Halloween

So we are going to jump around with a few posts, because I finally got our pictures in order and wanted to start with Halloween.

This year, Avery wanted to be a minion and she wanted Carter to be a teddy bear (one of the minions has a teddy bear).  This worked out great for us, because Avery was a teddy bear when she was Carter's age.  We both rushed home from work and got the kids fed, dressed up, and headed out before it got dark.

The kids in the wagon.  Carter didn't know what was going on other than he was hot in his bear costume, but is always down for a wagon ride with his sister.

We made it a solid 10 yards before they wanted out of the wagon and to walk.  At this point we thought it might be a long night.

The first house was a bowl, so Carter was just passing us the candy.

The second house had someone home, but Carter was a bit hesitant.  Avery was a pro so she dove right in.

By the third or fourth house, Carter had it all figured out.  He did have a bit of trouble only picking the one piece of candy he wanted and tried to touch them all.  If they tried to give him two pieces at first he would try to give it back.  Towards the end of the night he was taking 2~3 pieces instinctively.

Overall, the kids made it all the way around the neighborhood and did great together.  I can't wait until next year, when Carter can talk a little bit more.  We actually had to empty their buckets into the wagon because the brought back so much candy (which I have almost enjoyed all of it).

Birthday Trip to the Farm

Back in early October, the weather was warm and sunny - it was perfect for my birthday weekend!

NC State had a home game that Saturday and Avery was out of school that Monday.  Since I get my birthday off from work, Avery and I decided to stay an extra day at the Back Forty Farm.

Carter got to hang out with Mimi and Papa on Saturday and came with us to brush Bucky on Sunday morning before he and Daddy headed back to Charlotte.  Sunday afternoon, all the girls and Jude went to Gross Farms in Sanford.  They have an awesome corn maze, sand mound, tunnel slide, petal tractors, and professional cloggers to entertain us while we took an ice cream break!

Sunday night was my birthday dinner complete with my traditional chocolate cake with candy corn :)

Thank you to all my family who celebrated with me in person and from afar.  I really appreciate the cards, texts, calls and gifts.

Avery showing her little brother the proper brushing technique.

Avery behind the wheel!

Jude and Avery on the tunnel slide at Gross Farms

This was a serious maze!  We didn't solve the mystery inside the maze (you have to hit several "destinations" along the way), but we did make it out.

On the hayride around the working farm

Pumpkin heads!

Monday morning, we took a ride on Bucky around the farm.

This years candy corn design courtesy of Papa

Trip to the Zoo

So in between football games, we met the Rotmans for a trip to Lazy 5 ranch.  Laura really wanted to see how Carter would react getting closer to the animals compared to just pointing at all the dogs on a walk.

So, we hopped into the wagons with a couple buckets of food and headed off on the tour.

The animals would come straight up to the wagon to get a handful of food.

I am demonstrating to Carter how to feed the cow, by holding the food above it's mouth and dropping it in.

Carter's approach was a bit more direct.  When the animal opened it's mouth, Carter stuck his whole hand in the the animal's mouth to make sure not a single piece was wasted.

Watching all the animals very closely.

After the wagon trip, there was a pen of goats and sheep that we got to feed up very close.  Avery and Anna were great in showing Carter how to feed them.

The girls also had a great time, but it was all hands on deck to keep Carter from jumping out of the wagon.

Fun Run Update

 Avery's school Fun Run was this past Thursday.  For the week leading up to the big day, she was so pumped about getting pledges and raising money for the school.  The "boosterthon" team that put on the event came by their classroom every morning and gave out prizes to students that got more pledges.  The school provided t-shirts for the run - it's the 10 year anniversary for the school.

That morning on the way to school, Avery had a worried look on her face.  She told me she was nervous about running enough laps "to make a difference for the school".  This is where I must say, Bless her heart!!  Such a special girl.
Parents were invited, but Robert and I couldn't make it.  Fortunately, her bff mom was out there and she snapped some photos for us.

Cutest runner ever!

She's going strong!

Gotta keep hydrated between laps.

Here you can see the tag on their backs where the teachers marked off each lap they ran.

Avery did it!!  35 laps! We really appreciate all the family that supported her.  The whole thing was a great learning experience and a fun way to raise money.  Much better than buying expensive wrapping paper or plastic trinkets right??!