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Silver Dollar Christmas

Sam had the day off of school on Friday so that afternoon the kids and I headed down to Silver Dollar City. We were lucky enough to run into some friends there and the kids had a great time running around with them and riding as many things as they could.

Ella went on her first official roller coaster ride. I was hoping she would love it but as soon as we hit a tunnel she was not a fan of the ride any more. I need to find someone to ride roller coasters with me!

The highlight of the day was the Christmas parade. I wish I would have gotten a picture of the way Ella's eyes lit up when she saw Santa Clause. The kids both enjoyed watching the floats and characters go by and looking at all of the lights. It was a great day.

Turkey Tumbling Meet

Ella had her second gymnastics meet a week ago. There were six kids in her division and she finished third on trampoline and second on the floor routine. She was very excited! She has been practicing her cartwheels all week hoping to move up to the next division soon. She loves being a little gymnast!

The picture is her posing with her ribbons and trophy after the meet.

Trick or Treat

Ella with her candy!

Sam performing a spell.

The kids with Caleb and Sarah

All ready to trick or treat

Happy Halloween! The kids had a great time dressing up and trick or treating this year. Sam dressed as Harry Potter and pulled it off really well. We spray painted his hair and once during the night I even lost him looking for his blonde head. Ella was Fancy Nancy. She loved her tutu, crown and jewelry and looked adorable.

First, we started at the Lowe's. Now things are not the same as when we first moved to Springfield. Ellie is now helping walk around with the kids, Hannah had basketball practice all evening, and Sarah dressed up but did not trick or treat. So, it was my kids and Caleb heading into the neighborhood for candy. When did they all get so grown up, before I know it my kids will be the ones too old to trick or treat. They had fun though seeing family and enjoyed getting candy.

Then it was back to our neighborhood to hit up a few houses before heading home. Our neighbors are usually very generous since there are so few kids that actually trick or treat. Once we got home they had to dump out their candy and see what all they had collected. They had a great night!

Jack O' Lanterns

Sunday was the day to carve the pumpkins. The kids began by cleaning them out. They are getting so much better at this and it is nice to not have to do all the dirty work. Then came time to carve. John and Sam hit the computer first to find their pattern. It was originally going to be Harry Potter but the printer wasn't cooperating so they decided on Angry Birds. Sam was so excited with his choice!

Ella and I were up next and I tried to steer her towards something that was a little easier. We decided on a cute kitten pattern and set about working on it. The carving was done by the adults and John worked on his and Sam's pumpkin for hours. He is a perfectionist and wanted it just right. He enjoyed it though and already has plans for a more challenging pumpkin next year.

The kids were very happy with how they turned out and so were we!

Fall Party

Ella's preschool had their Fall Party last week. One other mom and I were in charge of planning the festivities. I think the kids all had a wonderful time and I enjoyed getting to be with Ella and her friends. She was so excited to have me there and wanted me by her every second.

Though technically not a Halloween party the kids all make paper costumes to go with their theme for the year. This year they are doing bears and Ella's class made Pooh costumes. It was a lot of fun!