Birthdays & Trick-Or-Treating

This weekend was full of celebrations. We remembered Caleb's 'birth'day 2 years ago by rejoicing at "Pump it up"...

...where the adults were huffing and puffing harder than the kids.

It was a super fun excuse for us adults to act as silly sillier than the kids and release all of our tension from the variety of responsibilities of life. Oh, and the kiddos had a blast too!

Then, we celebrated Miranda's 27th birthday in a tad more sophisticated setting at McKenna's on the Bay enjoying scrumptious seafood with a waterfront view!

Auntie Neenee with Sweets in her onesie with a message

The beautiful, smart, fun, spunky, loyal, special birthday girl (having a good laugh)

Aye, how I love these 2 amazing ladies

And of course, then there was the commercial night of Halloween. Since Sweets' schedule was thrown off, she took a very necessary nap during peak hours for trick-or-treating and to our surprise, Spicy was more than content being on the other side of the door this year. She got so excited hearing the doorbell ring, running to greet the trick-or-treaters, studying their costumes and putting candy in their sacks all by herself. That a girl, I think she already knows that it is better to give than to receive. (or at least that's what I told myself when the guilt crept in, ha)
I don't think she'll be too traumatized by missing out. She's had plenty of opportunities to dress up and trust me, she had her fill of sweets!

We hope you had a sbooctacular weekend!

Fall Festivities

Today was packed with fun outings.

I was getting a little nervous we wouldn't make it to the pumpkin patch this year (heaven forbid!) with only a few days left in the week so as soon as I had control of the fam van and the weather cooperated, we took full advantage.

Ever wonder how a 3 yr old sits still for 10 minutes while sister gets fed? This is 1 way Spicy stays occupied...

Full Tummy = Happy heart!

And we're off! 

We started out by searching for the perfect pumpkins for all members of the family.

Looking...Looking...

"I think I found them, mom!" 

(Oh how I love this shot of you, Spicy.)

And of course we had to get that silly but classic shot in those Photo-Op cut out boards...

Mimi and Ita met us which was such a super special treat! 

Ita with great-granddaughters, #6 & #8

Another posed shot (hey, it's not too often I get dressed up put on clothing other than sweats & a T-shirt and look half-way decent

And believe it or not, this is the best one we pulled off with my gals after 100 thousand many attempts.

Spicy spent most of the time enamored by the goats of all sizes, sheep, roosters, ducks and even a llama! It was so entertaining to watch her as she took control over feeding them, clinched little chubby fists, seeking out the patient ones sitting quietly and ignoring the beggars who would follow her around...

What a natural. 
It was so precious to see her act just as sweetly & tenderly with the livestock (pun intended) as she does taking care of her plastic and wood little toy barn animals. 

She was definitely in her element!

I wondered what her little mind was thinking a lot of the time all by herself with so many animals for over 30 minutes! 

My guess hope: "You need to be patient and ask politely. And don't forget to use your manners"

"Sorry, all gone little buddy"

(this little guy was stuck to her like glue)

Ita reminisced and shared little stories about her time on farm land in Mexico. 

I treasure those moments.

And just when I got ready to pose Sweets in the myriad of pumpkins, she decides it's nap time.

Perhaps, this is just as good :) 

 Spicy finished off our time there with some good 'ole John Deer maneuverin'

Part 2 of our day entailed a magic show and costume parade at the HB Central Library.

Meet Sweet Bee G

and (Spicy) Ballerina Fairy.

At one point during the show, the magician called onto stage all the Princesses (Ballerina Fairy? close enough.) and not that I'm biased but she had a pretty impressive costume compared to the rest...The coolest part about it? Daddy shipped this dress home for Spicy from Kuwait during his deployment well over a year ago. I completely forgot all about it as it was tucked away in the very back of the closet and even when I stumbled upon it, I was sure it wouldn't fit... but to my surprise, it did...perfectly!

Total (additional) cost of outfit = $1 (for the wings at the 99cent store). We had everything else already! Love it!

Spicy with Sheriff, Caleb J. 

Such a pathetic shot but definitely true to their interest level in being subjects of photo snapping at this age.

Petting Snowball, the bunny.

What a splendid day we had!!! 

Oh, and doesn't our pumpkin family looks so cozy on our new porch? 

 (I have always wanted a porch but after buying this house, never thought I would get one. 

Thanks Pops for making dreams come true!!! XOXO)

Out With The Old, In With The New

Ode to dirt:

I'm so happy to see you gone,

No, make that thrilled, overjoyed, elated.

For you I was on my hands and knees,

Oh, that horrid mess you created.

We made the most when you were here,

You provided entertainment for a tot,

But you have now been buried,

And your replacement is pretty hot.

A wonderful mixture

Of color, rock and sand,

So pleasing to my eyes,

And so gentle to my hand.

I hope to never see so much of you

Until the day I'm 10 feet under,

As a back and front yard play area,

You were a horrible blunder!

What an exciting milestone (followed by a weekend full of stressful emotions caused mainly by the unpredictable weather) in our remodel process to pour the cement!

I stood inside at the kitchen window viewing this scene intently, certain that we had violated some city ordinance (or we were the complaint of some nagging neighbor) but come to find out, the cop was just cruisin' by "trying to look busy and useful" and they were just shooting the breeze, discovering they had a mutual acquaintance! ha!

Something so important, so necessary, so permanent that showcases all the hard preparation work dad has been doing in the last few months. Done!!! With the stamping and scoring (technical cement terms - that's for you, Teets!) effects, it almost looks like big slates of travertine or some other beautiful natural stone...

I'm so pleased and can't wait to see the girls riding their tricycles, playing in their playhouse, picnicking together and so much more in the near future!

Bapa, you have done your magic yet again!