Preschool Halloween Program and Parade

Devin's class did a little preschool program and parade to celebrate Halloween and to show off some of the things they've been learning. The program was a cute little presentation of some songs and Halloween rhymes. 

Devin didn't participate as much as I'd hoped, mostly because he was super distracted by his pirate sword and hook, but I could tell he knew the words. I had him re-perform his favorite song for the family at dinner, and he definitely did a much better job. 

He loved the "witch's cauldron" Miss Amy made for him and was so sweet to share his treats with Landon. He informed Landon on the way home, "If you're good tonight I'll give you two candies." In the end, Landon only received one candy, as Devin deemed Landon's behavior regarding a certain Imaginext guy unacceptable. What a fun Halloween week Devin's been able to celebrate!

Carving Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving 2014 was lots of fun.

Landon sucked on his caramel apple and actually got a bit of apple this time! After I cleaned out his "yittle" pumpkin, Landon instructed me on how to carve the face. He was most particular about having a smiley face.

Landon definitely wanted a scary face, but he was positive that he did not want to touch any guts. Daddy cleaned out the other pumpkins and got finished just as Grandma and Grandpa to get home so they could carve a pumpkin themselves.

After we got the pumpkins all carved, we got them all lit up as jack o'lanterns. Landon immediately wanted to blow out the candles and make a wish.

Devin wanted to tell some scary stories after we got the pumpkins on the porch, but knowing that boy, we would be up all night with a scared boy. Devin pulled a story out all on his own, which was pretty adorable. He was talking pretty softly, but I think you can get the idea.

Trick or Treat Party

We have two little boys all about pirates right now. When Aunt Dawn brought the finishing touches for their costumes, they needed to make sure their pirate attire would be just right for all the Halloween festivities. They were beyond excited and looked adorable.

 The first chance to wear their costumes for real was for Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood trick-or-treat party. They were so happy to have a trick-or-treat warm up with their cousins. The whole group looked great. Once we struck out on the candy path, Devin was gone. Landon isn't the fastest child, and there were dogs to be petted, so Devin left us in the dust.

 Landon began shedding his costume piece by piece and by the end he looked nothing like a pirate. Devin was back at the house and chowing down on candy before Landon and I even returned.

 After some dinner we had a family activity of making caramel apples. I was nervous since this was my idea, but it all turned out yummy, and the kids had a great time. I think we might make this a tradition from now on.

Landon's First Visit to the Dentist

After nearly nine months of meaning to call the dentist--we have insurance now for goodness sake!--I finally made an appointment for the boys to get in. This was Landon's first appointment. Milestone time! I wasn't worried about how he'd do; he's adventurous and likes talking to people. In the end they started Landon's cleaning before Devin's was finished, and Devin was at a point where he needed some reassuring hand-holding, so I wasn't even there for it! 

Landon did so well. When the hygienist asked him if we wanted to come with her to sit on a chair like his brother's, he was all game. (We probably need to worry more about his eager willingness to go with strangers . . . ) What a trooper. He really wanted to get a Jake and the Neverland Pirates toothbrush like Devin's and kept a good chubby-hand-grip throughout the visit. How did they know these boys have a new-found love of pirates?

Both boys actually cared more about the movie on the screen above them than what the hygienists were up to, which made their job a whole lot easier. Devin and Landon both liked Dr. David and will be willing to go back, especially if going back means getting to play in the fun waiting room. 

First dental visit for Landon=success! 

I felt like an awesome mom when the dentist informed me that Landon was getting his last molars. I just thought he was being extra grumpy lately! Who knew there was a reason :) Course, my mother cred was already diminished when I had to inform them, "Oh yeah, he has a chipped tooth. But I'm not exactly sure how that happened . . . Maybe when he got hit in the face by a swing? Or maybe when he tipped over his booster chair and landed face first on the tile?" At any rate, they got clean teeth, pirate toothbrushes, prizes from the basket, and a coupon for an ice cream cone; life is good.

Preschool Field Trip to Firehouse

Devin's first field trip for preschool was to the firehouse in Riverton. It's just down the street from Miss Amy's, so we all walked down. Landon so desperately wants to go to preschool that I decided he could miss a nap for a day and go on the field trip with Devin's class. Devin was super excited to get to go on a field trip, for it sounded so grown up and like a fantastic adventure. 

We did have a great time learning all about the firehouse and seeing the truck pulled out. Though I will say that Devin's previous tour of the fire station in Middletown was a little more in depth! Landon proved that he can get dirty no matter where we are by ending up with a black nose. Even the firemen commented on his dirty face!

 

Devin was in and out of the truck before I could even get a picture of him, but Landon was all set to buckle in and go for a ride. However, Devin wanted to make sure to get a picture next to the tire that was as big as him. He is such a grown up boy and full of good questions and interesting hypotheses. 

 Devin's preschool class is super cute and Miss Amy is lots of fun. She's so patient with all the kids and their never-ending energy. Ever since focusing on fire safety Devin's prayers have included the following: "Please bless that we won't ever play with matches, ever, ever, ever." Clearly that fire safety rule was well covered in class.

Visit to Aunt Christy's

Once I realized there was a fall break in Devin's preschool schedule I started making plans to go see Christy. In the end the boys and I made a quick road trip up to Boise to see the Goldman family. It was kind of a last-minute decision, so thanks to Christy making us feel welcome! I wish we could have stayed longer, but we had a great visit in the time we did have. As far as traveling the boys did fantastic. We didn't stop much on the way there and on the way back we only stopped one and a half times. 

I realized once I got home that I didn't get any pictures of the boys--only Paige! This is very sad because Porter, Cooper, and Zane are awesome cousins and were so kind to Devin and Landon. They let them play with them and all their toys with no problems and helped me take care of them the whole time we were there. We will definitely visit again soon and get pictures with the boys! Devin and Landon thought watching Porter's football practice was extra fun, though Devin's introduction to team sports with Uncle Phil was rough. He needs to learn he can't have the ball all the time.

Aunt Christy's house is extra cool because she has a trampoline, chickens, and a dog. What more could you ask for? Devin thought it was super interesting to collect the eggs everyday and worked up the bravery to pet the chicken on the last day. Landon fell and wrestled all the over the tramp and loved every minute of it.

All the Batman Imaginext toys Zane had were a big hit and got well played with during the visit. The boys were in full-on active mode the whole time and did not want to leave. They agree that we need to take another trip to Boise soon.

Personally, I had a great introduction to kickboxing at Christy's class and definitely want to go again. She is tough! It was such a fun workout.

Garbage Day is Our Favorite Day

Monday is garbage day, which means that this is a day highly anticipated. We must rush out during breakfast at the first squeak of the brakes and jump up and down on the porch in excitement. It's kind of a rule around here. The garbage man waves and acknowledges their excitement, making the whole event even better. There is a running commentary as to what the truck is up to: driving, picking up the garbage can, putting down the garbage can, etc. It's the little things.

Daddy's Boys

Just a shot of the fun this daddy is. Landon and Devin are always up for some adventure with Daddy. Love seeing these boys all together.