Early Christmas Gift

Grammie surprised Arabella and Max with an early Christmas gift.  I had been talking about getting a play set for the backyard when we living in Montreal but it never happened.  And we have been here almost 2 years and the kids love to be in the backyard playing.  But many times, they want us to play with them, and while I don't mind, it would be great if there was something other than the toys to keep them occupied while I cook or clean or do whatever.

Mom asked me to go and look at them at Lowes and pick one out.  I did, we ordered it and it arrived in the backyard ready to be put together today.  The guy arrived this morning to put it together and Max loved watching him.  It kept him busy all morning.

The backyard before....

And so it began....

And before we knew it, it was done!  Max couldn't wait to get out there and try it out.  Barefoot and all!

Jack even got in on the surprise!  He was waiting on the front door when Arabella got home from school with a note for her.

She was so surprised!  I loved seeing the look on her face.  She had been waiting for it for years!

It took them no time to start having fun and they played on it all afternoon!  Thanks Grammie!  I can see hours spent on this in the future!

Jack is back!!

It may only be November 23rd but in our house, Jack arrives early.  It is due in part to the fact that when we lived in Canada, Thanksgiving was in October so he arrived in November.  Arabella has gotten used to his arrival this month and starts asking right after Halloween when he will be back.  So here he is - ready to get into some mischief!

Cheer Showcase

Every year before the cheer competition season kicks off, the Flyers put on a cheer showcase for the families and friends of the cheerleaders.  The girls get excited because this is when they get to show off all they have been working on before the pressure and fun of competitions starts up.  Arabella was very excited to get to put on her uniform and makeup again.  She just loves to cheer and has so much fun.  I love watching her perform and seeing the dedication and hard work pay off.  Max and Jay even came to the showcase.  They don't usually join us at the competitions...the days are long and there is A LOT of downtime between performances and awards.  Great job today Arabella, we are so proud of you!  Go Team Zing!

The older girls and teams are always fun to watch too.  It is great to see how Arabella looks up to them and they are such great role models.  We really have found a great place for her to cheer!

Big Boy Max!

Max is growing up so fast!  Every time I turn around it seems like he is doing something new and it seems to come at a much faster pace than with Arabella.  He is showing interest in potty training already...and he isn't even 2 yet!

And because he has started to climb out of his crib and then dive head first back in, I decided that it was time to make the crib into a toddler bed again.  He had fun helping Jay make it into his new bed.

Here Comes the Chill

It was a little bit chilly this morning when I took Arabella to school.  Max and I decided to do a bit of exploring to see evidence of the chill we could find in the yard.  I love the cool air and the crispness of this time of year.  Sadly, we don't get too much of it here.  But I take what I can get.

Hello November

November started out crisp and clear.  Arabella and I took a walk through the green space in our neighborhood to get out and enjoy nature.  I sure do love being able to spend time with Arabella and seeing the world around us through her eyes.  

Happy Halloween

Halloween is here!!!   After a whole month of build up to trick-or-treating and dressing up, Halloween has finally arrived!  Arabella was so excited and her excitement carries over to Max.  I love to see the energy between them.  After much deliberation, Arabella decided she was going to be Anna from Frozen and Max would be a dragon!

They were the cutest things all dressed up.  We trick-or-treated with friends in their neighborhood.  Arabella and Victoria were two of the cutest princesses I have seen in the longest time.  Max was adorable, he just followed after them.  They had so much fun and sure did get a haul full of candy!

The Switch Witch made her appearance...she was looking for some candy!

 After trick-or-treating with Victoria, we headed home.  Once we got home, Arabella decided she wanted to go out with Jay in our neighborhood.  I thought Max might be done, but he decided to join them.  They had so much fun!  And got home just before the rain started.

We sorted through the haul and decided what to put out for the Switch Witch...

And in the morning, the candy was gone and these were in its place...

Happy Halloween!!