Make a Mess Monday: Pumpkin Carving

One of my LEAST favorite things: sticky hands and gooey pumpkin yuck. But I attempted to enjoy carving this little pumpkin with the Little Misters. I see a lot of my quirks in my son and hope that I haven't ruined him for life. He refused to use his hands, not that I can really blame him- I only used my hand once to get a big chunk of goop. {It took all my will power not to get up and wash my hand afterward. I know, I know...}

We managed to finish cleaning out the pumpkin and then Oliver got to draw the face. He actually did a pretty great job making a few lines that I could use for the eyes, nose and mouth. He was super happy with it.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Blessed with Hand-me-downs

Daddy's friend said he had some clothes his son had out grown. We said we'd take them off his hands as it was a size Oliver is growing into quite quickly. Little did we know just how many clothes we'd be blessed with. This was my living room at 9 am this morning.

By 10:30 am I had made my way through just over half of the pile. Lucius enjoyed climbing on some of the bags while I sorted it all out. I think I had the house back in order and a load in the washer by 11:20 ish. I'm not complaining- it was perfect timing as Oliver hit a growth spurt- we believe he's grown almost two inches since starting school.

I managed to find about three baskets full of clothes that will fit Oliver and/ or that he'll grow into. There's no way he would ever be able to wear all these clothes. So this afternoon we took what was left over to another friends house for her to look through. She took about a basket and a half of clothes- plus a couple pairs of snow pants. It hardly looks like we put a dent in the pile- I still have five boxes (one overly large one of just jeans) and three garbage bags full of clothes (boys sizes 5-7). If you know anyone else I can pass along a chance at a few hand-me-downs- please let me know.

Down by the lake

The Little Misters and I ventured out on a walk in the fall-ish chill. We ended up down by the lake to take a few photos of some projects I've been crafting this week. All the docks were pulled out of the lake for the winter and the boys loved running up and down it- thankfully they stopped before jumping into the freezing lake.

Circus Trains at the Model Train Museum

Two weekends ago I heard that the Circus Trains would be visiting the Model Train Museum. I was super excited to see them running I just had to get the boys & Daddy up and out the door to come with me.

To see a slideshow of all whole adventure? Take a look. There were three rooms of trains- some just to look at, and some to play with- control a display with little buttons or actually run a model train. It was a huge hit for Oliver, I think Lucius might have preferred to stay home and nap- though there were parts he enjoyed.


If you make it to the end of that long slideshow (I just couldn't narrow it down) there's a few train videos from the day- you'll have to actually click on the last three photos to view each video. Enjoy!

Quotable

Oliver asked me: "Can I be a girl?"
I said what? why do you want to be a girl?
O: "because I want long hair like Peyton and Willow" (his two favorite friends at school- two little girls)
I told him that if he wanted longer hair he could grow it out like some of the other boys in his class with longer hair.

He told me: "But they're not girls!"

Too funny- I can't argue with that kiddo.
He also wants new boots just like Peytons- which are bright pink.

 

On another note: 

I wore a skirt today and my son said "mommy- you're a ballerina"

Marmee's old toys

The other night I pulled out of "deep storage" my old micro machine toy. One of the only toys I personally saved from my childhood. I thought my kids would like it as much as I did. Thank goodness I have two boys- cars are innately a huge enjoyment for boys of all ages.

My two little misters enjoying a little quiet time before bed with a new favorite toy:

I have a lot more where this came from and as the boys get bigger I'm excited to show them the whole collection.

Family Arboretum Trip

On Sunday the 9th of October Auntie Em and Auntie Mick brought their families down to join us at the U of M Arboretum.  I invested in a new lens for the camera and wanted to practice on a few willing subjects. Plus I REALLY wanted to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and a nice walk with family. We all packed lunches and headed down after church.

Once we arrived we had ourselves a lovely picnic in the great outdoors, played in the leaves and then started out on a long walk. Along the way we found wonderful places to stop and take pictures. Thank you Auntie Mick for taking this new family photo for us!

I sure and fun walking, talking, and photographing. I love watching the cousins enjoy each other. I present to you a slideshow of our adventure: