It's Pumpkin Time!

This year the kids wanted to paint their pumpkins instead of carving them.  Drake went for stripes, while Kirsten and Alexa went for an all over paint effect. :)  Kirsten's pumpkin has an Easter egg feel and Alexa's has a lot of glitter with a smiley face on it.  Gordon and I went the traditional route and carved our pumpkin :)

Ariel and Sophia meet Cinderella!

Last weekend our friends invited a few little princesses over to meet Cinderella, what a special treat!!  Kirsten dressed up as Princess Ariel and Alexa was Princess Sophia, which also happens to be their Halloween costumes this year.  Cinderella read the girls a story, then treated them to necklaces and cookies.  Kirsten and Alexa had a great time!!

 

The Addition

We've decided to expand our home and put on an addition!  Here are 3 phases of the work in progress.  Once complete, the addition will add a main level master bedroom with its own bathroom and walk-in closet, plus a covered deck with vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace, and bar with television area.  Oh, and I can't forget to mention a heated garage!  We are so excited!

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

One of the best conversations with Kirsten~

Last week, both Gordon and I had out of town trips at the same time.  This isn't a usual occurrence because I don't travel very much, however, this was a work trip with mandatory attendance and Gordon had a scheduled trip to Alaska already booked.  Thankfully, our friends Mark and Jenny came to the rescue and helped us watch the girls!

While Jenny was brushing Kirsten's hair in the morning, they had an endearing and very funny conversation I must share!

Jenny (while brushing Kirsten's hair):  You have such long pretty hair!

Kirsten:  Yeah...and Lexi's is getting long too.  You want to know why?

Jenny:  Why?

Kirsten:  Because we've been watering it and putting soap on it...and pulling it!


Too funny!!!

Fun Day at the Pumpkin Patch!

Our friends, Mark and Jenny, took the girls to the Pumpkin Patch last week where they had a great time!!  Both Gordon and I had out of town trips - thankfully Mark and Jenny were able to help us out by watching Kirsten and Alexa.  While at the Pumpkin Patch they took the girls on pony rides, fed the goats, shopped in the store, picked out and washed pumpkins, and walked through the corn maze.  Kirsten was very excited to tell me all about it when I got home!

2nd grade already!

 Drake started 2nd grade this year and I wasn't sure if he would be up for us to do our usual routine of walking him inside to his classroom and then take pictures.  Thankfully, even though Drake is turning 8 in November, he was still excited for us to take him to his first day of school!

When we arrived, Drake was a good sport and let me take all of our standard photos. Then he gave all of us hugs (including his sisters) and he ran off towards his friends.  We watched him from a distance as 3 girls ran up to him, calling his name and then they all compared teeth.  Yes, I said teeth.  I guess that's the big news for 2nd graders!  Gordon and I thought it was adorable.  :)

Getting taller and taller each year!!

Drake's classroom

Drake's locker

Drake and his sisters

Kirsten's first day of Pre-School

Where does the time go?  Kirsten had her first day of pre-school yesterday and it was a smashing success!   She picked out her clothes the night before and got her backpack ready to go.  We had to discuss that baby dolls aren't okay to put in your backpack, which was a tough conversation, but we got through it. :)

Of course, we had the typical "getting ready for school" photos the day of which included a few with Drake and Alexa!

Kirsten went to hold Drake's hand and I captured it on film.  Such an adorable photo, I had to include it!

Happy Birthday Alexa!

Today my baby turned 2 years old, to celebrate we had a Dora themed family birthday party.   Kirsten and I had already gone gift shopping for Alexa the previous week, so Gordon and Drake were in charge of decorating the house.  The whole family picked Alexa up from daycare with balloons (Dora themed, of course!), her face lit up and she was so excited.  We continued the festivities at home with some pizza and Dora ice cream cake.  There was even a little dancing, too!  

 

 

Kirsten's first bicycle!

Gordon and I have been discussing getting Kirsten her first bicycle these past few months.  I told her she has to practice on her tricycle and master the art of pedaling... this was a bit challenging for her in the past! :)  After cruising around our neighborhood, Kirsten was doing great and showed Gordon and I she could do it.  So last weekend Kirsten got her first bicycle!!  She knew the exact one she wanted and where to find it at the store.  It was so adorable!!