Halloween acitvities, round 2

Friday morning, after taking Ty to school, I got Jason dressed in his costume again. This time for the very popular Evesham Library Halloween storytime, which includes a craft and trick-or-treating. Kids wear their costumes, which Jason was all in favor of, but then kids are fascinated by other kids costumes. Jason did not like the attention and was very agitated with kids looking at him or, god forbid, touching him. He became so upset that we almost left before it even got started. Luckily we stuck it out because he ended up having a great time once they moved on to the craft of making trick-or-treat bags. And of course he loved parading through the library and then trick-or-treating in the municipal building.






After the library Jason and I jetted over to Chick-fil-A for lunch (surprise, surprise). I must say he got quite a lot of attention eating lunch in his lion costume. He even roared for people. LOL.

We got home and were quickly joined by my grandparents and my brother. We, along with Jason (still in his costume) and my mom, walked up the street a block to set up chairs for the Halloween parade. Calling it a "parade" is really a stretch of the imagination, because in all honesty it probably takes 2.5 minutes for the entire kindergarten, first, and second grades to march by. But it's a beloved tradition, one which Tyler seemed to really enjoy.



After that Ty went back to school for his classroom Halloween party. I was hoping to be there for it, but I was the alternate in case one of the chaperons couldn't make it. Maybe next time. Instead I tried to deal uploading pictures and emptying memory cards while Jason napped.

After school we hung out for a while, quickly ate, and squeezed in some time for a sugar-powered karate class for Tyler. For a rare treat, Jason was fairly quiet and I didn't have to pace outside AT ALL with him. Yeah for some semi-relaxation...whatever that is.

Ended our evening with some popcorn (which Ty thought was really cool cause I decorated the bags with Halloween stickers) and Halloween movies (courtesy of the library).

After the boys were in bed I quickly popped in at Vaughn hall to semi-help with the preschool Halloween party. Not sure how much help I really was, but at least I can feel like I did SOMETHING.

Lastly I spent some time checking in on a friend's house who is travelling. Home for some computer time at the end of a LOOOONNNNGGG day.

Halloween acitvities, round 1

Tuesday started out so fun. Tyler was still sleeping when I heard the puppy start to bark. Jason was stirring so I decided I'd quick take her out before I grabbed him from the crib. Of course it was in a total downpour, so I took her out getting drenched, screaming child now in crib, and of course learned that she will not pee in the rain. Great times. Luckily the rest of the day was a little smoother. Speech and occupational therapy, and then karate at night.

Wednesday was uneventful. Ty had his first day of his "project infinity" club. He had tried to sign up for a different one which was cancelled, so he ended up in his second choice, the building club. Luckily it is a good group of kids, most of which Ty knows and likes. He had fun.

I did make some baked goods that night. A batch of brownies to bring to Jim's the next night and some rice krispie treats with Halloween sprinkles to help out with the "Fall Festival" the next day (which I didn't end up attending).

Thursday was another gorgeous day. Ran a few errands. Head outside with the puppy and my little boy in his Halloween shirt.



That afternoon the boys donned their Halloween costumes (Jason surprising me by WANTING to wear his adorable costume...courtesy of my friend Maria). We had planned on going to the Shoprite trick-or-treat event again, like we had last year. We arrived and I was shocked to see a huge line, despite us being there early. We happened to be followed in line by a friend of Jeanne's (and her kids) and then were later joined by Jeanne and Beth and all kiddos. Despite the huge crowd it was well-organized and the kids had tons of fun going from station to station within the store. I had worried that Jason would want to stop and eat each item, but he just kept on marching in line and opening his "baaaa" (bag) for his loot. They got lots of great stuff like bags of cheese-its, cupcake packages, etc. Afterwards they went through the cafe and got Horizon organic chocolate milk boxes, apple packages with caramel dip, and a Halloween cupcake. Also on hand were a stilt walker person and a balloon maker (who I conveniently avoided). Since it was so crowded we went outside to eat our cupcakes. Messy (but the taste of icing I got was quite yummy)!









Immediately after our Shoprite event we went over to Jim & Cara's for our annual (well, we did it last year) pumpkin carving event. We ate pizza and yummy desserts and then got to work. Gavin, Katy, and Aidan all worked on their own pumpkins (Aidan with help from Jim and my pop-pop). Cara proved to be an expert helper for pumpkin gut removal. Jason all together refused to touch this inside of his pumpkin. Tyler had originally wanted to do a mickey mouse pumpkin from a template, but the template didn't fit. We shrunk the template and then the features were too small to cut so he decided to make his own design. He surprised me by being completely independent with designing and cutting out his pumpkin. He was quite proud of himself. And I made a lovely black cat via template. No pictures though. For the record, it never even got lit. It's like it never existed. Sad.

Pumpkin Picking (again)

Last Monday was our first full day with Bella. My dad had done the nighttime shift with her and then I took her out (with Tyler) before Jason woke up, which worked well. We got Ty off to school and then Jason immediately got back to work reading to her. Later he showed that his toys aren't nearly as exciting as a dog toy.


After another dog walk it was so gorgeous that instead of hitting the gym I decided to go running with the jogging stroller. Apparently I am not ready for this. I thought I'd die. Made it one mile and quit running. Well, at least we got a good walk in.

That afternoon after school we went to Conte's with the Ritter's to pick pumpkins. Well, to be perfectly honest I wanted to go with them so I could get apple cider donuts (since they were out of them last time we went). Ty and Kenzie clearly must have been tired as they didn't exhibit their best behavior, but I think they still had fun. And I got my yummy donut!









After we got home and ate a quick dinner I walked with Jason up to the field where my dad met us with Bella for a little ball toss (and Jason fit in a little time at the playground).

Meanwhile my mom took Ty around to a few houses for a last chance to sell popcorn for Tiger Scouts. He desperately wanted to sell enough to earn his Marshmallow Gun ($600 worth). He had shown such great motivation, selling door to door, that I bought the extra approximate $90 worth of popcorn to make his goal. I like popcorn anyway. I can justify it. Plus, he gets a special $600 club patch. Totally worth it. LOL. Thanks to everyone who bought popcorn to support him!

New Addition

Over a week ago my dad called my mom, asking if we wanted a dog. To explain to those that don't know, my parents had a dog, Brandi (a golden retriever) for 10 years. She passed away a few years ago and they said they weren't going to get another dog. That being said, my mom always said the only way she'd consider a dog is if someone were giving away a golden. Well, my dad sent a picture of this puppy, and of course who can say no to a cute puppy? She's not a full golden, but half golden and half Brittany spaniel. The golden retriever mommy had become pregnant by the neighbor's dog and they ended up with 7 unexpected puppies. All but two had been adopted (one they planned on keeping). So at this point my mom spoke to me and we both said yes. Unfortunately my dad came home saying that they probably had already found a family. He was assured that they would contact him if that "adoption" fell through.

Sunday morning my dad got a call, and long story short, the dog (which they named Bella) was available. We had already decided we wanted her, so we tried to ready the house, but decided we weren't telling the boys.

That day at noon Ty had a Tiger Scout meeting. They had fun making scrapbooks and playing kickball. Meanwhile Jason collected acorns.


When we got home, while Jason napped, my parents snuck out to go meet Bella. They obviously met the family she had been living with, as well as both of the dog's parents (the mom and the dad who lived next door). They said the parents were sweet dogs with good temperaments. I think they both felt guilty taking her from her mommy and brother. She cried on the way home.

So, here's Bella. Isn't she cute? Only 12 weeks old.

We called Ty outside, telling him we had a surprise for the family. I think he was surprised for sure, and I'm not totally convinced that he realized we meant that we were keeping her.




I woke Jason up for him to meet Bella. He was totally in love from the start.

He was insistent on giving her kisses. Too cute.




Bella finally made it in to her new home.

We spent that evening getting to know the new pup. Within less than an hour Jason had his first ever 2-word phrase, imitating us saying "goo gir" (good girl). And then he must have heard me say something to Tyler about her just being a "baby" and he immediately starting calling her "baybeee". So Bella is totally a therapy dog. Miss Cathy (his speech therapist) will be so happy. As for Tyler, he's a little more anxious around her. He likes her, but he's afraid. We're working on it.

After some playtime Jason insisted on reading to his "baybeee". He kept persisting, but Bella wasn't all that interested. Adorable nonetheless.

After the boys bedtime she had a little naptime with my dad.

I took that time to run out and get some necessities at Target, including Bella's Halloween costume (she'll be a butterfly) and some more new toys for her.