Halloween 2009

Soon after Sam's firefighter costume arrived at our house (courtesy of my neighbor and her generous "hand-me-down" spirit), Jack had a burning desire to be a firefighter, too. We quickly swapped out the Dale Jr. racecar driver uniform he had been planning to wear with his dress-up firefighter coat and hat. A quick trip to Old Navy yielded (amazingly enough) matching bright red sweatpants. No sweat, we had ourselves two firefighters...oh, except for the sweat. Did I mention it was 80 degrees and rainy/misty/humid on Halloween evening? And my boys were dressed in head-to-toe fleece? Miserable!

We did, however, have a lot of fun at our church's Fall Festival. The kids played games, bounced, took a hayride, and trunk-or-treated.

Rick took the boys for some neighborhood treat-seeking, before we put them to bed for the night. Then we had our 2nd annual cul-de-sac Halloween bonfire and chili dinner--minus the bonfire (that rain was a real bummer). All in all, it was a Halloween to remember.

Jack and Sam stop at a trunk for a treat.

Sam was really excited about this hayride...until he realized it was taking him away:(

The firefighter, Cinderella, and the postman lived it up as only princesses and civil servants can!

The official Halloween 2009 photo with original costuming (sigh).

Happy Birthday, Nanee!

Photo courtesy: Jack Wilcox

Happy Birthday, Nanee! Wish we could've celebrated with you!
Love, Jack & Sam

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin

Night at the Pumpkin Farm

This is our second year going to a local pumpkin farm with our friends and neighbors. They added a child-sized haybale maze, which the kids loved. The experience includes a tractor-pulled wagon ride to a petting farm on the property. There's so much to do, we'll be back again next year!

Sam wanted to swim in the pumpkins!

That's a big tractor, farmer Jack!

Really, there was a maze, a petting farm, and lots more to do--they just really liked the tractors!

The family photo after dusk, sans flash:(


Local Pumpkin Shopping

This is the local pumpkin lot just around the corner. The boys each chose their very own pumpkin. Jack's was painted with the John Deere symbol. Sam's was one of those miniature pumpkins. Rick's were the two largest pumpkins on the lot...boys will be boys:)

Sam contemplates the age old question: Is bigger really better?

Jack's on a mission to find the perfect gourd.

Sam in a Basket

Sam parked himself in this basket for a quick snack--he fits perfectly!

Chilly Oktoberfest

The neighborhood Oktoberfest was delayed a week because of rain, only to finally take place on the coldest day so far this Fall. We had a picnic dinner, enjoyed the live music, and tried to keep track of the boys (who ran from inflatable to inflatable) and warm at the same time!

Sam bounced away on the inflatable obstacle course.

Jack danced to the live music.

Yum! Yum!

Sam Loves Bubbles

Sam can work the bubble blower all by himself now, and he's gotten quite good at it (lots of practice, I guess). All parents know that most bubble blowers are pretty much crap: they are messy and usually break soon after removing the packaging. Uncle Randy and Aunt Stacey got this one for Jack on his 2nd birthday, and it is by far the best bubble blower ever made. Hey, it's lasted almost two years and two kids!

Bedtime Stories

Here is a sampling of a relaxing, calming bedtime story (interrupted by an impromptu song) as read...er, sung by Rick to his sons.

"Dis"organized Soccer

Katherine and Jack wait patiently for Bill to fix the net.

Becky and Kenna supervise Noah, Jake, and Jack as they wait their turns.

Silly Ava peek-a-boos at Sam through the net.

In anticipation of our neighborhood's first soccer practice for kids five and under, we held a little clinic in the cul-de-sac. Upon seeing all the kids kicking around the soccer balls, neighbor Bill came up his driveway dragging a soccer goal. The kids' eyes were wide with awe as Bill pieced together the old, battered net and goal. They loved it! We drew a chalk line and had them try to kick goals one by one. I think Bill got just as much joy seeing the kids play.

Fun Playdate with Baylee

Yum! Thanks, Baylee for the sweet treat!

Baylee relaxes after a long day of first grade.

Aunt Cheryl and Baylee stopped by after school (and nap) one day for a fun play date. They brought gifts with them from Uncle Jim and Aunt Carla, Alex, Cynthia, and Madi. Sam learned all about Mr. Potato Head, and Jack and Sam both loved getting soft blankies handmade by Cynthia. Baylee even brought chocolate cupcakes--what a treat!

Play-Doh Creations

One afternoon, while Jack was napping, Sam and I had some good ol' fashioned Play-Doh fun. This was Sam's first exposure to the fundough, so I taught him how to make balls and roll "snakes." We made a scary, Halloween-y spider, but Sam plucked his fat, black body from his legs before I could get a picture of him whole. Nope, he doesn't like spiders either, Grandma!

A Day Out with Thomas

Ashley and Ava play with stamps in the roundhouse.

Thomas the Train, himself, showed up at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer earlier this month, so we, along with the Lilly family, took advantage of the opportunity to meet him, Bob the Builder and Sir Toppemhat (sp?)...and of course take a train ride. It was chilly and rainy earlier in the morning, but within an hour or so, the sun came out full force, and it turned out to be a very warm day. The kids thrilled at the thought of Thomas pulling their train, and the model train set-up inside the roundhouse was a huge hit. The organizers did a great job of creating a fun-filled, adventurous, affordable day. Among the free activities: coloring and stamping tables, train tables, tattoo stations, bubble-blowing and sidewalk chalk areas, mini-golf, bouncehouses, Bob-the-Builder show, as well as entry to the museum exhibits. This may become an annual trip!

Rick and Shannon take the kids on the roundhouse turntable "ride."

Family photo on the back of a steam engine at the roundhouse.

Thomas, puff, puff, puffing down the track!

A brush with Fame! Jack and I get in the shot with Thomas the Train.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Rod!

Happy 40th! Yikes, that's old! Hope you have a great birthday! Love, Jack & Sam (and their parents).