Be My Valentine

This morning the boys had a special breakfast and treats (no Valentine's peeps, for after school).

Then off to school for the Valentine's Day parties. Brayden and I joined their classes. 

Carter was happy with his Valentine's box him made at home with the Valentine's comics from the weekend.

Finally home, spread out all of the cards, read each and assess the candy situation.

The first snow of the season

Well, it technically was the second snow of the season...but it was the first snow that boys could play in!

They were excited to get out and sled. Up and down the hill, hundreds of times. Every time, laughing and laughing.

Getting ready for Halloween

Pumpkin carving of course. Carter and Luke selected the designs that they wanted (pre-selected by mommy, ones to choose from that mommy could handle). Luke does NOT like to clean out the insides, he thinks it is gross.

They worked hard to clean them out. Mommy worked hard to carve them and then we worked together to hot glue their stuff.

Brayden did not carve but played with the pumpkin seeds. He was not thrilled.

We also had friends over this week for some Halloween fun. Painted little spooky houses. Made spooky candy. Had orange hot chocolate (would not recommend it). And watched the classic Garfield's Halloween.

Football Fest 2010

Carter, Luke and Jeremy had the season opening football festival.
Jeremy coaches Luke's flag team, the Huskies. The Huskies seemed to dominate their two games. Luke, #3, had some good runs (oh he wants to run the ball every time).


Carter, #39, played tackle on the Ravens. With the league he is in, the coaches rotate positions so that the players learn a lot. His team played three short games this morning. Carter was a blocker and no one got past him.

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Carter was the QB for several plays and liked that (he did get tackled pretty hard and got right back up). On defense he got a couple of good tackles.
Picture of him taking the snap and handing off the ball.
Brayden was there cheering them on. He even brought a little football (trying to find a purple one since the Huskies are gray/purple and the Ravens are purple).



Of course after the games there was food, moonbounces, dunk tanks, yummy treats...

A camping we will go

Jeremy, Carter, Luke and the dog went camping this weekend. They joined some of Jeremy's family. Brayden and I stayed home and enjoyed the quiet.

According to Carter and Luke they had fun sleeping in the tent, riding on the boats and playing in the water. And they are ready to do it again.

All of the playing and sleeping in the tent, left them...

exhausted.

Swinging

After another doctor appointment for Brayden, the boys and I joined some friends at the amazing Clemyjontri park. Thankfully it was not nearly as busy as the last time we were there but the carousel was closed for the season. Luke found a new swing to try (sporting his King of the Playground shirt) and Brayden enjoyed his moment in the special swing. Carter was busy climbing.

Udvar Who?

We have been so busy the past couple of weeks, I have not had a chance to post about some of the outings.

We joined the Coleman family to tour the Udvar-Hazy museum.

Living in NoVA we take for granted that so many museums and national landmarks are so close. This museum is located near Dulles Airport. The Udvar-Hazy Center is an extension of the National Air and Space Museum.

We viewed all sorts of interesting aircraft and space gear. Some planes so small, it is surprising that a person and an engine could fit in it. Jeremy, Carter and Luke tried an airplane simulator, definitely a highlight for the day.

Two Party

The boys' cousin, Kaden, just turned two. He celebrated with a party at a local park. Gorgeous weather, open space with plenty of room to run and lots of food, who could ask for more? Well cake, they loved the cake.

Carter & Luke with their cousins Kaden & Mekayla

Brayden just enjoyed being outside. One of these days he will enjoy the cake too.

The Great Frederick Fair

The Frederick Fair is one of the best fairs around.












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Carter and Luke wandered through all animal barns. It looks like Brayden did not enjoy the smell...

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Then they convinced Jeremy to let them try out few rides. The bumper cars and an obstacle course were a big hit.
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Why do I go? For the cotton candy, which I have to share with my children.

Magical Park

To celebrate the last days of summer, the boys and I joined Aunt Shelley, Anna, Holland, Austin and Brooklyn at a park. The Clemyhontri Park in McLean, VA. This is not just any park. It is one of the largest parks that I have been to; it borders on being an amusement park. The park is completely magical; assortments of things to climb, swing and even a maze to walk through. The place was designed to be handicap accessible, so Brayden was in all of the action. The icing on the cake is a carousel that is in the middle of the park and we could wheel Brayden right on it with his KidKart. Could you ask for more? We will definitely be going back to this place.

Lucketts Fair

This past weekend we headed over the hill to the Lucketts Fair. The boys go for the horse/pony rides and sweet treats. The fair has several activities for the children, music, lots of food and antique or craft stands. Jeremy found a sign painted on old barn wood that he purchased for the house.
Carter and Luke had face painting but we learned a long time ago that face painting worked better when painted on the arm or hand. That way they can enjoy it!





Then they headed for a ride on the horses. They wanted to go again but we were not up for waiting in line.


We dined on hot dogs, cheese fries, lemonade and snow cones. A well balanced meal. Then Luke spotted the dunk tank. He was determined to throw the balls despite that fact that he was too little. Carter gave it a try and then Luke followed. Both were bummed that they did not send the man into the water.

How Brayden started the day and how Brayden ended the day.