the year and I can't  believe it was our last! I feel so lucky that my kids got to go to a school my mom was such a big part of, it's felt like link to her. The man who plays Father Christmas was a dear friend of my mom's and after the performance he came over and told me how much she is still loved and remembered. 

At the Children's Garden this evening is a big rite of passage for the five year olds and true to form, Lauren took it very seriously.  She did a great job, it was a fun night. 

 Bonnie came out of retirement for the evening.

Lauren and Gigi

Lauren got to explain the meaning of the Troika dance.

Videos only a mother could love, and I love them!

 

Family Photos

Back in October I suggested to Chad we have family photos taken.  I said something like "you know, because it's been such a long year".  Chad responded with, "oh ya, because Lou is getting so old". Um, I was thinking about how grateful we are Chad is still on the planet, but either way we had some family pictures taken. 

Christmas Tree 2015

It seems like we were just at the pumpkin patch, but this last weekend we headed out to get our Christmas tree.  It was a freezing, fun morning and we found a great tree.  Lauren, this year you were so excited, you came home and carefully unwrapped each and every ornament and carefully set them out on towels before you helped hang them up.  You always have a game plan. 

 not our best family photos...

Halloween Party 2015

I can't believe Halloween was two weeks ago! For years we've said when Halloween lands on a Saturday, grown ups have to dress up too.  My kids were so happy! It was a fun party with lots of great costumes. It was the first year it's rained on Halloween since we've lived here, but our trick or treaters were troopers and managed to come home with way too many full sized candy bars (that I've been enjoying..). 

Pre-Halloween Festivities

Halloween seemed to last for two weeks this year.  The week prior to Halloween was the much anticipated Spooky Spaghetti night at school.  Chad was one of the "Vinnies" and helped serve dinner to the 1002 people in attendance!  A Sunset Elementary record. There were also class room parties, Blake and Lauren both had a great time dressing up at school.

 Kindy

2nd Grade

It's my party...

Lauren, my little miss type A,  I love you. You planned a family party for Louis' tenth birthday.  You set out crafts, favors and butterfly party hats.  Although your dad and I were happy to wear the hats, your brother refused.  It completely ruined it for you.  I can totally relate!  I hate it when things don't go as planned (but I try to hold the tears). 

Pumpkin Patch

Lauren got to play hooky from kindergarten on Thursday and go to the pumpkin patch with her Children's Garden class instead.  We went to Fox Hollow Farms and the kids had a blast.  They got to pet bunnies and little pigs...and then throw on a little hand sanitizer and eat a picnic lunch.  So far, no signs of Ecoli.

Happy 10th Birthday Louis

When I surprised Chad with Louis all of those years ago, I had no idea what I was getting into.  Louis, you are cranky, stubborn, grouchy and destructive but your Daddy still loves you very much...and I might still pet you when no one is looking. Happy birthday Big Lou.  

Pumpkin Patch 2015

We headed out to the pumpkin patch Sunday morning.  We were the first people there and we had the pumpkin fields to ourselves.  Blake picked a FIFTY pound pumpkin!  We had a little apple cider and hit the road in time to make it to flag football.