FKA Pow-wow 2014

FKA does a "pow-wow" every year as part of their Thanksgiving festivities.  Last year it was so cute but as soon as Braelyn knew I was there she just wanted to be with me and didn't really participate.  This year was a completely different story!  She stayed with her class and loved every second of listening to the stories and, most importantly to her, singing the songs!  She was so into the motions for the songs, Ms. Sheri had to keep guiding her back to her spot on the blanket so that her friends had room!  It was a little different this year since a lot of the church building is still under construction. They had to do it upstairs in their building where there isn't quite as much room in the gym.  Because of that they had to take turns with the classes throughout the day going through the different activities.  Unfortunately her class was later in the day so I didn't get to see her getting her face painted like an Indian, fishing for candy corn, doing feather painting, etc.

Is that a cute little Indian or what?!

Tradition of the Christmas Plate-2014

I am not really sure how long we are going to keep this tradition going but so far it is one of my favorites-our annual Christmas plate!  This is the first year that I have taken both girls with me at the same time and it actually went really well.  After they each put their foot prints on this years' plate, they decorated an ornament while I put the finishing touches on our plate.  I am pretty sure this is the earliest we have ever gotten this done but I had a feeling our next few weeks are going to be pretty busy so I thought I had better take advantage of a Friday afternoon with no plans!

THAT TICKLES!!!!!!

Sweet smile!

They insisted on having the girl who helped us be in the picture when they showed off their masterpieces!

Pumpkin Investigation

In lieu of a Halloween party, the kindergarten classes at Snyder all did what they called a Pumpkin Investigation.  Several parents from each class brought in pumpkins for the kids to measure, describe, count seeds, and carve.  I was so excited that I got to help out in Em's class.  First, I had lunch with her and while she was at recess I helped Ms. Krakow get everything set up.  At our table, it was just me, Em, and her friend Sophia.  We had the best time!  When the Pumpkin Investigation was over, I checked Em out so that we could get our weekend started early.  I love times likes this!

How tall is your pumpkin?

Em carrying our pumpkin to the scale-wow this is really heavy Mom!

IT'S ELSA DAY!!!!!!!!

The moment we have all been waiting for...Elsa Day, aka Halloween, has FINALLY arrived!!!  Emerson's school does not wear Halloween costumes to school.  It was spirit day and she was supposed to wear a Snyder t-shirt.  I thought she would take it a little harder that Braelyn got to wear her Elsa costume as soon as she got up this morning but she seemed totally satisfied that you are supposed to wear a costume to big kid school!  Braelyn got to be a part of the annual Halloween parade at First Kids this morning and I was so thankful that she actually stayed in line with her class this time!  She was the absolute cutest Elsa there!  Her wig was PRICELESS!  After I watched the parade, it was off to Em's school for her "pumpkin investigation"(more on that later!) and then back to pick up B...whew, what a day!  We decided that a little nap was a good idea so that we would be ready for trick-or-treating with Daddy!  When Daddy got home we fueled up with some bugs in a blanket and then it was out the door for trick-or-treating.  Unfortunately not many houses in Benders seem to participate in trick-or-treating but the girls got plenty of loot nonetheless!

My first attempt at the wig was in the parking lot of school while she was eating a kolache...I'll do better for tonight!

 

 

She loves the wig but I think it felt pretty good to get it off!  She wasn't about to let me take her crown though!

Our Halloween feast-bugs in a blanket!

Prettiest Elsas I've ever seen!

Poor B kept getting caught up in her dress!

They ran as fast as they could up and down each driveway.  On the run back they were yelling a play by play of what happened to Daddy who was waiting in the car!

They had SO much fun!!!

Time to sort the loot!

Braelyn was opening faster than Daddy and I could help check!

Level 3 Conquered!

Emerson and Braelyn have both been doing great at swim lessons!  They are both swimming by themselves now, Em a little further than Braelyn, they are able to float, swim on their backs, and are certainly not scared to jump in by themselves!  Emerson has mastered all of the skills for the Level 3 class and will now be moving up to Level 4.  When they move levels, they get a certificate and get their picture taken to hang on the bulletin board for everyone to see.  We are proud of you sweet Emerson Leigh!

Precious Family Time

Seeing our girls have so much fun...the greatest thing ever!  I love seeing them laughing together. I love seeing them chasing each other. I love seeing them help each other.  I love seeing them worrying about each other.  I love seeing them soaking up time with their Daddy.  I love seeing them get filthy dirty playing.  I love seeing them wearing a tutu and ballet slippers no matter the activity.  I love to see them sharing.  I love to see them being thankful.  I love to see them just living life.  I got to see all these things this afternoon and I wouldn't trade those moments for the world. 

 

Not sure how much Braelyn remembered from carving the pumpkin last year...she watched Daddy's every move!

Practicing drawing the perfect face

Daddy starting to draw Emerson's face onto the pumpkin.

Emerson decided to get it just right, she needed to be the one to draw it on the pumpkin!

Braelyn supervising Daddy cutting her face out.

Time to make the little pumpkins sparkle!

Still working on Braelyn's creation.

Does your Jack-O-Lantern have 2 faces?!