Happy Halloween...

The girls truly enjoyed their Halloween this year. Of course, it could have been a little warmer, but it didn't rain--so we can't complain. And, daddy was home, not working in D.C.--so another bonus! After sleeping in and enjoying a nice relaxing Saturday morning, we took the girls to The Greene for a few Halloween festivities. There was an obstacle course, face painting, and a hayride. Throw in a little shopping, and you've got a recipe for three happy girls.

Getting ready to go to The Greene...

Two Jasmines and a genie...

Carsyn...

Logan...

Daddy had to give Maren a little kick start...

When we returned home the girls had a quick dinner (and costume change,) and then it was time for trick-or-treating. The girls had a blast. Carsyn was really into it. She could not resist running ahead at each house--she had to be the first one to the door each time. It was getting pretty chilly, so we only stayed out for about an hour. But, they still collected a ton of candy. Afterward we went over to our neighbor's house for a little Halloween party. The kids had a great time playing, while the adults got to chat and watch the Notre Dame game! What a great night. Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

Our little bugs...

Logan, Maren, & Carsyn...

Ladybug, Butterfly, & Bumble Bee...

Logan...

Wondering what kind of candy she'll get...

Carsyn...

Sweet as honey...

Maren...

Beautiful Butterfly...

Mommy and Daddy's awesome Irish pumpkin...

Maren, Megan, Carsyn, Shannon, and Logan at the Halloween party...

Carving Pumpkins...

After school today the girls (with mommy and daddy's help, of course) carved their jack-o-lanterns. They had a lot of fun drawing their faces on the pumpkins, while mommy cleaned out the pumpkins and daddy cut out the pieces. The girls were happy with the results. They also branched out and tried the toasted pumpkins seeds that we made afterward.

Getting ready...

Logan thinking about what to design...

Carsyn couldn't wait to see her finished product...

Maren's was looking pretty spooky...

2nd Grade Halloween Party...

After a busy morning--decorating for and hosting the Kindergarten Autumn Fest and attending a parent-teacher conference at Maren's school--it was time to go back to school for Logan's Halloween party. Her class had a really great time at their party too. The had lots of yummy treats, made Halloween magnets, played candy corn Bingo, and raced to wrap their teacher like a mummy.

Logan and Lakyn enjoying some Halloween goodies...

The other mummies...

Pumpkin Play and Autumn Fest...

Carsyn's Kindergarten class had their "Pumpkin Play" and Autumn festival party today. Carsyn had been really getting into her role, walking around the house in character. She played a mummy--and quite well too. It was really cute. Afterward the class had a blast at their party. They enjoyed making and eating "monster mash," stringing Halloween necklaces, working on crafts, playing "will it float?" with fall fruits and veggies, and of course picking pumpkins. Maren also was able to join in the festivities, and be a little kindergartner today! We all had so much fun.

The mummies...

Carsyn picked her pumpkin...

Maren too...

Carsyn getting crafty...

Birthday Bears...

When we saw that the Bears were playing in Cincinnati on mommy's birthday, we thought...perfect timing! We had to go to the game. Unfortunately daddy had to work in Washington, and couldn't make it. So, Logan stepped up and went with mom. Actually, she was pretty much forced to go, but she ended up having a great time. Too bad the Bears never showed up to play. What a terrible game! We also did not appreciate all the obnoxiously rude Bengals fans. However, we enjoyed some camaraderie and commiserating with a fellow Bears fan, and high school friend of mommy's. How fun to see you, Clinton! Happy 30th, mommy! And, thanks for the tickets, daddy!

The girls before church this morning...

Mommy's girls...

Logan and mommy ready to go...

Logan at Paul Brown Stadium...

Having fun (before the game started)...

Logan and mommy with Clinton...

Last Cheer Game of the Season...

Today was the first round of playoffs for our team. But, the boys lost, so it turned out to be our last game of the season. It was horribly cold and windy out. In fact, Nana and Maren spent most of the game in the car because Maren couldn't stand it. But, that didn't stop the girls from cheering loud and nailing their half time routine! Logan and Carsyn have had such a blast this season. What a great squad!

Trying to stay warm...

Poor Carsyn was sooo cold...

Out to eat afterward...

At least Maren had fun at the restaurant...

Feeling Like Fall...

Carsyn and I had lunch and recess duty again today. Actually, Maren too because Nana was subbing for Kindergarten. Logan and Carsyn's friends' mom also had duty, so the girls just had a blast. It's been getting really chilly already, but at least the girls are getting some wear out of all their cute fall jackets!

The Lunch Bunch...

Third Time's a Charm...

Maren has had two previous dentist appointments, at ages two and two and a half. At both these visits she basically freaked out and wouldn't even let the hygienist or dentist look in her mouth. So today we were a little concerned as to how she'd do. But, whether it was because she's now three, or the fact that this was her third attempt, she was a perfect patient. She sat by herself in the chair and let them clean her teeth. She was so proud of herself. Carsyn, on the other hand, thought--big deal! She just wanted a new light-up toothbrush and sticker.

No cavities...

Walk This Way...

Today the girls participated in their school's annual walk-a-thon. While this is a fundraiser, it is also a way to promote a healthy lifestyle. Of course Logan and Carsyn have had tons of practice walking. Logan and her friend were walking fools. They didn't need any pushing; they just kept walking. Carsyn and Mommy's group of Kindergartners, on the other hand, required lots of encouragement. And, perhaps a little coaching. But, Carsyn was a trooper and did great--keeping up with Mom the whole time!

Taking a water break...

Resting after the walk-a-thon...

Birthday Bowling...

Logan and Carsyn had been looking forward to their BFF's birthday party all week. They had a blast dressing up, bowling with friends, and eating pizza and cake. It's a good thing Logan and Carsyn did not get mommy's competitiveness (at least not yet) because even with the bumpers up they bowled a 65 and 37 respectively. I guess bowling is not their sport. But, they had tons of fun anyway.

Carsyn and Logan dressed for the costume/bowling birthday party

(yes, these are recycled costumes)...

"Daphne" and Carsyn...

"Velma" and Logan...

Girl Scouts Hayride (from H---)...

Logan and Carsyn are both doing Girl Scouts this year. Logan's troop had planned a hayride field trip for today after school. However, I decided to take Carsyn along since her friend Lucey would be going with her mom and sister. We were thinking that the girls would have such a blast. And, they would have--if it weren't pouring down rain and cold. It is impossible to stay dry while sitting down in wet hay and the rain keeps coming down. Our rain jackets only helped to keep our backs, chests, and part of our heads dry. Everything else was completely soaked, and there is nothing worse than wet jeans. We even had soggy feet inside our rain boots. It was miserable. This definitely was no "Troop Beverly Hills" like when Nana was my girls scout leader ; ) And, my girls definitely do not know how to "rough it!"

Before the hayride--they didn't know what they were in for...

Logan, Lakyn, Lucey, & Carsyn after--at least they got cookies...

Picking Pumpkins...

After mass this morning we drove out to Young's Dairy pumpkin patch. It was a little chilly--perfect for pumpkin picking. The girls loved the wagon ride and scouring the entire patch for just the right pumpkins. Apparently the criteria for the "right" pumpkin was that they had to be huge and extremely heavy. Good thing Daddy was with us to help carry them. Afterward we enjoyed Young's delicious homemade ice cream--yum!

Sunday morning pic...

Maren getting ready to find her pumpkin...

Logan in the pumpkin patch...

Let's look over here...

Maybe this one...

How about these?

Carsyn found hers...

That's a heavy one...

Maren has her pumpkin...

How many girls does it take to pull a wagon...

Cheer, Cheer for Old Notre Dame...

Since Notre Dame was playing on the day of our wedding (almost eight years ago,) it's fitting that we've made it an anniversary tradition to go to a game. It also helps that we're huge Irish fans! Our first game was back in 2005 at Ross-Ade: a win. We missed 2006 because Maren was still very little. But, we resumed the tradition in 2007 to see Notre Dame's first win of the season against the Bruins at the Rose Bowl: a win. Then, albeit later than our actual anniversary, we saw them play Navy up in Baltimore last year: another win. This year marked a first for us--we got to see them play at Notre Dame Stadium. Fortunately our next-door neighbor is an Irish alumnus.




The only down-side was that Mommy and Daddy missed Logan and Carsyn's cheer game...and it was parent appreciation day ; (. But, luckily Nana volunteered to take them and stand in for us. We had a great time up in South Bend. We had forgotten how beautiful Notre Dame's campus is. The game was another nail-biter. It also rained from the middle of the 2nd quarter on. But, it was all worth it. What an exciting overtime win! Gooo Irish!

Our family before the games...

The girls w/ Nana at their game...

Happy Anniversary, Daddy and Mommy!

From our seats...

Irish win...

Homecoming Parade...

The girls got to take part in their very first high school homecoming parade this evening. High school football is a pretty big deal around here, and apparently so are the homecoming parades. All the the little cheerleaders looked so cute walking the parade route. Maren had a really fun time collecting all the candy that was thrown to her. Afterward we went out for pizza with the cheer squad. What a fun night!

Maren waiting for the parade to come...

Parade girls...

Waiting for pizza...

Logan and Maddie...

Lyla Turns One...

One year ago (tomorrow) a very tiny miracle was born (at just 26 weeks.) So, today after mass we drove to Indy to be part of the first birthday celebration. The girls were really looking forward to seeing Kathy, Carol, Lauryn, John, and of course Lyla. They had such a great time trying to hold her and watching her eat cake and open presents. Of course they also had a blast hanging out with "Uncle" John--he's hilarious to them. What a super-fun day! Happy first birthday, Lyla!

Carsyn and Maren watching Lyla check out her birthday cake...

Lauryn and Logan (the big sisters)...

The girls and the birthday girl...

The girls with Carsyn's Godparents, Kathy and John

(don't they make a great couple?)...

Block Party...

After cheerleading we headed down the street to a Block Party organized by our next-door-neighbor. It was really nice getting to meet everyone on our street. The girls had a great time playing with some friends from school, and meeting new friends. We had a great time, and got home just in time to watch the Notre Dame @ Purdue. What a nail-biter (again!) But, a win is a win--we'll take it.

The new girls on the block (sorry, I had to say it)...

Maren's Show and Tell...

Today was Maren's picture day at her preschool. Mommy got to come in and assist the photographer. After all the photos were taken, Mommy sat in on Maren's class during Show and Tell. Maren really enjoys going to school, and it was so fun to get to see her in action. She was very excited to show her (actually, Logan's) dolphin. But, the telling part was definitely her favorite--that girl can talk your ear off.

What a sweetie...

Recess...

Mommy (and Carsyn) had recess and lunch duty again today. Fortunately, Carsyn loves these days. She gets to stay longer at school and eat lunch in the cafeteria. She also enjoys playing out on the playground!

Logan, Carsyn, and Lakyn...

Cheer Expo...

Tonight all the cheer squads got together for their cheer exhibition. It was a lot of fun to see all the different half time routines. Logan and Carsyn's team had been really practicing hard to learn their dance set to a remix of "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. This was the first time they had preformed it in front of an audience, and they did super! It was so exciting to watch them dance, and see the whole squad to so well. We were so proud of them. Maren had a great time watching them too. She did her own little dances in the stands! Check out a video of their routine on the right...

Logan and Carsyn before the big show...

Carsyn with her game face on...

Logan and Emma are ready...



Go Carsyn!

Go Logan!

Go Maren!

Future cheerleader...

Parish Picnic...

After mass this afternoon our church held its annual parish picnic. The girls had been really looking forward to playing with their friends and eating lots of goodies. Carsyn and Maren gobbled up their cotton candy, while Logan munched on her popcorn. They spent the majority of the time running around the playground with their friends, hopefully getting really worn out ; ). It was a little dreary and drizzly, but it didn't stop them from enjoying the picnic!

Carsyn loves cotton candy...

Maren too...

Logan in the jungle gym...

Just hanging out...

Apparently Maren also goes for younger guys...

We all scream for ice cream...

Wool Gathering Festival...

Okay, this must be the festival capitol of the Midwest! It seems like every weekend there are at least three going on somewhere close by. After the book festival, we took the girls to Young's Dairy for their Wool Gathering Festival. The girls loved seeing all the farm animals. Not sure how much they watching the sheep shearing though. Their favorites were all the angora rabbits. The girls also made some crafts with wool and rode the kiddie train. Afterward we walked around the pumpkin patch and filled our bellies with some delicious homemade ice cream. What a fun time!

Logan and a llama...

Maren and the pre-sheared sheep...

Carsyn on the train...

Pumpkin patch posing...

Book Festival...

Well, it wasn't the "National Book Festival," but the girls still had a great time... The girls had a game to cheer for this morning. Thank goodness it's finally getting to be pleasant fall weather. However, the bees are horrible! But, the girls did great. They even preformed their new halftime dance. It was really good. Hopefully one of these days we'll get it recorded and post it on here.

Goooo Logan!

Goooo Carsyn!

Maren was cheering for the cheerleaders...

Afterward we headed to The Greene for their Children's Book Fest. The girls had a great time gathering all the freebies they could find at all the different booths. Their favorites were the stands giving away free books--and it saved us a regular trip to the book store ; ). They also had fun doing the "book walk"--like a cake walk, only you win a book...not a cake. I would have taken either ; ) But, unfortunately they didn't win. Several characters and authors were there to do read-alouds and sign autographs. To our great surprise there was an author who had written a book about the Indy 500, Nancy Roe Pimm. Here husband was a driver in the 80's. It was very cool to chat with her. Once the girls had their fill of games, crafts, and goodies, we went to Panera for lunch. What a fun morning!

The girls at the book fest...

Maren doing the book walk...


Carsyn and Martha...

Logan crafting...

Friday Night Football...

Tonight was little league night at the high school. All the cheerleaders and football players were invited to walk out on the field and help welcome the varsity team before kickoff. The girls thought they were pretty cool, out there with all the other cheerleaders--even the high school girls. That is, until the "big boys" came out...Carsyn got a little "stage fright!" One of her coaches brought her back to mommy with tears in her eyes. Poor thing. But, she got over it and had fun cheering in the stands with Logan and the other girls from their squad. What a fun night.

Walking out...

Watching the game...Go Beavers!

Second Grade Field Trip...

Today both second grade classes went to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. Logan was super-excited for her first field trip of the year, and mommy was extremely happy to get to chaperon. After a very informative, hands-on class about animal and insect habitats, the students were allowed to explore the museum with their small groups and parent leaders. Our group had a blast in the Wild Ohio area--checking out all the animals. They especially loved seeing the two fighting ferrets. They were pretty funny. All the kids had a great time. What a fun field trip!

Logan and Lakyn on the bus...

Logan in the tree house, bird-watching...

Our group checking out the turtles...

The Wheels on the Bus...

Even though we live just a mile and a half from school, the majority of the route is on a fairly busy road. So, we almost never walk to school. (Although Carsyn and mommy walk home from Kindergarten almost everyday, and Logan walks with mommy a couple of times per week--it's much easier to hold hands with one girl at a time.) Luckily the school bus stop is right in front of our house. However, Carsyn has been extremely reluctant about riding the bus. But, today she and Logan took a big step (literally) and rode the bus to school. It actually went really well (except for the fact that the bus was nearly 20 minutes late, making them all late to school.) There were only three other kids at our stop, but one of the little girls is in Carsyn's class, and her brother is in Logan's. They ended up really liking it, and now they say they want to ride the bus everyday.

The girls before school...

Carsyn waiting for the bus...

Getting on the bus...