Happy Veteran's Day!

A^4 is so thankful for all of the brave men and women - including many family and friends - that serve our country!  The kids have been learning about our veterans in school and the sacrifices many families make while family members are deployed.  At home, Mommy and Daddy remind the kiddos of everyone we know and love that are veterans.

Addie ended up staying home on Tuesday but was back to her normal happy self on Wednesday.  Mommy and the kiddos had Friday off so we had friends over to play! 

While waiting for the bus last week, the kiddos spotted purple cone flowers blooming in our front garden!


The pumpkins are (use Wicked Witch of the West voice) MELTING!!!


Cool teeth on Ayson's pumpkin


Addie painted while Ayson worked on his homework


One of Ayson's homework assignments last week was to interview an adult family member and ask the adult about a favorite memory from their childhood.  Ayson was to write down enough details so as to be able to remember the story once back in his classroom.
Daddy told Ayson about his FIRST time on a riding lawn mower:)  Daddy was about 8 years old and really wanted to ride his Grandpa Chuck's (Ayson's Great Grandpa Chuck) mower. Eight year old Daddy walked behind Grandpa Chuck while Grandpa Chuck mowed his entire yard.  Finally, Grandpa Chuck let Daddy drive the lawn mower:)

Daddy pretending to be on a lawn mower and explaining to Ayson how 8 year old Daddy walked behind his Grandpa :)


Ayson is now reading chapter books!  When Ayson first saw all of the words on the page he freaked (hahaha!).  "This is too HARD!!! WHERE are the pictures?!?"  Once Mommy showed him that he really does know the words, Ayson had no problems!


While eating dinner this week, Mommy noticed that Ayson had 2 long sleeve shirts on.  Then Mommy and Ayson realized that he put his school clothes on OVER his jammie shirt when he was getting dressed (at 6:30 am that morning)-hahaha.


Addie explaining to Mommy her homework




School pictures arrived!
Ayson insisted on styling his own hair (he used lots of gel).  The picture turned out great EXCEPT for the fact that Ayson does not look like Mommy's baby boy anymore :)


For Addie's picture, she insisted on wearing a head band.  Addie really likes how the photographer styled her hair over her shoulder. Mommy thought Addie's Pre-K picture smile (last year) turned out better than this picture but since Addie likes it, we will keep it :)


Bat mask! With Ayson creeping in the background :)


Hi Big Guy!


On Friday, the kiddos each had a play date at our house (meaning Mommy was busy cleaning Thursday nigh ;)!  In honor of Veteran's Day, Ayson set up his army men so that the boys could fight in a battle.

Parker came over and we played with the snap circuits!  The below snap circuit used sound from a Kindle, had lights, AND a fan!




It was BRR cold out on Friday but the kids wanted to play outside.  Mommy made sure that everyone was bundled up and we headed out.  The kids built a teepee out of the sunflower stalks.  The birds were not deterred and kept flying in and out of the teepee.




Ayson and Parker with their water cooler (bucket of snow - to keep their water cold:)  The boys also needed a snack to go with their water - too cute!




Saturday afternoon, Mikhan came over to play!  The kiddos played with the doll house, ponies, puppy tent fun, and Play-Doh!

Happy Halloween and a Sister Weekend!

Mommy and Daddy attended the elementary school Halloween parade and parties and then we had fun trick or treating with the kids!  On Friday, Mommy flew to Michigan to have a weekend with Auntie Holly.  Mommy and Auntie and family had a great weekend, THANKS Willson Family!!

On Tuesday, Mommy and Daddy left work early and attended the Halloween parade and party festivities at the elementary school.
Mommy assisted Ayson's class with games and crafts (note- that is not Mommy on the left side of the picture :)


Daddy then joined Ayson in his class


Then Mommy headed down the hall to Addie's classroom to help the younger kiddos get dressed for the parade.


Addie's class


Due to rain, the parade wound its way through the halls and the gym of the school.


Hi Daddy!


Party time!




Trick Or Treat Time!!
We always go to Gianna's house first!  She was dressed as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Michelangelo :)


The cool pumpkins!


We then headed over to Trunk or Treat where the kiddos said hello to Mrs Nicholson (Ayson's Pre-K teacher).


A Kitty- that only purred and meowed!


Monopoloy - Ayson guessed the theme right away!  Check out that car!




We then went inside for games, donuts, and cider.
Addie did MUCH better this year at biting a donut with just her mouth!


Kind of a blurry picture but Addie's smile makes it all ok!


Wow! An albino rat!


After Trunk or Treat, we stopped at a few friends/neighbors.  The kiddos got to see Donna's creepy moving spider.


And the glowing cat!


Trick or Treat, Mrs Oliver :)


The kids have SO much candy-ugh.  The majority of candy came from "country houses"" around our house.  Our kids were usually "kid 1 and 2" for the night at the houses we visited so they each received 2-3 hand fulls of candy at each house.


Mommy used to love sorting through her candy.  So far the kiddos still have their candy in buckets/bags.


Ayson wanted me to take his picture - I told him I would save it for his high school graduation :)


Ayson did a fantastic job of reading for at least 15 minutes 22 days in the Month of October and he received a "Book It" coupon for a person pan pizza from Pizza Hut.  Mommy remembers Book It and the free pizzas :)  Great job, Ayson!


On Friday evening, Mommy flew to Michigan to spend a "Sisters Weekend" with Auntie Holly and family.
Thanks for the visit Dane, Gunner, Auntie Holly, Uncle Alek, and Ryleigh!


On Saturday morning, we went to Lou's Pet shop
Bunnies for cuddling


A massive turtle


A HUGE Snapping turtle


This big guy was "walking" around the store


In another aisle, we found a bunny!


We got to hold a tarantula


The pet shop employee was very encouraging and helpful :)


Brave Auntie!


Ryleigh's turn!


Mommy was next :)


Then Ryleigh held a Vinegaroon. When attacked, the vinegaroon "discharges an offensive liquid which contains acetic acid, producing a vinegar-like smell"


Back in NY, the kiddos went to Destiny USA (the "Big Mall) so that Ayson could attend Parker's birthday party.


Lunch at Dave and Buster's




Addie playing a race car game


Ayson and Parker playing at the party


Saturday afternoon lounging.


Meanwhile, back in DTown, Auntie and Mommy were excited for a Kip Moore concert!!!
Holly's FIRST experience with country music was a good one :)


We had SO much fun singing and dancing the entire night!!!



Daddy roasted peppers on Sunday






Mommy made it home safely Sunday afternoon and brought with her 2 costumes from Dane and Ryleigh- thanks kiddos!