The Pumpkin Carving

Tonight we carved pumpkins with the kids and it was a blast! I LOVE carving pumpkins, and I think this activity gets more fun every year that the kids get older. I had the kids draw their jack-o-lantern faces first on paper, then on the pumpkin with a marker. I faithfully carved out what they drew, and the results were spectacular! The kids were surprisingly reluctant to get their hands slimy at first, but by the end they were pretty orange.

This year Mike decided that he didn't want to carve his own, just help scrape out the insides of everyone else's (very noble). My pumpkin is on the left, Colin's is the middle, and Amelia's is on the right. I especially like the mouth on Colin's.

Introducing the Super Chins

This Halloween, three new super heroes will be cleaning up the streets of Philadelphia. Super Amelia, Super Colin, and Super Jack will be striking fear into the hearts of the city's criminals!

AZ Sunshine

Mike's Mom and brothers came to Philly for a quick visit, and we had an awesome time seeing the sights. Highlights included: the Art Museum and Rocky Statue, Reading Terminal Market, Liberty Bell and Independence Square, and Valley Forge. They arrived just in time for some fabulous fall foliage, and some pretty great weather. Thanks for the wonderful visit, guys! Your visit reminded us of how much we miss you and love you!

The Art Museum

The three brothers had to enjoy some manly competition, racing up the steps of the art museum. Frank was the winner by a long shot, and poor Mike stumbled early on and was unable to catch up.

Having a "touching" moment in front of Rocky

Parent Teacher Conference

Today was my first Parent Teacher Conference with Amelia's teacher. I was SO nervous! Mike stayed home with the boys so I could go (thanks you!), and it was great! Her teacher said wonderful things like, "She's so happy, and energetic and engaged and good natured." I almost clapped for joy! I know Amelia is very smart and loves school, but I was thrilled to hear it from the teacher first hand. She has been having a slight giggling problem, but she has been working on it, and her teacher recognized her efforts. I am so proud of my kindergartner! (Did I just say that!? I'm choking up!)

Also, the boys and I are FINALLY adjusting to our new routine. Colin is getting used to preschool and starting to talk about it on the ride home, instead of just staring ahead like a zombie. His teacher calls him a "sweetie" and he made friends with a weird little kid named Albert. Jack is starting to get his naps to fit in between car rides. This crazy school schedule is now feeling like normal life, and we are enjoying it!

Standing!

Jack has a new trick- standing! Our physical therapist predicted last week that he would be standing within a day or two, and she was right. Jack started pulling up on the crib and furniture and can now hang out with Colin at the car table. He loves it! He is getting really strong and confident, and I have a feeling walking is right around the corner.

Jack also has acquired another trick, too- passing out. He has always been really bad about holding his breath when he cries hard (starting the very day he was born), but today he actually fainted. Don't be alarmed- this horrible trait runs in my family and Jack got it directly from me. Amelia did it, too. I hate it!

Here's a pretty bad photo of Jack standing. I'll get a good one one of these days! He definitley has the whole orange-on-a-toothpick thing going on there with his head.

Colin's Firehouse Trip

Last week, Colin and I went on a fun little field trip to the firehouse with his preschool class. Colin loves firetrucks (runs in the family) and had an awesome time. His favorite part was spraying the hose. The firehouse was a 20 minute walk from school, and Colin was very quiet on the way there, just in observation mode. On the way home he was very happy, and sang to himself the whole time, attracting the attention of other mothers and students. He's such a great little kid!

Looking manly in front of the truck.

My nerdy side says this looks like a light saber.

Shoes on Hands

Jack does this all day long, with any pair of shoes. I think he might be under the impression that shoes on hands are a necessity for crawling.