Pumpkin Carving Not Really a Toddler Activity....

This was the first year that we carved a family Schneider pumpkin. I will have to confess this is one of my least favorite parenting toddler activities. I am not the Grinch of Halloween it is just that pumpkin carving is not particularly a developmentally appropriate toddler activity. Yet it seems we are missing something if we don’t do it. Think about it-what exactly does the toddler do? First Kayla had to wait until Daddy cut off the top. The next part Kayla was excited about...but really I have yet to meet a toddler who likes the feel of pumpkin innards. One or two touches and then it was off to find a spoon. Kayla made one or two scoops with the spoon and then she was done. Daddy finished cleaning the innards out as I cleaned Kayla's hands. We tried to reengage Kayla with the face planning but again-sharp knife is not toddler appropriate. Once the pumpkin was carved, we placed a candle inside of it and that was it. The excitement was over and it is now Halloween night and the candle is still sitting in the pumpkin and has not been lite. After carving the "BIG" pumpkin, I let Kayla paint and glue feathers on a small pumpkin. She "so" enjoyed this activity (and it was easier to clean up). Maybe this should be a lesson learned. However, I know better. Next year we will again go pick out the perfect BIG pumpkin and set out to have the kids watch while Mommy and Daddy carve it.

A Nice Family Visit

In truth a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love you show to one another, and by the hopes for the future you have as individuals and as a unit.

Yesterday the kids and I had a great visit with family. We spent the day in Hico, Tx visiting Kayla and Christian's grandmother, great-grandmother, cousins and aunt. The kids had a blast. Kayla and Jonah played all afternoon and into the evening (not one fight or melt down). They ran through the house, played with the treats from their grandmother, visited the local pumpkin patch and decorated small pumpkins with feathers and glitter. Christian tried keeping up with the older kids. Chasing them and playing keep away. He also spent his time playing ball with his grandmother, giving kisses and hugs to everyone, and even looking out for his little cousin, Meredith. We had a good day.

I love watching the cousins play together. Growing up, I had a cousin that I was really close to. Spending time with her and the family is some of my fondest memories. I hope to create some of those memorable memories for Kayla and Christian. Family is so important. Taking the time to visit and share memories together makes the family stronger and the times together even better.

First Field Trip

Today, Kayla went on her first school field trip. Kayla woke up this morning ready to go. There was no time to eat breakfast, "Let's go Mommy!" She and her classmates (11 other children) loaded up in the van (school bus) and they all ventured to the Pumpkin Patch. The caravan of mother's followed the van to the Pumpkin Patch. There the kids listened to Halloween stories, colored pumpkin pictures, picked out pumpkins and enjoyed the fall weather. Kayla had a great time (and Christian even enjoyed himself). After school Kayla came home with stories about the day. I cant even imagine....12 toddlers! 12 car seats! A van! The teachers are very brave. I am glad Kayla had a good time and is home safe.

A Wonderful Week of Photos

The kids had a fun filled week of school, acting crazy, playing at the jump houses, and making Christmas ornaments. Here are just a few pictures from the past week.

Kayla making clay Christmas ornaments at her friend Andrew's house.

Christian acting crazy.
Christian eating his favorite food...Goldfish (or as he says "Fishhhh")

Kayla playing in the jump house.

Christian and his buddy playing at Georgetown Jump.
Kayla's face pained like Tolee (character on Ni Hoa, Kai-Lan)