Happy Halloween 2009

We tried a new place to Trick or Treat this year. It wasn't as good as our little neighborhood shopping center so we retreated to familiar territory for a fun evening. I wasn't sure how either boy was going to handle it all, Alex was acting reluctant when we left the house, and it was Zachary's first Halloween that he truly participated in. Both of them did a great job! We started out gathering bucketfuls of treats, meeting some friendly dogs, and even seeing some people we know. Then the boys took a short break to drink some water and have a few treats before heading off to the Harvest Festival. There is a community church on the other side of the parking lot that holds the festival. The boys were free, and our cover wasn't very high and included a hot dog, chips, water, popcorn, peanuts, carny games, and the balloon man. Even though they are still too little to be truly successful, the boys tried the games and walked away with candy. Then just before heading home, we waited for balloons. Alex requested a hat and was super excited by the end product. Zachary's favorite animal is a monkey, so that is what he chose.
Everyone was pretty riled up when we arrived home, but fortunately they calmed down quickly once they had their jammies on. The picture is a sample, you can find more here.
Hope you had a safe and fun night too!

Halloween Parade

Alex's pre-school had a parade around the neighborhood. The kids all looked super cute and were so happy to have their moms/dads/siblings walk with them. Alex wasn't sure at first that he wanted to parade, but when he realized I was going with and would hold his hand, he perked up. Some of the houses were decorated and he and Zachary enjoyed the spider webs, pumpkins and ghosts! At the end of the parade, they were given their treat bags and allowed one treat before heading home with the rest. They even had treats for the younger siblings so they wouldn't feel left out.

Fun Visit

This past week with Gma and Grandpa was lots of fun. The boys were happy to have some new book readers and train track repairmen. There was a lot going on and we were happy that Gma and Grandpa were able to go on some fun adventures with us.

Cookie Faces

Halloween cookies are messy.

Pumpkin Patch

Alex's pre-school field tripped to Moore's Pumpkin Patch and family was invited to join in the fun. The pumpkin patch had a bunch of carnival rides, some cars to play in and of course pumpkins. The kids each got three rides and a small pumpkin.

Alex and Seamus on the spinner. Zachary was too short. :(


Alex was feeling worn out until he discovered the cars! Talk about back seat drivers!

Birthday Adventures

Happy 40th Daddy!
Phil took the day off to enjoy an adventure with the boys and Grandpa F. Boys day out took them to the Oakland Aviation Museum. I hear there were only a couple of planes they could actually climb into, but they had fun anyway.

While the boys were napping, Phil and I took off to the City for a joint birthday dinner on the waterfront. Being without our helpers allowed us to stroll through some of the stores on Pier 39 that we usually avoid. After a yummy and quiet dinner, we headed home for cake! While the boys were out, I made Phil a nerd carrot cake. Alex and Zachary could hardly stand to be near the table while waiting for a piece. Zachary had been working on the word "more". He definitely had that word nice and clear this evening!

Visitors

We had a full house today. Gma and Grandpa drove down from Seattle to spend the week with us (more on that next) and our friends the Collins' from NC were on a CA vacation and came to spend the day. Mae is 1 1/2 months younger than Alex, and Ben is 2 weeks younger than Zachary. We were lucky enough to catch a beautiful break in the weather and went for a fun walk. Again, many little crazy people result in very few photos. And even fewer "good" photos. Here's one from our walk and then an after lunch train ride picture.


We enjoyed catching up with our friends (one interesting tidbit we learned, they co-designed the Official USA Curling Olympic pin). Alex says he wants to play with Mae again. Hopefully we can make it happen!

Handsome Men

This is Alex's new favorite spot to walk to. It is along the perimeter trail and looks like the bow of a boat.
After a major, and unseasonal rain storm, we were forced to take ourselves to Wee Play. It was extra crazy for all of the play group moms, as we all now have 2 walkers to divide our attention. I felt pretty lucky to get this shot of Zachary.