Hunter turns 6!

I can't believe that my little man is now 6. 

I love seeing flashback pictures and so here is his.

He is just seconds old here.

and here is the Birthday Boy is all his glory, clinging to his birthday presents.

He was spoiled!

Since this was an off year for a party, we took two of his friends with us to Disney on Ice.

(at $11 a ticket, we got a steal! and our seats weren't terrible!)

This is the look when we heard that the show was going to start.

Nemo scene. They had the 3 sharks and Marlin and Dory.

They did a REALLY cool scene and transformed the castle into It's a Small World. 

AMAZING!!

Halloween

Halloween was crazy this year being on a weekday.

I don't remember now, but I remember having a ton to do that day.

Madelynn had been given this cute spider outfit by some of our friends, brand new, but never used. 

Obviously she hated the outfit and screamed until I took it off.

So I dug around and managed to find Mckinley's outfit from last year and she was much happier.

My grandma had sent this dress for Mckinley to dress up in. She insisted that it become her costume, so we got the wig to match. I wish she would have worn it for more than just this picture.

Hunter wanted to be Troy Landry this year. 

I searched and searched for a shirt, but couldn't find THE one.

I think he looked pretty darn good.

October Randoms

I got to go on Hunter's field trip to the Pumpkin Patch with him. 

Here he is with his class.

We had a great time at the pig races.

Picking out pumpkins is hard work! 

Mckinley loves her princess stuff. They become the players in every game.

Daddy got to try his hand a painting nails.

Sorry about your hair, sweetie! 

We spent a day coloring. The kids loved it.

... and so did I.

Hunter is turning into quite the artist. He did such a great job.

 I tried a new way of doing my hair. For being an "easy" hair style, it sure was time intensive.

and I'm still not sure if I like it.

Disneyland (again)

We had a spur of the moment trip to Disneyland.

And by spur of the moment. I mean I was watching my friend's kids for the first half of the day, (grand total of 5 kids) when my mom called and convinced me to meet her there. I somehow watched all the kids without any movies, packed for all 4 of us, packed the car, grocery shopped for snacks/dinner, and was out the door at 4 pm. I drove until after midnight. 

I didn't even think about driving 8 hours with 3 kids by myself until I was 1/3 of the way through the trip and really had to use the bathroom. Then it hit me. What was I going to do. Somehow I managed and we made it. Both ways. The kids had a great time as always and we love it there. I only wish we lived a little closer, but I say that without really meaning it. I don't think I could handle the So-Cal traffic. 

These pictures are all sorts of out of order, but they made it here.

Mckinley LOVES Sound of Music so much! She knows it well enough that she knows that Maria is also Mary Poppins, and calls her Maria.  We saw them walking across Main Street and Mckinley was so excited . . .  Until we got close. Then she was so clingy and didn't want anything to do with them. 

But at least she smiled!

One of Hunter's latest obsessions is Star Wars. To say he was excited to get this picture would be a severe understatement. He was excited: Kylie was scared.

Mckinley driving me around Autopia. I have to say I much prefer her to be driving than Hunter. Mckinley tries to drive; Hunter tries not to drive. 

Madelynn was so sad the Disney Junior wasn't starting. Or at least I think that's why she was crying. I just remember laughing because her face was so funny!

Kylie and I got to ride my least favorite ride in the park. I scream every.single. time.

Hunter loves to goof off.

First day on the way to the parks. Madelynn's first bus ride.

My kids and their maps.

One day this skill should come in handy.

Madelynn was thrilled to have these glasses on.

Cars Land. The kids were so excited. It was amazing. I love the movie cars and I felt like a kid again walking down the street.

Carousel yet again. I swear this is where we live when we go. OR at least that's what the pictures say.

I think it's just because it's the only ride we think to take pictures on.

Hunter's first time on Radiator Springs Racers.

Excited ... But wait!

He was terrified! and not a little bit.

Second go was a little bit better.

Madelynn at Haunted Mansion. or do they change the name at Halloween time? I know they change the ride.

Madelynn LOVED that sucker. It was everywhere!

Her new baby Ariel, both my girls have a slight obsession.

Beach and Vallejo

We met up with Pa Phil and Cindy for a lovely day at the beach. 

We cooked hot dogs and s'mores over a beach fire.

It was heavenly, and I forgot to take pictures. Mostly.

Then we were home for a day and drove back to Vallejo to visit some of our best friends.

Hunter playing Gator Hunter.

These two crack me up. They were so goofy the entire time we were there.

Hunter and Kamal were inseparable.

We tried to get a shot of all 3 of them, but this was the best we got.

(and don't mind London's gal pal there in the picture. We couldn't get her out!)

We love and miss our family and friends. Wish we could travel a little faster than driving. There is always too much distance between us!

First observe, then serve

The talk by Linda Burton really hit me today.

So much so that I wanted a cute "printable to hang on the wall.

SO ... I made one.

Here's a preview.

Download it  HERE.

First Days of School

This year we had 2 first days of school

First up was Hunter.

He started Kindergarten this year! 

He's been doing great and tells me he works his best to get the behavior award.

Next up was Mckinley.

She was worried at first, but afterthe second day of school she says,

"Mom, why are you here? You need to leave so I can keep playing with my friends!"

So I guess this whole co-op thing is working out well for her!

Handsome Hunter

Beautiful Mckinley