Playing Hooky

After 28 years of teaching, I love an occassional day of playing hooky.  I especially enjoy it when I get to do something as fun as going to a pumpkin patch with a group of daycare children.  The weather was wonderful, and it was simply (Caleb says I use the word simply too often!) a perfect day- or as perfect as a day can be with 23 toddlers and 25 adults!  The day was filled with a pumpkin patch, tractor ride, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, and more!  Everyone was well behaved, and we all had a great time!!

"Miss" Angela's Sweet Blessings! (And it was impossible to take a picture with everyone looking.)

The Whole Gang

Finding the Perfect Pumpkin

This face pretty much sums up the day!  We had a ball!

Craft Time

I recently became acquainted with Pinterest.  It didn't take me long to become addicted.  If I make/cook just a small portion of the things I like on that site I'll be doing great!  If you're not familiar with the site, check it out.  I promise you'll be hooked.  Anyway, I had all the supplies for one of the crafts, so I decided to give it a try.  I headed outside to the old  picnic table where I like to do projects on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and got busy.  I also need to add that Caleb was a great assistant.  I will do things a little differently next time, but was pretty pleased with my first attempt.

Coasters/Trivets-The site recommends using your favorite pictures or even scrapbook paper- so I did both!

The pictures show a slight glare that's not acutally on the coasters. 

I also made this easy calzone from a recipe I found on Pinterest.  I simply spread the pizza dough out on a cookie sheet.  Spread pizza sauce down the middle.  Next, I added pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, cheese, etc.  Then, I took my kitchen scissors, and cut the edges into strips and criss-crossed until finished.  Bake and enjoy!

I am hooked!  I have found lots more projects that I want to try!

Pop's Idea of a Fun Day

Reed enjoys nothing more than to spend an afternoon fishing or playing/working on a tractor.  It's even more special when he has a special helper to spend the day with to enjoy these things.

Wild West Days

Several years ago Sandra and Tony began having Wild West Days during the month of October.  Each year it has grown to be bigger and better.  Wild West Days is held on their ranch outside of Zion.  The event this year included a giant inflatable slide, pony rides, a huge sandpile, swings, kittens and chickens, a real live wild west show (with actual shooting), a wonderful meal, a hayride that ended with a trip to the pumpkin patch, and simply lots of fun for kids both young and old alike.

Fun on the inflatable

Wild West Show

Pony Rides

Pumpkin Patch/Hayride

Happy Fall!

Sweet Little Lizard

One of my favorite things about Maddie is her sense of adventure.  She is most definitely not a "girly" girl-thank goodness.  She plays and plays hard.  She loves to try new things.  I am usually not surprised by the things she is willing to do, but this time I was totally surprised.  Josh pointed out two baby lizards on a fence.  He picked up one to show her, and she immediately reached out and grabbed it.  She carried it around for quite some time, holding it upside down, playing with its legs, putting it on Cody, and even giving it several sweet little pats!  Amazing!  Her dad convinced her to put it back, and she did.  However, we were playing outside later, and she was quite disappointed when we couldn't find them again.  I have a feeling that all the lizards of the world better look out!  They may all become her pets!

Wow Dad!

Don't you wonder what this guy is thinking?

You hold him Daddy.....

A little time on his back......

And now a little ride on Cody.......

I can't wait until our next adventure!

Reed asked if the lizards survived, and

 I assured him that they lived to see another day! 

She was actually very gentle with them.

Fall

I simply love anytime the seasons change.  However, you have to be impressed with Fall.  I simply love the beautiful colors and the cool temperatures.  One of my very favorites signs of fall is Reed's slough.  I think it is one of the most beautiful places you can find anywhere.  It's gorgeous every season, but when the Cypress trees start changing colors, it's something special!


Two weeks ago, the leaves were just starting to change colors.

This was taken this past weekend.  Reed said I missed the really pretty colors.  However, I still think this is pretty gorgeous!

Happy Fall!!

Fish and Cats - Not Catfish

We don't get to see Caleb much anymore now that school is in full force.  For some reason, he seems to enjoy cheering on the Tide more than coming home......Anyway, he did make it home for a few hours last weekend.  He and his dad made the most of their time, and went for a quick little fishing trip.  They were only gone a couple of hours, but still managed to have a great time.

I also wanted to give you a little update on Eli and Ellie.  They are growing and becoming a little more independendent.  Both are still taking a bottle, although Ellie is starting to eat.  They are both precious and would be great pets!  Interested????


First, my favorite fishermen-

 These two have had a really tough time.  Someone needs to rescue them from this hard life they are leading!

A Perfect Morning

Maddie and I simply had a perfect morning on my recent visit.  We got up early, had a little breakfast, played at home for a while and then headed out for a few adventures.  We got a pumpkin and did a little shopping on our first excursion.  Then we ventured over to the park.  I've blogged about the Alex City Park before.  It is super nice.  This time I want to brag on myself.  I went down three different slides several different times!  That may not sound like much, but I am truly afraid of heights.  However, I can't resist, "Come on NeNe, it's your turn!"  I even went through the big, tall tunnel slide.  That wasn't by choice though!  I intended to watch her and go back down the tower.  The maintenance men chose to come during that time to clean the park.  I am sure they were nice men, but she would have been out of my reach for about 30 seconds had I gone down the steps, so it was down the slide for both of us..........Not my favorite choice! 

Nothing but smiles for us today!

This was her least favorite slide.  She called it the little slide.

Off to the swings......

Push me in the back, NeNe!!

Cute! Cute! Cute!

Back to the slides!

I'm waiting on you NeNe!

A little fun with the shovel "thing"

Climbing on the ropes

The higher the better for her!

 
I'll carry your bag, NeNe!

We left the park and enjoyed a great lunch of chicken fingers and fries.  Next up, we returned home for a little Barney and naptime! 

If only everyday could be so simple and perfect!!

Put on a Happy Face

For most all ladies, the start of the day begins with putting on your make-up.  We must look our best before we face the days challenges.  On my recent -I can't stand it a day longer-I must go visit Maddie trip- that's just what Miss Maddie did.

Look NeNe!

Can't forget the nose!

Looking Good- but not quite ready for the day!

We must put our lipstick on......

Now, we're ready!!!

Have a Happy Day!!