Highlander Strong!

Tonight we went to my school, DMS, to show our support for Oak Hills Schools and the current levy on the ballot.  As a graduate and current educator of this school district, I am proud to show my commitment to the excellence in education and tradition that Oak Hills provides.  I was also grateful for the opportunity to show Grant and JT that I stand up for what I believe.  Even though they were too young to understand why we were there, they did understand that many people came together to cheer on "mama's school."  They also enjoyed meeting new friends (my colleagues' children) and playing on the front lawn.  I know that tonight was just one example of how we pull together as a community and are HIGHLANDER STRONG!

Fall Fun at Cheviot Park

In an effort to give Peter some quiet time to study for his upcoming test, and because the weather isn't going to be nice forever, I took the boys and Belle for a walk and then we went up to the park to play.  We were actually there for quite a while.  We had some good ol' fashion fall fun in the leaves!

Halloween 2013

We're 2 for 2 on bad weather for Halloween.  Last year it was Superstorm Sandy causing cold, rainy conditions and this year it was a freak low pressure system causing high winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms.  I usually try to find the positive in every situation so here it is: it was warmer than last year.  And, to be honest, it wasn't so bad.  We managed to head out as soon as we saw the rain lighten up a bit, however the only problem was that it was deceiving.  Because the wind died down, it only looked like it was raining less! But the boys and I wore our rain boots and Peter carried our umbrella.  The boys also had it pretty good in their wagon, which was covered by a sun shade. Eventually, the boys hopped out and into the puddles, which made for some pretty cute pictures.  After going down Camelia Court and to our new neighbors next door and across the street, the boys were water logged and ready to go inside, which was fine by us.  And, they made out like bandits because everyone gave away handfuls of candy.  All in all, it was definitely better than last year!  Check out the boys below, dressed as Lucky the Dalmatian and Kwazii the Cat from Octonauts on Disney Junior.  It's the first year where they've told me what they wanted to dress up as for Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving

This year I wasn't feeling great due to my third week (and several medications later) with a sinus infection.  So, we opted for some easier pumpkin patterns this year. Bonus: the boys could actually help carve due to the simplicity.  The only thing they still don't love is touching the pumpkin goo.

Preschool Halloween Parade

Today was the boys' Halloween Parade and party at Preschool.  I just couldn't miss it this first year, so I took the morning off and although it lasted about 20-30 minutes, it was completely worth it.  Grant dressed up as Lucky the Dalmatian and JT was Kwazii the Cat from Octonauts. Each was a homemade costume that I am very proud of! I hope they appreciate the work I put into the costumes when they get older!

 This is what JT was doing when he was supposed to be singing with the class!

Shaw Farms

This weekend we tried out a new pumpkin patch and farm, Shaw Farms, in Milford, Ohio.  We've heard lots of good things about this place in the past so this year we decided to venture out that way.  We had a blast and will definitely go back again.  They had lots of fun things for the kids, including a hay ride, play area, animals, and a tractor to climb on. 

Halloween Nights at Parky's Farm

We decided to try out Parky's Farm this year for their annual Halloween Nights.  The weather was perfect and the boys enjoyed all the fun, but especially the bounce house obstacle course. 

Evan's Apple Orchard

This was our second year going to Evan's Apple Orchard because it's SO much fun!  And we love their apples and all their home cookin'.  So, it was a day well spent even though it was quite hot!