Super Soggy Groggy Sloppy Halloweenie

Halloween was a two-day, candy-filled, whirlwind of a celebration. On friday, Aidan had a party at preschool, Jake had a parade and a party at the elementary school. Spike's company had a trick or treat fest, too.

Saturday morning began with a trip to the Spider Spook-tacular at a local nature preserve. Luckily I got to be inches away from a tarantula yet again. Actually mommy and Corinna spent most of the time in the gift shop.

Jake and mommy braved the drizzle for the first mommy/Jake soccer game. Disasterous. Of course Jake had a good time in the beginning and was a great goalie. Then it started to rain harder and I had to fight the urge to pack it in even though he was covered in mud and it was cold and wet.

FINALLY--it was trick or treating time!! Boy trick or treating in the rain presents a certain set of challenges--especially with a 9 month old. But, at least it wasn't freezing! We ended up driving around with friends and it was awesome. I plan to drive next year even if it doesn't rain! The kids were soaked, but they didn't care at all.

So much candy, so much fun. Aidan was a transformer from the movie, Bumblebee (there were 3 other Bumblebees in his preschool class). Jake went as Heatblast from Ben-10, and Corinna dressed as an adorable little bunny, and matched her BFF, Madelyn.

Happy Nine Months little lady

Ms. Corinna fancy pants is now 9 months old. And just to be dramatic, she took her first (semi) steps on her 9 month birthday! She is cruising around like crazy and loves rousing games of peekaboo and don't get me started on the crowd pleaser pat-a-cake. She's got 4 teeth right now with a 5th poking through. She still believes her brothers are HILARIOUS and dad has gotten a new found sweet spot in Corinna's eyes. Her favorite activities are continually ripping glasses off of anyone wearing them (her favorites include Jake, Daddy, and Grandpa) and getting into the dog water and food bowl. We've literally had a brand new toy out a few feet away from the dog dish, and she made a bee line for the dog dish. Her middle name could be "persistance" because she doesn't give up. I can't believe it's been 9 months already!!

Happy Birthday AIDAN!

Our big guy turned 4! Hard to believe it! He had a great birthday celebration. I made cupcakes (with Buzz Lightyear decorations) and Spike, Corinna, and I brought them to preschool for a class party. It was awesome, he had all his pals, a special hat, and boy did he get a kick out of Spike seeing his school! The teachers were wonderful and welcomed us and made Aidan feel really special.

He had opened a few gifts before school (Jake got to open 2 also, so he didn't feel bad) and then magically when he got home from school, there were MORE presents. Oh what fun for him!

Saturday was his Toy Story themed birthday party. Aside from his Aunts and grandpa, we just invited a few friends from his preschool class. It worked out since it was the first time we'd ever had to hold a party inside. Boy--inside parties accentuate the crazy! The cake was so much fun to make. And Aidan LOVED it. As I gave him a kiss good night, he looked up at me and said "I loved my cake." totally unsolicited and so mushy-gushy feeling. Aw.

He CLEANED up in the gift department. Every single one was his favorite pretty much. Lots of Toy Story themed gifts including a Wii game which the whole family has played. Grandpa picked up an old fashioned scooter which both boys have been scooting around on and loving. Happy Birthday little man.

Pat-A-Cake

Oh What FUN! Yesterday was my cake decorating class at the Culinary Institute of America. OMG-The class was so cool. The campus at the Culinary is just beautiful. I couldn't believe I was there. I kind of felt like an Elvis fan at Graceland. The Chef was really good, she was the author of the cake art book that was given out at the end of the class. We got a gourmet buffet lunch (included in the class) which everyone went ga-ga over but since they didn't have peanut butter and jelly or grilled chicken sandwiches, I was at a loss (ha ha). We each got to decorate a cake that had been baked already for us (that was awesome!) She showed us some cool tips that you just can't pick up from a book or video. I think I had a smile on my face for 9 hours. The class was loaded with rich women from nearby (talking about their nannies) but also as far away as Costa Rica! All their Coach and Loius Vitton bags had to be stored away from the icing coloring. My Bruce Springsteen bag from Wal-Mart was very convenient. Anyway, this is the cake I made, which a lot of people liked and I might copy it for Corinna's snowflake themed birthday party. The Chef told me I was doing nice work so I totally blushed because she wasn't just doling out compliments to everyone. hee hee. Here's the two other cakes I made this weekend.

Thank Heaven for Washable Markers

Corinna is 8 months old, already!

Hard to believe that Little Miss Thing is 8 months already! What a personality she has! She absolutely lights up a room when she smiles. She is very into physical comedy these days with her brothers happily entertaining her by throwing themselves on the floor, pretending to bump things on their head, etc. She suffered through another tooth (3 now) and another ear infection this month. Bless MOTRIN! She's totally mobile now, cruising on tables and pulling herself up on anything she can. We predict she'll attempt walking within this coming month! She's still babbling da-da-da-da and loving it. She's way mischeivous and gets into anything she can. She especially loves paper. Apparently it is tasty as can be. Food-wise though, she's a fan of cheerios and those little puffs. But not so much a fan of actual baby food--hm, a carb lover like her mom!

Gotta Dance!

After patiently waiting for weeks, Aidan finally started Dance Class today! He was so excited! The class focuses on movement and is more of a "fun-time dance" than a structured ballet class. He said he had a lot of fun, especially when he got to bang the drum. Parents aren't allowed in during class, but he didn't seem to mind.