October 26 - Adventures Galore

We have had so many adventures since Luke's birthday party, let's jump in. After cleaning up the from the Halloween bash, we headed over to the Radford's for an Oktoberfest celebration (literally 30min or so after the party). We chowed down on delicious German foods, decadent desserts and German beer. There were a lot of kids there and they all had fun playing. We thought Julia and Luke would be tired from the birthday party celebration but they ran around the yard for hours with seemingly unlimited energy. Everyone had a blast!

On Tuesday night, Bryan and Karma came in town. They drove all the way from Santa Maria, CA to visit-over 1.8k miles (one way)!! We all had so much fun. On Wednesday, we went to a local pumpkin patch so Julia could pick out a pumpkin for her classroom at school. She took her job very seriously, evaluating the inventory until she found the 'perfect' pumpkin. For his part, Luke liked grabbing all the little pumpkins and running around with them. 

Thursday, we went to Bay Area Park, which has different play areas for the kids as well as a dog park. We initially all went into the dog park area but a great dane came over to say hello to Luke and scared him. Then, a hyper puppy (maybe 35-40lb) get jumping up to give Julia hugs and she was a tad scared as well. I spent the rest of the time at the playground with the kids while Bryan threw the ball for Amelia and Karma. 

Friday, Bryan and I took the kids to the Kemah Boardwalk. It was a blast! In addition to rides (the kids loved the merry go round, ferris wheel, train ride and an array of others), there was a free concert. In the spirit of Halloween, the band was dressed up as monsters and sang classics like 'Monster Mash. We were walking by the stage at one point and the 'monsters' tried to scare the kids but Julia decided to scare them by hissing at them. It was hilarious and the highlight of her evening!

Our weekend was full of adventures as well!! On Saturday, after gymnastics, we went to a Down Syndrome Buddy Walk in League City (town about 20min away) to support my friend Jamie and her family. After a few laps around the track, the kids played on the playground, a bouncy house and then we went to an awards ceremony. Sunday, we went to a farm outside of Houston (Dewberry Farms). There were pig races, pony rides and hay swings and lots of fun for all. We stayed for 3H but it was pretty hot and we didn't get a chance  to check out the huge pumpkin patch and other activities. Next year, we'll go in November when it will hopefully be cooler. 

Pumpkin Patch

Fun At the Park

Kemah Boardwalk Fun

Dewberry Farms

Best Buddies

Picnic at the Park

Sorry for the onslaught of photos, but I have to include these from cheerleading. Julia finally got her pom poms and she was named 'Cheerleader of the Week' last week. Go Jules!!

Happy Friday everyone!

October 15 - Happy Birthday Batman

Dear Luke,
Happy birthday little man!! I cannot believe you are 2, TWO! You are so many things these days...a little rascal who loves electronics, a little monkey who seems to be able to climb up/on everything, a little brother who loves his sister and his dog with all his heart..even when you are pulling their hair or jumping on them. You drive us crazy with your early mornings and you are so demanding at times we refer to you as 'our little Napoleon'. But a quick flash of those dimpled and we are putty in your hands (most of the time, not always!). You are my favorite little boy in the whole world and I love every minute with you. Although I love your devilish side (most of the time..) I cherish all of our snuggles, because I know they won't last forever. So keep those hugs coming my way little dude, these arms are always open for you. I love you, Luke, forever and always. Happy Birthday!!

Hugs and kisses,
Mommy

Too Cute!! (Belle, Cat, Batman, Bells, Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear, Cat)

The Cakes

Vampire and the Vampire Hunter (my fangs fell out before these pictures were taken, but they really completed the 'look')

It's Tough Being a Princess

Poor Amelia...Julia & Emma decided she needed to dress up too

Luke and Biker Chick (my friend Jamie)

Presents!

Sarah - 80's rocker

The Belle's 

Anna the Cat and her mom, the Zookeeper

Belle, Cinderella & the Olympic Gymnast 

Mommy, Daddy and the birthday boy

Emma the Cat  & 'Ariel' playing with dolls

The Halloween birthday party was great. Everyone loved the cakes (the batman cake was chocolate, the pumpkin cake was yellow) and we had some delicious spooky treats. It was a fun time for all!! I doubt we'll have another Halloween/birthday party next year (I'm guessing Luke will have a little more input at age 3) but I'm glad we were able to do this again. The kids are so cute in their costumes and of course, J.D. and I had a fab time dressing up too!! 

Happy mid-October everyone!