Fall Festival

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One of the churches in town had a fall festival this weekend. We thought it would be fun to try out. Matthew was so enamored by everything that he got pretty far before realizing that we weren't next to him.

We tried several games. I must say that I was impressed with most of the carni workers - they were very kind with Matthew and even let him try things out - and over and over again without expecting any more money. The one "prize" that he did get was picking up the duck and turning it over - one of those "everyone is a winner". Mark was good about toting it around. It was so windy! The prize has proven to be very useful at terrorizing the cats. As much as they terrorize us - we don't feel too badly about Matthew running around after them :o)

As you can see - he enjoyed his first elephant ear that we all shared. And, I don't think that the picture does justice as to how filthy his face was - not only from food but from wiping his snot across his face.

We had a good time.

Matthew-isms

"It not too hot anymore, Mommy?" - I here this at lunch and dinner, every day.

"Doodit again!" translated - "Do it again!"

"Pick me up, please." It used to be "Pick ooo(you) up?"

"Not want to go home!?" - I didn't realize that home was such a horrible place!

Kisses on each cheek.

Three Ellies, one bear and two blankets for naps and bedtime.

Anything Thomas and Friends

Anything big that moves - school buses, city buses, backhoes, garbage trucks, cement mixers, etc.........

hats

Crackerfuls(Ritz)

PBS

I'm sure that there's more - that's all I can think of right now......

:o)

Marshmallow season

It's perfect weather for marshmallows up here! I decided to get creative and try out a flavor that I dreamed up last Spring. I had to wait until now to make them - it was already too humid to make any more in Arkansas by the time I had thought of them.

Orange-vanilla - much like a Dreamsicle!! Everyone in this household approved! (I put in a little yellow and red food coloring to give them an orange tint)

A bushel of apples.......

.....minus one

Frist day of preschool

Today was Matthew's first day of preschool! His teacher said that he did fine. :o)


As good as it is for him(and he loves it) to be around other kids - it's hard for me to think of giving him to someone else to care for him two or three mornings a week. I am very thankful that we're in a position that I can stay home most of the time with Matthew - I know many that would love to only work one day/night a week but cannot because of financial constraints.

Incidentally, he's on probation since he's three weeks younger than the December 1st cutoff. Our 2 1/2 year old son on probation - makes a mother proud ;o)

I think he looks absolutely adorable with his big Toy Story backpack!

Granola days

It's fun making granola when I have such a capable helper.

Grand Rapids

We went up to Grand Rapids for a couple of days. I had never been there before - Mark was there at a conference last year and was eager to go back. He did a great job of finding fun stuff for us to do. There was a Curious George exhibit at the GR Childrens' Museum and we went to the zoo. Those were our main events for the two days.

I really had hoped that Matthew was feeling better - the night before we were at a cookout. I made sure to put bug spray on so he wouldn't get eaten up by mosquitos - but, one got past the spray and bit him on the ankle. Matthew's entire body seems to revolt everytime he gets bit on his legs. This time was no different. He always ends up with heat and redness and swelling well beyond the bite and runs a low grade fever. Thank goodness I packed the Benadryl and Ibuprofen - I wished that I had given it to him sooner - he started perking up about a half an hour before bedtime. I do think he had a good time, esp. at the museum yesterday - I think the Curious George statue scared him. As for the zoo this morning - either he's zoo'd out or he was just feeling yucky - or a bit of both.

We definitely plan to go back! The picture that you see of the sting rays was in a shallow pool - we had to pay $1 each for the privelege of sticking our hands in the water so that the sting rays could come and swim under and touch our hands. I had to keep reminding myself was that this was geared toward kids so it had to be safe - 'cause I kept trying not to think of that Australian guy who was killed by one a few years ago. I was proud of Matthew - he actually put both hands in the water - that is very brave for him!