Grandpa, Costumes, and Games

My dad, otherwise knows as Grandpa, visited us a few days last week.  He was traveling on business, and it happened to only be an hour away from us.  Instead of staying in a hotel, Grandpa opted to stay with us and visit Jackson and Cullen.  The boys loved their visit with Grandpa.  They loved being thrown in the air, wrestled with, have someone to play golf with, and of course be swung around in circles airplane style.  All the funs things that boys love!

Last Friday, Grandpa helped me take Jackson and Cullen down to Andrew's work where they had the annual Children Halloween Party.  I was very thankful for Grandpa and Andrew's help.  I definitely could not have done it alone.  The boys played some circus games and had a hot dog.  They got to dress up in their Halloween costumes.  I let Jackson pick out his costume this year.  He's Ironman.  Cullen is Maverick from Top Gun.  Yes, I recycled this costume from last year because A) It's still good and B) Because Maverick from Top Gun is awesome! (And if you think otherwise, something is seriously wrong with you.)

Andrew will be taking them out trick or treating tomorrow night while I stay home and hand out candy.  They will also have their annual Halloween parties at preschool.  I usually take them to the City's Fall Fun Fest, but since they have preschool, we won't be able to attend this year.  I'm not sure who is more bummed out, me or the boys.  Probably me.

Here are a few pictures of Grandpa's visit and the boys in their costumes.

Ironman and Maverick!

Jackson playing Tiger Toss.  He actually got 2 out of 3 through the ring.

Happy Birthday Cullen!

Although, I took this picture a few weeks ago, it seems to
capture Cullen's personality the best.

Today Cullen turns 2 years old.  I can't believe my baby is now 2!  That's crazy!  And he is not much of a baby anymore.  More like a full blown toddler.  Cullen was my little surprise boy.  He surprised me when I found out I was pregnant, and he surprised me again when my water broke over 2 weeks early.  He is still full of surprises.  Cullen surprised Andrew last night by standing on the top of Jackson's headboard and was ready to jump onto the bed.  Andrew caught him just in time to save us a possible trip to the urgent care clinic.

To my current youngest son, you have been a joy to our family.  You bless us everyday with your smile, laughter, and mischievous looks.  You definitely do not make life dull around here.  Combined with your older brother, I can see you two getting into more trouble as you get older.   I look forward to thwarting your plans and rewarding the good behavior I know is in you somewhere.  I hope you continue to grow and will be as kind to your younger brother as I know you can be.  I look forward to seeing your vivacious personality to continue to develop over time.  Your father and I love you very much Cullen!

Jackson Quotes

A couple of quotes from Jackson.

"I have a lot of toots in my butt!"

It took everything in my will power not to bust out laughing when he told me this after he had let out a very loud and long toot yesterday.  Of course, I texted Andrew the quote because I had to share!  I bet you parents of little girls don't have the joys of these conversations.

"You be good at work Daddy!"

Jackson said this to Andrew this morning after we had to been telling him to be good at school.  He's in the 'I'm testing my boundaries phase.'  He's quickly learning Mom and Dad don't put up with certain things unless he likes losing his toys and sitting in time out.  Gotta love 3 year olds!

Pumpkin Carving

As you have probably noticed, I haven't been keeping up with the blog this month.  I promise I'm not doing it on purpose.  We've just been really busy around here.  Between annual doctors appointments, my OB appointments, and kids getting sick, it has been a little crazy at the house.  Jackson was down for a few days with a fever.  I was doing my best to disinfect the house and keep Cullen away (which was pretty much a moot effort).

This past Sunday we finally carved out some time to carve up the pumpkin (no pun intended).  Jackson and Cullen were very excited about helping out.  Both boys decided Andrew needed help cutting out the top and tried to grab the knife.  After several explanations on why they were too young to play with knives, Andrew was finally able to cut the top off.

Then the fun part came, pulling out all the seeds and insides of the pumpkin.  Jackson was not into sticking his hand into the pumpkin and grabbing the seeds and innards.  He refused to do after the first time and insisted on washing his hands.  Cullen, on the other hand, didn't mind at all.  After awhile, hands weren't working, so the boys used a spoon which Jackson was fine with using.  The kid who likes playing in mud didn't want to dirty his hands with pumpkin, go figure!

After the innards were emptied, Andrew carved out a face while Jackson and Cullen colored on smaller decorative pumpkins.

Meanwhile, I took the time to separate the pumpkin seeds to clean, flavor and toast them.  I made cinnamon and sugar pumpkin seeds and savory pumpkin seeds.  They actually turned out really good once I figured out what I was doing wrong.  In case you are toasting pumpkin seeds, do not forget to coat them in some olive oil before putting them into the oven.  This allows the seeds to toast up in a lovely brown color and keeps the seasoning on them.  Yes, they turned out great once I realized I had forgotten to put olive oil on them.

Pumpkin carving, coloring, and seed baking was a lot of fun for the kids!  Of course, I don't have a picture of the final pumpkin, but really, I'm just about 35 weeks pregnant.  Give me some slack!

The only time Jackson put his hand in the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Patch 2012

It's been awhile since I've written or posted anything on the blog.  Time and life got away from me, but I'll try to come back this week.

My brother, Matt, came into town on Sunday and left this morning.  Even though it was short visit, it was nice seeing him again.  It has been awhile since we've seen each other since he moved out of state for a job earlier this year.

Jackson and Cullen had blast with Uncle Matt.  Since Monday was Columbus Day, the boys had off from school.  We went to a park Monday morning.  The boys ran around like crazy and burned a lot of energy.  In the afternoon, we went over to a local pumpkin patch at the Episcopal church to get a few pumpkins.

They had rows and rows of pumpkins from small decorative ones to large carving pumpkins.  Jackson and Cullen had a blast running around the pumpkins and trying to pick up ones bigger than they were.  Here are a few pictures from the Pumpkin Patch.