Snow

I guess since we are moving to where it never snows we needed the opportunity to enjoy the snow before we move. I wasn't ready for the snow to fall so soon though; I mean, it's not even Halloween yet! Braden was super excited to see snow falling outside and exclaimed that today was going to be the best day ever! He even shared that his favorite thing to do is play in the snow. I'm sure trips up north during the winter will definitely be something that we all look forward to although I can't say that I'll miss it too terribly. But I do have to say, it sure was a beautiful thing to see the snow falling today; especially with the crisp fall colors as their background.

We made a snowman which the neighbor kids destroyed

almost immediately after coming in to get warm.

Schramm Farm

The boy's school had a field trip to the farm and it was lot of fun. It was very rainy and muddy but we still had a great time. The kids got to learn all about the different things that they grow and also got to go on a hayride and pick a pumpkin out of the pumpkin patch. We also got to run around in the hay-bale maze, drink fresh apple cider and shop in their little country store. The boys each picked out some fresh fruit to take home and some corn that popped popcorn right off the cob!

The hayride.

 "Don't worry Carter, it's not scary."

 Galoshes were a must!

 Looking for the Right "Pah-n-kins!"

 Mr. Potato Head was there!

 

Braden's Pre-K Class.

Two very BIG boys!

Running through the maze.

The field trip was on Braden's birthday and his best friend at school, Stanley, who shares his birthday with Braden, gave him a special present before we left.

 Thanks Stanley!

Brain Power

The rain is really bringing us down out here. Gloomy, cold weather is not my thing and probably the only thing I really HATE about PA. I love it out here. It's gorgeous! But when the sky is gray for days and days with no end in sight it is down right depressing. We do have a lot of fun hanging out indoors and sometimes we even get a little creative. Braden and Daddy decided to build together and well...I think the pictures do the talking!

Please disregard Braden's "stoned" expression. 

I promise he was really happy and not drug induced in the slightest.

He had a birthday; shout Hooray!

I can't believe it. My little boy turned 5! Really? Wow that went by fast! Braden got to celebrate his birthday in a big way this year! We started the celebration by going out to eat. Kam and I were getting ready to start a new diet and exercise program so we gave ourselves one last night of no worry calories. We went to Buca di Beppo and loaded up on our favorite pastas and breads. Braden was sung to by the staff and they gave both the boys their very own chef hat!

On the day before Brady's birthday we took a special treat to Brady's school - Chocolate Covered Oreo's!

And after school we made his Monster Birthday Cake...

...and invited the neighbors over to eat it. Everyone, even though we requested for them not to, brought Brady a present and treat.

Brady and his Bestest Fiend, Colter

Mom and Dad got Brady a Remote Control Car!

After opening presents and before diving into the cake we let the kids hit and break open a pinata.

They each took several turns before finally breaking it open revealing all the goodies!

Then it was time for cake. After blowing out the candles I asked Brady if he had made a wish. He said yes and that his wish was for everyone there to be friends forever and ever.

The next day, his real birthday, we celebrated without Kam. (He was scheduled to work a call shift that day from 7 in the morning til 11 at night.) In the morning we went to on a field trip with the boy's school to Schramm Farm (another post for that event) and then later in the day I took the boys to get happy meals at McDonald's and then to Chuck E Cheeses! Braden had made 2 request for his birthday this year. The first was the pinata and the second was to go to Chuck E Cheese.

 

The next day we got to continue celebrating because Grammy Bo came to visit! While she was here she visited Braden's school and even read a book to his class. Braden thought this was so cool!

We also played hot and cold for Braden's birthday present and other surprises she brought for the boys.

All in all it was a fantastic celebration! Brady was completely spoiled from all his friends and grandparents. Thank you to all of you who helped make Braden's birthday so very special! We love you all.

Piece of Cake

During the month of September I decided to take a cake decorating class just for fun. I even got my friend Janey to come do it with me. We had a lot of fun, made a bunch of messes and learned a little bit too. I thought about taking more classes but decided that my skills aren't nearly as great as I hoped they'd be.
On the final day of class we decorated a cake using all the techniques we had learned. Mine didn't turn out too bad!