Happy Halloween

For two whole months Eleanor asked almost daily, "Mom, how many more days until Halloween?" Needless to say, she was looking forward to dressing up and trick-or-treating. She/I decided that she'd be the Queen of Hearts and Carolyn could be Alice. She made the decision, but I kept her to it. She would have changed her mind a dozen times if I would have let her.

We also thought Hank would make a great White Rabbit with ears and a big pocket watch around his neck. But as the days until the big event dwindled with zero progress on his costume, I gave up on the thought (and remember it is the thought that counts). It wasn't a big letdown. He is only 7 weeks old, can't hold up his head much less a bag for treats. Plus he slept in his carrier the whole time.

I semi-made Eleanor's costume from a $8 eBay find, a 1/2 yard each red and gold fabric and some red glitter foam hearts. Mister Hank isn't a big fan of not being held so finding the time was difficult and it wasn't until the night before when he was sleeping that I finally finished the project. And not to toot my own horn, but my I rather impressed myself with my non-sewing skills.

The best part of her costume though was her make-up. Just like Tim Burton's Queen in the new Alice in Wonderland movie. A little hair teasing and red hair spray and she was close to unrecognizable.

And little Alice was perfectly portrayed sans make-up or wig by the lovely Carolyn. Just give her a blue Alice dress and black headband and she was set - oh, and don't forget the candy bucket.

The Queen of Hearts

Alice

We did the Trek or Trail on McCoy Creek Trail. It's such a great time. And we easily had plenty of candy but Eleanor really wanted to go to her principal Mr. Nixon's house. After going to Mr. Nixon's she told me "Mr. Nixon tricked me. He said he was going to hand out dog treats but he gave me something else." She's so gullible.

We ended up trick-or-treating the entire time, not making it home in time to hand out our own candy. So we now have their loot plus what I bought at the store. Ugh, I need to start working out again!

Mommy and all the kiddos

On the trail with Daddy

We ran into the girls' favorite boys Jake and Kade. Carolyn was getting scared of all the spooky guys and wouldn't stand far enough away from me for a picture.

Carolyn eventually got Aunt Becky to carry her to the rest of the houses. Thanks Aunt Becky!

She told me she wanted to pet the kitty so I got my camera out but was too slow as she pet the cat and darted.

Eleanor's Self Videos

I downloaded the videos from my Flip camera yesterday to find that Eleanor's been making her own movies. There were five of these. I'm a little confused on what she's talking about. Lots of iCarly references???

Leaf Pile!!!

Who doesn't love to rake leaved into a big pile and jump into it?!?! Today was a great day for doing just that.

Eleanor getting the party started

How to you like our front porch decor? :)

Hankie Boy liking the leaves - well he didn't dislike them anyhow

Jollay Orchards

Wednesday I took Hank to spend a few hours with Grandma Young while I accompanied Eleanor on her first field trip. Moccasin's preschool took a trip to Coloma to Jollay Orchards. It was a great orchard with a hayride, pumpkin patch, apple orchard, cider press, playground, and fish pond. Sadly the weather took a turn and we went from sunny and 70 degree days to a rainy and barely 60 degree day.

We watched a cider demonstration as storm clouds rolled in.
To beat the rain we hurried and took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch saving the cider tasting to when we got back. It was the cutest little pumpkin patch full of the smallest pumpkins. Perfect for the preschoolers.

Check out those tiny pumpkins
Eleanor and her buddy Kyle with their pumpkins

Here comes the rain

We all tasted the cider that was just pressed and then had lunch under tents.

Eleanor loved the cider

Everyone was cold and wet so we had to pack things in about an hour early. It was unfortunate because Jollay had a great playground which the kids didn't get to enjoy. We may have to take a family trip back there - maybe even check out the haunted house which is in an old church.

The old church which they made into a haunted house - spooky!

The playground area

Hank - 1 Month

Wow! One month already? It can't be. But yet, it was one month ago today that we welcomed Mr. Hank McGuffey Young into our family. He's such the perfect fit to what seems to now be a perfect family. We are so lucky to have two beautiful little blonde daughters and now a handsome son.

Hank started off as just an easy-going little baby who ate well and slept well and luckily that has continued. He's not sleeping any longer but I won't complain about the 4 straight hours of sleep he gives me at night. And with a quick feed and diaper change he's back off to dreamland for another 4 hours as I follow suit.

He's getting noticeably bigger as well. We don't have an exact weight but with our home scale we can guess his weight to be about 12 pounds. Once through the remaining newborn diapers, we'll upgrade him to size 1. And his newborn clothes have been retired.

Hank enjoys warm baths, being held, going for walks in his stroller and rides in the car. He also likes the the occasional swinging and tummy time.

His sisters still hang in his face, Carolyn being the biggest culprit. And at the moment they both are germy and boogery and can't see to keep their hands off of him. We try to keep them at bay but for one they don't listen and for two it's hard to tell them "I know you love him and we love that you love him, but don't touch him, don't talk to him, don't even look at him." So Hank now has a little bit of a rattle when he breathes and some snot in his nose. But he's not too affected and continues to be happy.

So that's about the extent of 'what's new in the world of Hank'. Stay tuned as we reveal new developments.

So the corresponding photo session for this post didn't go exactly as planned. Go figure when you're trying to prop up a 1-month old baby who has minimal head control and spends most of his time sleeping. So here we go...

Sleeping

Still sleeping, loosing the limited head control

Sleeping and going down

Awake but yawning

Seemingly frightened of the sign

Yawning again

Falling once again - and not too happy about it

Fernwood

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny, 75 degree October day in Michigan. Taking advantage of the great day, I went to Fernwood with Katie, William and Cinny. We ate lunch at the cafe which was outstanding. Katie and I both were intrigued by the smoked turkey panini which is:

Smoked turkey topped with mozzarella cheese, peach-blueberry relish, and tarragon mayo, served on a cranberry walnut bread

The amount of fruit on a sandwich seemed odd and like nothing I'd had before, but knowing the chef and trusting his abilities, I ordered it and loved it!

We took a quick walk around the grounds spending some time at the railway garden. If you've never been and especially if you have kids, you have to see this model train. It's quite extraordinary.

The poor boys were propped and posed for pictures - but were good sports. I don't think William ever woke up.

A couple pictures of the train

Katie, William, Tara, Hank

Tara, Hank, Cinny, Katie, William

Pumpkin Time!

It's October and pumpkin season in Michigan! So on Monday we ventured out to The Patch to pick the perfect pumpkins. I love this time of year!

The girls love a good tire swing

Hank slept a missed out on all the fun

I love Carolyn's face as she struggles with her pumpkin

Eleanor doing the Vanna White with her pumpkin

Carolyn & the kitty

These are more Carolyn's size

Eleanor & her perfect pumpkin