From the Patch to the Porch

It was a good thing that Ben's preschool went to the pumpkin patch at the beginning of October, because we never actually made it this year as a family. Things kept coming up. I got to go with him on his preschool field trip to a cute farm in Livermore. He got to pick a pumpkin, a gourd, and an indian corn.

On Halloween day we finally went to go get the rest of our pumpkins, but settled on a local farmers market instead of another pumpkin patch. There was a small corn maze and a little petting zoo, so I don't think Ben really knew the difference.

We were going to try and cram in carving that day too, but amongst all the festivities it never happened. So we decided to keep the Halloween season going and carved our pumpkins the day after Halloween. I think we get better and better at the carving every year. I did both the spider for Ben (he picked it out on the computer), and the ghost for my pumpkin. And James' pumpkin was in tribute of his Utah Utes joining the Pac 12 this year. And that's the end of the Halloween posts.

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It's A Circus 'Round Here

We finally decided on just going with Ben's clown costume and a whole circus theme for Halloween this year. It was really a last minute effort, and if it wasn't for James it may not have happened at all. On Friday before Halloween James decided that he could manage his costume all on his own, if I can get mine done (I was feeling overwhelmed having to do both). We set a dollar limit and decided a friendly competition was in order. We kept both of our costumes hidden until the grand reveal just moments before our ward Halloween party on Saturday night. I am amazed at my husband's skill. I deemed him the winner, because I had no clue he had it in him. James was the ringmaster and I was a cotton candy vendor. Here are some horrible phone pics for your viewing pleasure.

We went to our old home town of Los Gatos on Halloween night to visit once again the greatTait Street. And once again it did not disappoint. However, unlike last year, this year Ben developed little things called awareness and fear. We parked on our old street and he enjoyed trick or treating at an old neighbor's house and then at our old house. He was so excited to see our old house and kept saying, "oh, did you see our door?" "I just love our old door!" Silly boy. Once we got onto Tait Street the insane crowd, spooky loud music, scary costumes and decor freaked him out. He started to cry and said he wanted to go home and that he had "enough candy already." That's how you know it's serious. : ) But I was able to calm him down by keeping his eye gaze low at all the cute kids in their costumes and the many dog's in theirs. After making our way through Tait Street we headed down town to visit our favorite candy store (not for more candy, just drinks). And when we got home Ben of course dumped his candy on the floor and examined his loot. He got two pieces that night and we called it a day. Anoverall successful Halloween, but I'm glad it's done. Now bring on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then this baby!

Box Car

This morning Ben asked me if we could do something "crafty" today? I said yes and then tried to figure out something to do. As I was breaking down some cardboard boxes (we have had several packages arrive throughout the week for Halloween and James' birthday) I got the idea to make a box car. Actually Ben gave me the idea a few days ago when he jumped inside a box and started racing it around. I got to work cutting out the shape of the box while Ben worked on getting the wheels (small paper plates) nice and black.Then he began the custom paint job on the car and chose a different color for each side. We embellished his race car with some cool racing stripes.

We finished it off with paper towel roll headlights, and a paper towel roll steering wheel. Then I simply added a ribbon so he could hold the car up and around his neck and he was off. It's a little small for him, but it gets the job done. Although he has been begging me to put a seat into it so he doesn't have to walk. I've tried to explain to him that it just doesn't work like that. I suppose he wants an engine too!

He lovingly named his car, Lightening McQueen.

James' 27th Birthday Party

I hosted a small family birthday dinner for James' 27th birthday last night at the house. It turned out just how I had planned it. The food was very simple (crock pot shredded chicken tacos, beans, and rice). And the company was great. I know James felt very loved and enjoyed celebrating his special day with his loved ones. Now for some pictures

The Decor

The Food

The Guests

The Pumpkin Carving Contest

The winner was defiantly Tom for the below two creations.

The Birthday Boy!

It Was a Beary Long Day, and This Mummy is Tired!

Friday was defiantly a very busy day. I hosted a little Mummy & Me Luncheon party for Ben and a few of his little friends from 10 till about 1. I went with of course a mummy theme and purple, orange, and lime green color scheme. We kicked off the party with a dramatic reading (ha, ha) of Ben's favorite book, "Where's My Mummy?" Then played a game of pin the face on the mummy-- loved the kids interpretations of what a face looks like.

Then they enjoyed a lunch of mummy dogs (with horrible mustard eyes), and mummy pizzas.

The cute party guests.

Once all the guests left I quickly got Ben down for a nap to rest up for the next event of the day- a wizard of oz themed party at the rec. center downtown. Ben wore his back up costume, a little bear suit we found at a second-hand store to give his clown costume a break from the festivities. He played a few games, made a few crafts, and enjoyed pointing out everyone's costumes to me telling me what everyone was dressed up as.

After the party we were supposed to go to Uncle Jeff's football game, but opted out because not only were we both tired, I still had to shop for supplies for my costume. We attempted to get everything I needed at the party store and Marshalls, but I realized I had to venture to the mall to H&M for my outfit. I got everything I needed for just under $30, plus I got a new outfit to wear after Halloween. I'll post pictures tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great Halloween tomorrow.