Fall Harvest Party

Every year at school, Makenna has a Fall Harvest Party. Basically, the current senior class picks a theme. The elementary students / teachers dress up and have a contest for the best costumes. Then the whole afternoon is spent playing games, crafts, face painting, etc. Of course, candy is involved!

This year Makenna wanted to dress up like a soccer player. Thanks to friends of ours that have kids who play soccer, she was able to do that. When we tried on her outfit a few days beforehand, I asked what other kids were dressing up as. She mentioned one boy was going to be a "racer". She asked if that was a sport. In her defense, we only refer to it as NASCAR. That boy ended up being the winning boy in her class (in spite of the fact that he is a Jr. fan -- sorry we're Jeff Gordon fans). Then she asked if soccer was a sport. I told her "Yes", and she asked why it was never on TV. HA! Well, usually that's because Daddy is watching NASCAR, pro or college football, baseball, etc. My brothers used to play and were really good -- All-Star good! We'll have to bring out the VHS tapes and let her watch a game or two unless we can snag the remote while it's actually on TV.

Here's our "soccer player"

The other kids and I decided to go to the school to see the parade of costumes. Isaiah was really interested and was good for most of the program.

Makenna & Mekenzie (an injured Steelers player)

Here's some of Makenna's classmates coming down from the platform. (The "racer" is on the right complete with checkered flag and trophy!)

Here are all the winners K4-6th grade. Makenna's friend, Mekenzie won for the 3rd grade girls and right below her is her sister, Lauren, also Makenna & Madison's friend. Notice the Green Bay Packer?? In Steeler Country?? What was he thinking? (Actually, they just moved here last year. He's the principal's son.)

For last year's Fall Harvest Party -- Patriotic Theme, Click Here!

Children's Museum

Today we went to the Children's Museum with Uncle Brian, Aunt Niki, Halle & Evan. We had originally planned to go to the zoo, but 45 degrees and rain changed that plan!

We spent a lot of time in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood . . .

"Trolley ride, anyone?"

Cousins

(Madi's facial imprint on the right in the middle)

Boys being boys -- Brian & Rick trying to figure out how the TV camera worked

A different kind of family portrait.

The letters on this screen would bounce off your head.

(The dot is the camera. Your image was projected back on to the screen.)

This large man's movements were controlled by the levers.

The gravity room (the picture was taken at a level horizon)

Isaiah loved playing with cars

and "Choo-choo"

Going up & down made bubbles.

Makenna enjoying the water area.

Halle & Madison (taken by Makenna)

And sweet baby Evan!

Happy / Sad Occasion

Last week the kids and I headed to Ohio for the funeral of my Great Aunt Mabel. Even though the purpose of our visit wasn't a happy one, we did enjoy the time spent with family.

My Great Aunt Mabel is the lady in the red jacket -- my grandma's sister-in-law

Wednesday evening was the viewing. Thursday morning we hung out with Papaw and went to a local 'kiddie park'.

The girls started off excited to ride on the Little Dipper.

But as you can see, Madi became terrified. Makenna was a real help in consoling her as much as possible. Unfortunately the ride takes you around twice. Madi was a little gun shy after this ride.

Isaiah loved to ride the boat and ring the bell. (Madi wouldn't ride because it looked like it went too fast -- this was after the Little Dipper ride.)

This ride was more her speed.



Poor Makenna was too tall to ride all but three rides. She is the first passenger on the train.


We also stopped by the school I graduated from. Papaw let the kids climb up on the referee stand in the gym.

We also saw Uncle Jon's name on the Athlete of the Year award (see top left)

Thursday afternoon was the viewing. Afterwards we visited with family over a meal.

Pictured is my Aunt Mary Ellen, Makenna & Aunt Lenore -- my grandma's sisters

My Uncle Dewey & Aunt Mary Ellen

PS: Aunt Lenore -- Isaiah didn't sleep at all on the way home, but it wasn't too bad of a trip.