Minnie Mouse and Frankenstein

Madelyn was Minnie Mouse and Jack was Frankenstein for Halloween.  My costume ideas for Jack kept falling through - first I wanted him to be Mickey Mouse but I didn't get around to creating a costume, then I thought he could be the bear that our nephew Bishop was a couple years ago but Jack was too big for that costume, then he was going to be a monkey but my friend wasn't able to find the costume so I ended up just buying an outfit at Carters and it worked out perfectly!

We went to the McCormicks to have dinner and go trick or treating with Evie & Teagie!  Such a fun time - they have lots of kids in their neighborhood so it was a lot of fun.  I wasn't sure how Madelyn would do - if she would be scared and/or get into ringing the door bells - but by the end of the night she had figured out what Halloween is all about……candy :)  I know I've said this many times but we have so much fun with the McCormicks!  I'm so glad they live close to us and we can see them often.  We decided it would be fun to make this a Halloween tradition!

Grandma Emily made the trick or treating bag for Madelyn and the Boo bib for Jack!

Minnie with her ears and gloves!

The triplets :)

Busy Fall Weekend

On Friday we went to Owatonna as we had to sign our will.  It's always fun to make the trip to Owatonna and see Nana and Papa!  We visited Great Grandma Marlys and I think she really enjoyed seeing all of us.  She is in a care center but is in good spirits and it was fun to see her.  Madelyn dressed up in her Minnie Mouse costume and had a good time running around!

Great Grandma Marlys, Minnie Mouse and Mommy

Minnie Mouse, Great Grandma and happy clapping Jack!

Always smiles when we're with Papa!

On Saturday we went to the Maple Grove Fall Festival.  They have trick or treating at the local businesses and some other fun activities.  They have a pumpkin decorating station but we were too late for that as we didn't go until after Jack's morning nap.  It was a fun, but cold, morning and another chance for Minnie to dress up!

Loving on baby Jack!  She can't get enough of him sometimes!

Then on Sunday we carved our first family pumpkin!  The last couple years we bought pumpkins but we never got around to carving them.  Madelyn doesn't really like to get dirty, messy so I was curious how it would go but she did great and even helped pull out all the "guts" of the pumpkin!  Next year we'll try and get more creative on our pumpkin face but I think this was a good start for the first year!

 

Up the Stairs

Jack learned how to climb the stairs and he loves it!  He crawls to the stairs any chance he gets.  Then when he gets to the stairs he turns back to see if/who is looking at him and flashes his big smile!  Who can resist?! :)  We put chairs in front of the stairs and he has figured out how to crawl through or move the chairs so I guess a gate is the next option!  He's on the move and keeping us on our toes!

A visit from Grandma Emily

This past weekend Grandma Emily, or as Madelyn calls her "ma'ama" (with a long a sound) came up to visit.  We always love having her here!  Our daycare was closed on Friday so Grandma Emily watched the kids.  Emily made apple pie, applesauce and cleaned up the house!  I'm always amazed at what Emily does when she's watching the kids because I think watching the kids is a full time job!

We did some projects around the house on Saturday.  We pulled out the bushes that lined our driveway.  They were a lot of work to maintain and didn't look very good anymore.  It was raining/snowing so it wasn't the best day to do that but since we had extra help with the kids we took advantage!  Then we met up with some friends on Saturday night while Grandma Emily spent more time with the kids.

The only part that would have made it better is if Grandpa Kenny could have been here too!  Madelyn loved her time with ma'ama but missed her Gampa :)  Thanks for a fun weekend Emily!!

We always get great pictures with Grandma Emily!

Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard

This past weekend we went to a pumpkin patch and an apple orchard.  It was a fun weekend!!!

On Saturday we went to a pumpkin patch with Evie & Teagie.  We had never been to this place so it was fun to try out a new place.  It was a cooler morning and pretty windy but there were still lots of laughs!  There were animals, a bouncy house, trikes to ride, pumpkins to paint and foot to eat.  Madelyn's favorite part was the bouncy house!  It is so fun to watch these three girls together and the friendship they have formed this early in their lives.  They get so excited to see each other and we love doing things with their family!!

Then Evie & Madelyn raced trucks down the sand hill.

We finished out the morning with mini donuts!

On Saturday afternoon Nana came up.  What a special treat as we hadn't seen her for a couple weeks.  The kids love their Nana!

One of my favorites!

Nana stayed overnight and went to the apple orchard with us on Sunday.  We met the Froehle's at Apple Jack's and had a blast!  It was the perfect fall day!

Riding the horse, Dusty

Nora and Madelyn going down the slide

Daddy & Madelyn

 

Madelyn

Nora

Bishop

Nana & Jack

Bishop, Nora and Madelyn at the end of the Cow Train ride!

Madelyn bouncing on the pillow pad

Bishop getting some air time!

Playing in the corn pit

Nora & Jack - so sweet!  Nora is so good to Jack!

My happy kids make me so happy!

Our happy family!

Jack's not a baby anymore!

Today we moved Jack from the infant carrier to the regular carseat.  We probably should have done this a long time ago as it was almost impossible to carry him in the infant carrier but it was convenient and since we have a 2 year old running around at least we had one contained!  Jack loves his new carseat!

Jack's first ride in his big boy carseat!

Had to get one of Madelyn too :)

Biking & Basketball

Madelyn has really taken off when it comes to riding her balance bike!  She used to just sit on it and take one step before getting off but she has been watching the neighbors bike and now she cruises all over the cul-de-sac.  So fun!

Madelyn has also been into shooting baskets!  Nana and Papa were up in September and Papa was showing/teaching Madelyn how to shoot.  She did great, made some baskets and loved it!  Papa is such an awesome teacher - he is so patient and positive and it brought me back to the days when he and I used to practice shooting!  I'll never forget those days as we had so much fun and I just hope I can be as patient and positive with my kids!

Not bad for her first time shooting!