More Pics of the Fair and of Trick-or-Treating

Sunday was my 34th birthday and of course we headed out to the fair for it's final day. It was the fourth time Isaac, Grace, and I attended- so by Sunday we were seasoned professionals and knew all of the back roads. Grace is a roller coaster addict so we managed to get her one last high. Nana was in town so we dragged her along. She ate almost as much junk as the rest of us. :-)

On Saturday we took the kids to some fun trick-or-treating events in our area. Isaac was dressed like James Dean/biker dude/Fonzie and Grace chose to be a purple witch. Much candy was gathered and has been a common discussion with Grace. She wants to eat candy 24 hours a day.

You can't see, but Isaac has on little black penny loafers with white socks. He is also wearing an authentic Harley Davidson jacket and we slicked back his hair. He was a hit at both events. So precious!

Our neighbor Elizabeth aka Snow White came along too.

Is there anything better than the fair!?

You can tell that I am from Iowa b/c this family loves to go to the fair no matter where we live! We went on opening day when there was an NC State v Florida St football game across from the fairgrounds. Because I am used to battling Atlanta traffic and UT football game traffic we were able to get to the fairgrounds unharmed...it was parking that was difficult to find. But we made it and the kids and I had a blast. We ended the evening with the kids each eating a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone on the walk back to the car. They were in HEAVEN! Then we took Daddy with us on Sunday. It was a little chillier-but we bundled up and rode lots of over-priced rides. Isaac had fun playing in the rocks and seeing all of the flashing lights. We are going back today, just me and the kids, but I will probably not be taking the camera.

Isaac and Grace work on some french fries.


Grace loved the rides.
And finally we ran out of tickets, but not until....
...Daddy and Grace were able to ride the coveted roller coaster! She was in her element and still talks about the roller coaster EVERY SINGLE DAY.

The Big Bad Ball - October 4th, 2008

We spent a fun Saturday evening with our good friends Betsy and Paul at the Big Bad Ball. It was a party and silent auction in support of Hospice of Raleigh. There was lots of good food, great bands, and much needed time away from little beings less than 4 feet tall. :-)

Our first visit to the Pumpkin Patch this season-

We love picking out pumpkins! The other day we met up with Hayden and Evan after naptime at a little pumpkin field right down the road from Hayden's house. Isaac had a blast. Everything was at his level and there were lots of things that he could pick-up and felt really neat.

Hmmm...I think I like this one!
Mom! Look at these pumpkins!
Since it was after nap, Hayden and Grace were determined to finish their snack. They relaxed next to some over-grown squash and discussed strategy for choosing the best pumpkin ever!
Isaac just loved running around the pumpkins. No reason to waste time choosing just one.

Hayden and Grace dutifully smiling.

Fall is Here!

We are having lots of fun this fall. I am still learning how to go out with two mobile children. It really is true: One goes in one direction and the other goes in the opposite direction. I'm getting better, but I spend a lot of time turning in circles. Isaac never goes too far and Grace is adjusting to taking turns and slowing down a bit for little brother to catch up. And then there are the people who ask how old my little toddler is- he stands tall, walks tall, but still looks small. He amazes all- This past weekend we headed to a fall festival at a local church. Isaac fell and scratched up his nose and Grace wanted to ride the ponies three times- I stress the word WANT as every time it was her turn she changed her mind. :-)
She did decide to get her face painted. Much safer than riding those dangerous, 3 feet tall, harnessed, 45 year-old ponies.
Isaac loves walking around with a cup in his hand. Usually the cup carries markers, but on occasion we get daring and carry a matchbox car or train.
No wonder Sid's back hurts.
So this mess occurred by emptying every single container in the playroom. This mess was cleaned up with lots of patience by mommy and lots of procrastinating by Grace.

Finally, our master bath is finished!

After 10 1/2 weeks we are relieved to announce that we now have our bathroom back and in working order. I am still not emotionally able to explain the shenanigans that put us almost 6 weeks behind schedule, but we are just grateful to be finished...and Isaac is glad to be back in his adorable nursery. Please refer to the July 29th blog if you would like to see some before photos. The most wonderful thing about this bathroom is that it is easy to clean b/c there is NO tile anywhere. Seriously, we broke new grounds in bathroom renovation, but there is not a drop of tile to scrub with moldy/mildewy grout. Ahhhh- the little things in life! This is our new tub and doorless shower. The shower is HUGE!
New potty area and vanity.
New vanity. So nice to have tall "things" when one is tall!
My new walk in closet. It is huge, but kind of hard to see in this photo. For the first time, I have a bigger closet than Sid! (He still has more clothes than I do, though.)