Halloween '10

We have had a wonderful Halloween night. The kids enjoyed it as much as the parents.  

Yes, Pop, we see you in the window...


Here's the pumpkin we carved.

Later, we all went trick or treating around the neighborhood. Some of the houses were definitely in the spirit.

State Game '10

We went to watch the Bulldogs play this weekend.  We met up with our friends Jennifer, Michael, and their daughter Ava.  We tailgated for a good few hours before the game and everyone had a great time.

The kids enjoyed playing together.

Plus, State beat UAB so it was a good trip all around! Go State!

Pumpkin Patch Party Crashers

This morning Amy and I woke up and thought that we should take the kids to the pumpkin patch to let them pick out a pumpkin for Halloween.  We later learned that we have spectacular timing!


We show up to the pumpkin patch and walk inside to pay and collect our pumpkin carrying bags.  Then, we head outside to wait for the hayride to come by and pick us up.  The odd thing was, the hayrides normally run one at a time.  This alternating of rides keeps everything from getting backed up.  Today, however, they both began loading at the same time.  No problem, let's go with it.

We began the hayride with a very large group of people but we didn't think anything of it.  We made our rounds around the MS Ag Museum and it wasn't until we finally stopped that we realized that, oops...we were crashing some child's birthday party!  We were among two dozen other people in the old towne section of the Ag Museum talking with a character from the 1860's and not at all knowing how to get out of this situation.

Yeah, we know none of these people.

Owen loved talking with the character though.  He would wander off to find her and ask her question after question.

When our kids were done with the questions and everyone had eaten cookies handed out by the birthday party planners, we made a hasty retreat!  We stopped to pick up our pumpkins and got out of there.  

I have to admit, that was one of the most memorable trips to the pumpkin patch we've ever had.

MS State Fair '10

We went to the fair again this year.  We didn't lose a camera but we did end up with some happy kids. We started with some games.  If you'll notice, this is the same duck game that the kids participated in last year. 

However, there were new things to experience.  For instance, this year, Owen had the opportunity to hold a baby alligator.

Elizabeth had the opportunity to ride a pony.

Owen also had fun riding unlimited rides this year.

But the biggest thrill was the balloon ride.  This ride was certainly Elizabeth's favorite ride.

Until next year, kids...

Our First Camping Trip

We had our first family camping trip this weekend.  Everyone, especially the kids, had a great time.  First, they helped me set up the tent.

Then we all went on a nature walk.

Later, we cooked hot dogs on a stick.  The kids even got into it and helped cook their own.

They even slept the whole night soundly in their sleeping bags.

Okay, they did have a little bit of comfort from some kid shows on the portable DVD player.  But, that only lasted  an hour or so.  They did remarkably well!  They slept through random animals and dogs and other random nighttime noises.


Elizabeth, did you have a good time?

I'll take that as a yes.

Owen Playing Soccer

Owen started playing soccer this year.  Unlike the baseball thing he did earlier, this involves real team interaction and competition (of sorts).  He's had a couple of practices but today was his first real game.  


He was nervous at first and wasn't sure if he was going to like it.  As it turns out, he had a blast!  In fact, there were times he didn't even want to stop long enough to take a water break.  

He was even getting in the middle of the action, at times.

Way to go, Owen! Way to go!

Elizabeth's Second Birthday

Today we celebrated Elizabeth's second birthday.  Lots of family, lots of friends, lots of cake and we shouldn't leave out the mound of gifts for Elizabeth. Everyone seemed to have a good time, especially the birthday girl!


Elizabeth's birthday theme was monkeys so the invitations, decorations and even the cake matched.

Elizabeth found the birthday cake to be as tasty as it was perfectly decorated.

After cake, she was ready to open her gifts.

Thanks to all who attended for sharing a wonderful time with our little princess!


Later, on her actual birthday, she had a little celebration at school with all of her school friends.

They even had monkey cupcakes that Elizabeth had taken to school to share with everybody.  They all seemed to enjoy them. (Well done, Amy)

She had a couple of very big fun days and I think she would have been happy with a couple more.  Happy birthday my little princess, we love you!