Park Place

While in Columbia this weekend we took the kids to two different park to show them a little of what Columbia has to offer. They were so excited about the quality of parks there. They ran around for a long time and really enjoyed some time playing together. They are excited to be able to return and play again in the future.

TIger Time!

We hadn't seen our Tigers in action yet this year and wanted to look at some neighborhoods in Columbia so we headed up this weekend for the game. Mizzou played a ranked Oklahoma State and didn't fair so well. The kids missed the better seats we had last year and had a harder time paying attention from further away but still had a good time. Too bad the Tigers couldn't have played a little better for our visit.

Fun Night

Last Friday Hickory Hills had their Fall Fun Night. The kids had a lot of fun playing games, bouncing in bouncy house and watching the faculty compete in a Minute to Win It challenge. I didn't see too much of Sam that night because he was busy running around with his friends but when I did I could tell he was having a great time. Ella enjoyed herself too and was the most excited when she won a two liter of Sprite in the ring toss.

Tennis Champs

The kids with Miss Sharman, one of their amazing coaches!

The kids have been fortunate to be a part of the great tennis program at Highland Springs. The coaches there are amazing! The kids loved going to tennis everyday this summer and Sam has been taking lessons when he can. This last weekend the tennis coaches had a banquet for all the tennis kids. Sam won an award for the best groundstrokes and he also won the most improved award for his age division. He was absolutely thrilled.

We didn't think they were giving out awards for Ella's age group so when she got called up to receive a trophy and a rose it was a wonderful surprise. She was so excited and stood at the front of the room with such pride. It was a great evening!

Mini Monet

Ella with some of her favorite projects

A few projects from the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Ella has been taking an art class on Mondays called Story time Art. They read a book and then do projects around the book's theme. She has absolutely loved it and has made some great creations. Her teachers are wonderful with the kids and they are male which is great since everything else she does involves female teachers. I love all the different techniques they use to create some amazing things.

Pumpkin Time

Aiden, Ella and Sam riding on the fire truck and munching on popcorn.

Emma and Uncle Al riding to the pumpkin patch.

Sam with his small pumpkin (he got a larger one too).

Ella with her small pumpkin

This weekend was also the time for our annual trip to Suburban's pumpkin patch. Emma and Aiden had already been the weekend before to pick out their pumpkins but were happy to join us again and we are so glad they did. The kids had fun choosing just the right pumpkin and Sam was extra careful not to pick out one with holes like last year (it ended up rotting way before Halloween). They also enjoyed riding in the fire truck, army vehicle, and golf cart, eating popcorn and popsicles, and playing on the play equipment. It was a fun afternoon.

Kylie Turns Two

This weekend we headed to Kansas City to celebrate Kylie's second birthday. The theme for her birthday was trains. We found an old train of Sam's in our playroom and took it along for her. The train was a huge hit, I kept getting, "Choo! Choo! 'mon," when she wanted me to come and play it with her. The kids had a fun time playing with Kylie and it was nice to see everyone.