Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, this was not quite the Thanksgiving experience that I would have predicted for 2013!  We ended up staying put at home, not traveling, not dining on turkey and fixings and well, I think the only Thanksgiving-type thing we did was watch the Macy's parade.  The boys loved that, by the way!

Nearly a week ago (Sunday), little "L" was not quite himself.  We soon discovered that he had a tummy bug.  So, that day was spent home with a little TLC.  "L" also hung out at home with Mom on Monday too.

I started packing the loads of stuff that we would need for a trip west.  I thought, well, might as well use the time that I have for something productive!  We planned to depart on Wednesday.  "K" got the tummy bug on Wednesday.  So, we decided to stay here.  Mr. Fixit was then the next victim on Thursday, and then I lost the battle on Friday.

Today will be a day of cleaning, and laundry and cleaning -- oh and did I mention cleaning?  We are thankful that everyone is on the mend -- and hope that all of your Thanksgivings were marvelous!

Best Bros

The boys are starting to play together more now -- which is so much fun to witness!  However, they also fight quite a bit too.  I really was not prepared for all the "tousling" that boys seem to do.  One minute, they are best friends, and the next -- they are scrambling to grab the same toy!  Of course, tears usually follow.

So, I thought I would capture a photo of a more calmer moment between the two.  They love being reunited at the end of each day of childcare.  Then, before bed, they love chasing each other around the house.  It is fun to see that sibling bond forming.  Let's just hope that sharing skill continues to develop!

"K" Pumpkin Paints

One of my absolute favorite things to do as a kid, and well, as an adult too -- it to paint!  What better fun could one have?!?  The boys selected pumpkins, and could then choose a paint color for his pumpkin.  "K" selected a brown color -- which seems to be his favorite right now.  This brown reminded me of chocolate milk!

"K" painted his pumpkin and then headed off to explore the garden.  He actually found some cherry tomatoes that were still green.  This year's late freeze was a nice treat for the garden produce!

"L" Pumpkin Paints

It was definitely a brisk, fall day at the pumpkin patch childcare day!  "L" picked out his pumpkin and he selected red paint for the decorating.  Each child selected one color to paint his or her pumpkin.  The paint was Tempura -- a wonderful, washable paint!  "L," donning a paint smock, is having fun painting away.

After pumpkin painting, there were straw bales to explore, pumpkin guts and garden remnants.  We had fun gathering leaves, riding in the wagon and sliding down the slide.  Then it was off to lunch and a nap.  It is a full day at the pumpkin patch!

Halloween Dudes

This was the first Halloween of trick-or-treating for these little guys.  We attempted to trick-or-treat last year, but "K" was not really sure about going up to people to ask for treats.  Plus, "L" really could not eat any treats, so we visited one house last year, and called it good.  But, it was a whole new year!  The boys were excited to give it a try!

We carpooled with some neighbor friends to a nearby small town.  We visited a nursing home, did trunk-or-treat and walked a couple of blocks for the "real" trick-or-treat experience.  It was just perfect for these little guys.  Each received about 10 pieces of candy, which was perfect.  The boys have been enjoying a piece of candy for dessert each night.  "K" wanted to do it by himself, once he got the hang of it, and "L" did not let go of his bucket the entire night.  I think it was a success!  "K" was Thomas and "L" was "being good" ;)!

Inside a Pumpkin

During the month of October, the boys' childcare center had a fall pumpkin day.  The kids entered their playground to discover hay bales and pumpkins!  Each child selected a pumpkin and were able to paint his or her pumpkin.  Parents were invited for the fun too.  The weather was a bit brisk, but fun times were still had by all!

One of the "centers" was a giant pumpkin -- in pieces.  You can see the table with the pumpkin pieces here.  Kids could explore the pieces, the pumpkin insides and touch all the items on the table.  It was fun to see the kids' expressions, and hear their comments.  "K" actually snuck a piece off and tried to taste it!  He did not eat much.  When asked what it tasted like, he said, "pumpkin!"

Meet Jack!

We were quite successful in our first pumpkin carving!  I decided it was best to keep this experience simple, because two-year-olds really do not have much patience for intricate details. =)  So, here is "Jack" the jack-o-lantern.  How about that?  We carved him on Sunday, and he really did quite well until Halloween.

We still had enough left over candles from the wedding reception, that we should be good to light pumpkins for years to come!  So, here is our "big" pumpkin with the "baby" pumpkins.  I really can't say that I have seen a happier pumpkin family!