Pumpkin Patch 2012

I love getting our pumpkins at this real farm. No silly carnival games, no rides, pumpkins that are actually grow here at the farm and not shipped in on pallets then rolled out into a field. 

Simple is good.

My son on the lookout for a ghost pumpkin. My dad did find a nice sized all white pumpkin.

Trying out some new Photoshop techniques. 

Last morning spent with Grandpa before he had to go home! 

These shots were actually their idea.  Love his little round cheeks and that chin dimple!

Thank you Osborn Farms for existing and providing such a beautiful place to take my family.

Stay tuned. Halloween costumes will be done shortly!

Pop Bottle Ecosystem

Yesterday we made a pop bottle ecosystem. It was pretty simple to make once you have all the supplies on hand. We found our inspiration here on Pinterest:

 
 

                                                                                  Source: cranberrycorner.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

We made the following changes:
1. The pet store didn't sell duck weed so I told them to sell me the hardiest most weed-like plant they have. They did. No idea what it is called, so please don't ask. It was cheap though.

2. I didn't include any fish because I was afraid they would die. We got two snails instead.

3. We had to cut slits on the middle layer that joins the two bottles. Not a bid deal but it helped to slide it.

We used old sage from outside to feed the crickets until the rye grass grows. Hope they like sage!

Next time we make it instead of cutting the bottom of the top layer (which makes the top of the ecosystem) we will cut a hinge door in the side and then tape that close. This will result in a cleaner finish with less tape and frustration. 

Now we sit back and wait for nature to run its course.

Snow Day

We woke up this morning to 8-12 inches of snow. My son told me that snow days were the days you should make cookies, so we did. 

 

We made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with coconut shreds instead of walnuts (yes Mom, oatmeal cookies can be good with chocolate chips).  Since they came out of the oven they have been the only thing I am surviving on today.

 

My daughter isn't a fan of playing in the snow so once we finally got her to take a nap (sweet relief) M and I made our way outside to clear the sidewalks, throw snow balls and plan how much hot chocolate we would drink once inside.

 

There is something about a snow day, even if your kids aren't in school, that makes you slow down and enjoy getting bundled up in blankets and eating warm cookies. 

Rocketship Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated my son's birthday with a rocketship/space theme. 

 We made these cute little alien masks.

 Tried to set off some rockets but it was so cold and muddy that once we set off the two big rockets with actual engines we opted for the Stomp rocket, which was a big hit Aunt Jeanette!

 

 I love his expression when he saw these little dart guns.

We had a great time and thank you to everyone that was able to be there to help us celebrate.

Side note: this party was mostly possible because of Pinterest. Make sure to check out Pin Do Review to see my reviews, but give me a day or two to recover from the party.

Big Girl Bed

My daughter moved into her big girl bed after she figured out how to jump out of the crib this past weekend. She had been asking for one for a while so the transition was really easy.

I scored the damask comforter at Ross for $10 and the hot pink sheets were $7. I am not a huge fan of pink but she loves them and for $17 we can afford to change our mind and not feel guilty.

While we were setting up the bed and taking down the crib my son asked when he was going to get a new baby sister for the crib. We asked him if he was sure he wanted another sister and not a brother and he was sure! So sweet, but I don't foresee that in your near future buddy.

 

The only hard part is now she has access to everything in their room and she sleeps with lots of books in her bed. Here are some ideas I thought might help.

Under the Mattress Book Holder

Source: holycool.net via Nicola on Pinterest

Ikea Spice Racks

Source: wonderfuljoyahead.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Fabric Book Shelves

Source: pennycarnival.typepad.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Change Is Good

 

One Painted Lady has started her metamorphosis and looks like two others are right behind her! I don't know who is more excited, me or my son.

Butterfly Garden Excitement

Insect Lore's Butterfly Garden has been my go-to birthday gift for the past year. I love that the gift teaches and the excitement lasts longer than one day. I finally bought one for my kiddos and its arrival was pretty exciting!

 M saw the box and knew immediately what was in it!

It was like Christmas morning. I told M that it would take a little while before they turned into butterflies to which he responded, "Yeah, it will take about 9 minutes."

This week's library books are all about butterflies in anticipation of their arrival.

Love the serious expression!

Godzilla baby wasn't so gentle and lost holding rights pretty quickly.

We are keeping a journal of their transformation and hope we can even get the butterflies to lay more eggs for us. If anyone has tried other Insect Lore products I would love to hear about them.