Laundry Basket Boys

I just love how these two little guys entertain themselves all day long!!


Take one...


Take two...


Third time's a charm... both looking and smiling :)

"Carving" Pumpkins!

This year I decided that instead of carving pumpkins, we'd decorate them! I came up with this because I remember how last year went... everyone was very excited at the beginning, but about 23 seconds into it, I was up to my elbows in pumpkin guts and Ben and the boys were cheering me on from the couch.


Soooo, I found these little foam kits that I bought after Halloween last year at Michael's for 25 cents each and Sam LOVED decorating the pumpkins tonight.


Jake put some finishing touches on this one (whoops, sorry for chopping off your cute little head in this pic, Jakers!)


I know it's cheating, but it was quick, fun, non-messy and for 25 cents each, I loved this project too.


Happy Halloween!!

How Mickey became Donald and vice-versa

Originally Jake was going to be Donald Duck and Sam was going to be Mickey Mouse for Halloween. Sam was so good about this, considering that Donald is HIS very, very favorite character. But he faithfully spent his last few Saturday mornings standing in front of the tv watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and trying to copy Mickey's every move. But then we tried the Donald costume on Jake and he hated it!!


Checking out all his fluff...


Then telling me, "Mama I don't like this AT ALL!!"


So we tried Sam's cute little puppy costume and it was soooo cute, but you know me and themes, plus it was about 100 degrees outside still... so that was a no-go!


So then we switched and they were both in heaven!!


Donald was eager to get buckled in his carseat...


And so was Mickey!


We headed to a local retirement home to hand out Halloween crafts to the residents. This is one of my very favorite activities we do with our Moms group each year.


And Donald and Mickey lived happily ever after.

From Jake to Seth

To my friend Seth,
This picture is just for you! Let's point at fun stuff together soon!!!
Your friend,
Jake

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!

The boys and I went to the best Pumpkin Patch EVER today!!!! And believe me, we've checked out almost all of the local places. Bates Nut Farm, Peltzers Farm, Riley's Farm... this one beat them all!


A John Deere "hey" ride around the pumpkin patch (where they really do grow the pumpkins, imagine that!) My goodness boys, don't look so thrilled.


A little lesson on the life of a pumpkin... it was thrilling, really :)


Then off to pet the goats where Jake about gave me a heart attack the ENTIRE time because he insisted on walking straight up to every single goat, getting about half an inch from their little goat face and then "talking" to them about very important stuff. Soooo funny!!


Sam thought this adventurous goat would be a perfect addition to the "Dog and Cat Show" at Sea World (it's full of performing animals).


Then all the kiddos got to choose their own pumpkin. Our handsome little Sam choose this little cutie.


Then we were off to take pictures of all the interesting gourds and pumpkins of every shape, color, and size imaginable.






I think this may be a look of "Mommy, what in the world are you making me hold?!"


This one may be a bit difficult to carve, you think?!


Plus, they have a way cool gift shop full of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas decorations.


Those are turkeys riding on John Deere tractors. Doesn't every family need a couple of those?! Just joking... I did not buy those :) We will definitely be making this pumpkin patch an annual tradition!!

Toffee Bars, Chocolate Cake, and Waffles!!

Click here for the recipes... you know you want to :)

Muffins for Moms

I got this great idea from my good friend Michelle... Muffins for Moms at {insert name of a local park that starts with the letter "M" here}. It was a great get-together for our MOMS Club. These pumpkin cream cheese muffins were soooo good that I KNOW I'll be making them again soon (and will hopefully get a better picture)! Click here for the recipe.

Baby Barber Shop!

Jake has more hair on his head than anyone I've ever known!! On Friday it was clear that he was way overdue for a haircut... even though he gets a little trim about once a week!


Before picture... embarrassing :(


Can you even tell I cut it?! He doesn't hold still at all for haircuts... plus, he has the most gorgeous hair color ever so I hate to cut it off. So I guess it's really MY fault that he gets weekly trims because I cut a microscopic amount of hair off. Oh well, it's a good time for cute pictures of our little monkey!

LOVE these boys!!

We went to Sea World last week on a Thursday!! That is really exciting stuff for us because we hardly ever get to go anywhere mid-week with Ben and beat the crowds. It's usually just me and the boys, trampling all over So. Cal while Daddy's off making the big bucks :) Horray for a day off during the week!


Daddy's turn for the dizziness!


A lovely close-up shot of the ginormous walrus.


And our sweet Jakers, playing the biggest xylohone ever and smiling away (with ugly little scab under his nose from falling down in the backyard... poor guy!)

A Baby is Blooming!!

No, not in my belly! Here are pics of baby shower favors I did for my cousin Andrea last Sunday. She's having a girl in November and I can't wait to meet the little cutie!





And here's me at Ann's shower with my favorite little cousin ever, Ashley... I've known her since the day she was born. We grew up next door to each other. It was like yesterday and now she's 20 years old... WHAT?!?!

Don't bother me... I'm eating pesto!

We had a really fun playgroup here on Thursday and the BEST part (besides the fact that all the kiddos played together sooo well of course) is that Jen brought fresh homemade pesto with basil from her own garden- YUM!! I've been busy for days thinking of anything and everything I can make to include the pesto in... turkey pesto sandwiches on french bread were the best. Thanks Jen!!!! And click here for a recipe for the peanut butter blondies I made for playgroup. No leftovers with these sweet treats!