What will they be?

Grandma Needge made the kids adorable Halloween costumes this year. Will LOVES spiders so he has a spider costume and Jane/Clara have matching lady bug outfits to wear. The only problem is, Will is not into wearing his costume. He is now saying, "Will and Sissy switch, Will be lady bug, Sissy be phider." Only time will tell what they end up wearing for trick or treating. Here are some pictures of the kids playing in our front yard and also trying on their costumes last weekend/playing at Dirk and Nedra's house.

Will singing 'Jesus Loves Me'

Pumpkin Patch

On try #2, we made it to Trinity Farms this afternoon. It was only about a 10-15 minute drive from our place. Who knew that there would be a farm so close to Renton! It was a fun place, complete with a bouncy house (seemed a little out of place for a farm, but the kids didn't complain), wagon rides, a fire pit, hot cocoa/cider, gift shop and of course lots of pumpkins. It was a pretty nasty day here in the Pacific NW, but the kids had fun. I was all excited to come home and carve pumpkins but no one else had much interest. You'd think pulling out pumpkin seeds and pumpkin innards would be fun for toddlers, but they wanted nothing to do with it. Oh, well. Maybe next year!

In Lieu of the Pumpkin Patch

We tried to go to our local pumpkin patch on Monday, only to find out that it's closed except for weekends. "Bummer," said Will. "Let's go to a Chocolate patch instead."
I wish!
Instead, we headed to a nearby park. The kids loved it and didn't seem to miss the pumpkin patch at all. Gotta love the flexibility of this age.

Orlando Vacation 2009

We just returned from our trip to Orlando (minus Mr. Simon who had to remain for his business convention). We are exhausted but still glowing from a WONDERFUL trip. The kids were such good travelers and it was such an awesome week. I'm feeling refreshed!
Here are some pictorial highlights (more can be found in our web album):
Jane trying to sabotage Will's nap on the plane
Finally in Orlando!


At a street carnival in Old Town Kissimmee



The view from our window (you better believe the guys golfed plenty during the week. Sidenote about our view--we could see nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom from our back porch)

Jane and Johnny taking in the view of Cinderella's castle at Magic Kingdom

Stroller parking at Magic Kingdom :-)

Janie being silly

Pa and Will on the Dumbo ride

Me and Prince Charming

Every little girl has to go on the carousel

Will LOVED meeting Lilo and Stitch (our friend Sarah Barfoot was Stitch!)

Will getting ready to feed Pooh "hunny" at Pooh's Thotful Spot

All pooped out on the Monorail after a fun day at Magic Kingdom

Downtown Disney






Will and Sarah Barfoot (We got to spend an afternoon with her. She was so sweet to give each of the kids a Disney stuffed animal of the characters she plays at Magic Kingdom. Stitch for Will and Minnie for Jane)

Enjoying a treat at the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain on a 98 degree/98 percent humidity afternoon


A real live gator at a Gatorland show (the guys actually saw a wild one while they were golfing, no joke)

Lots of fun at resort pools