Carving up some pumpkins

Carving pumpkins this year, like pretty much everything for the last few months, was completely random.  We had our pumpkins all lined up in the yard and along the driveway, and last weekend, as the weekend was winding down, we just decided to go for it--no planning, no templates, just go for it in the driveway.

Eric had brought up a few tubs of halloween props to get us started, so he knew where the scrapers and pokers were.  The girls grabbed a pumpkin and just got to it. I think Amara was excited more about the roasting of the pumpkin seeds this year (thanks to a lesson from Sarah about it) so they were scooping goo and tossing it on a pan at lightening speed.

Daddy got into the act, as always and free-formed a lovely Micky pumpkin that they girls loved--to get us all in the Disney mood--a mere 2 weeks away at that point.

We did a few funny faces, a few shapes, and Cora especially liked the potato head witch get-up that one of us must have gotten last year and resourcefully packed with the decorations, that was a score for sure!!

Not a single candle or light have been in the pumpkins yet, but they don't even care. We are so preoccupied with trying to put the house together, get ready for the trip, etc. that by the time we get back, they will not even realize we will get ANOTHER halloween here in Ohio, haha.

We did bring the seeds in.  While I bathed the girls of their dirt and goo, Eric stripped the seeds and got them boiling. Amara went right in and recited the directions Sarah had told her--to use a little OJ, and some salt and to roast them.  Eric (of course) googled full directions and opted to par-boil the seeds first, and they turned out great.  Amara and Cora munched on the seeds while we watched the Halloween episode of Jessie on the couch.  Sometimes those improptu, 'wingin' it evenings are just the best.

Stephens bonfire

Our friends the Stephens decided to have a fall bonfire and potluck on a beautiful evening at their home.

We didn't stay till dark for the bonfire, but we did have enough time for the girls to enjoy a wagon hayride from Mr. Robert on the mower and some lovely purple cupcakes, I MEAN PURPLE!!

Annie also busted out the paint and pumpkins and the girls loved painting in the yard, Annie knows the way to our kids hearts for sure!

While the kids played in the playset, the adults talked and shared micro-brew recipes :)

The evening was very peaceful and we all enjoyed ourselves, and especially our dear friends.

Amara's 5 year/ Busy Bees school pics

Amara and I went shopping together for her pic outfit this year and that in itself is a story for another time...but my little fashionista was thrilled to get ready for school pic day.

It wasn't her normal day of the week at school, so we got ready JUST for this special day. She got to pop in and be a 'celebrity' for a second, surprising kids and teachers alike with her drop in for the moment.

She got all prettied up and we headed in--JUST in time for the group shot, then a few quick poses and we were really out in just a few minutes.

I love that she wanted to accessorize with her ring and necklace--and that it's featured in one of her photos.  She makes me smile with the smallest details that only she and I seem to be able to appreciate...and never mind the flip flops--not only was it a fight I was bound to lose, but I convinced myself that it was likely only a waist-up shot and that it wasn't matter, not that it mattered to me :)

She's growing up too fast!!

GCHS band invitational

This year's GCHS band invitational was a special one. Not because it was a landmark number, though I think it might be in the 20th-some year now, but because this was the last one for the very esteemed Mr. George Edge.

I really wanted to go, and the plan was to let Amara go with g'ma and g'pa--since they (and we all) are such big George Edge and family fans, but I just couldn't let the evening go without going.

Knowing GC would be last, as host band, we waited till about 7 to go.  Shortly after we got there, mom and dad came, and then started the runs to the concession stand. Thank goodness for them though, b/c without the hotdogs, nachos and popcorn, I don't think the girls would have lasted!!

Don't get me wrong, they loved watching the bands and the flags, particularly for Amara, but those 15 minute waits in between were killer!!

All in all, Amara went to spend the night with g'ma and g'pa, and Eric carried a very sleepy Cora back to the car for a quick bed at home.  That cool night air and all the stars out here are just mesmerizing.

We had a nice evening and it was fun for E and I to attend a band competition together, see some friends, and support a man who has supported us as much as we him, and who we are proud to call a friend.  Happy retirement Mr. Edge.

Landon's 5th bday party

Landon's 5th birthday party was a great (but busy) day in our house!!  We headed to the party without Cora and daddy--while they rested up for the band invitational later.  Amara played with some friends from school, but especially loved riding Landon's scooter.

Amara didn't have much luck on her own, but Mr. Hinkle (Josh, whom we all love) hopped right on there with her to give her a personal lesson! The two of them went up and back the street several times, laughing all the way.

Landon (of course) was a stud at it! He whizzed along at what seemed like 20 MPH!! Amara never really took to one she has, but this seemed like motivation, lol.

The kids mostly played in the jump house and around the yard, but I did manage to get a quick pic of the birthday kiddo and one of his biggest fans :) Happy birthday, Landon Hinkle!!

JAHS game with Hannah and Haylee

Since Amara liked cheer so much this fall, I asked mom if she would take Amara to a football game to watch Hannah.

We had gone in the winter, but I hoped now that she's had a chance to do it herself, maybe she'd enjoy it more.

Turns out a LOT of the family was all there, Amara loved watching Hannah--who even did some cheers Amara knew--and LOVED that detail, and Haylee was there too with her tiny cousin Kylah.

Amara said she had a lot of fun at the game and with her cousins, and the smile on her face told the rest of the story. SO CUTE!

Amara's first boyfriend, Carlon (he's invisible)...

ah young love...actually, I think they already broke up, I'm not sure, but a few months ago, Amara started talking about Carlon.

Carlon this, Carlon that, Carlon lives far away, but he came and picked her up for lunch today...

(I actually started getting worried about what happened when she was at school!?)  She'd mention him from time to time--the details she gave were comical, but he was a big deal.

When daddy asked about him, he botched his name--I think it was intentional to get her rialed up.

At first, she was very defensive about him, and then, without warning, almost as suddenly as it began, it was over. She told us he "wasn't real, DUH" and hasn't mentioned it. I think it was one of those things were as soon as we paid attention, it was no longer fun for her.  Oh well.

I thought it was cute, and quite imaginative for a 5 yr old...not to have a pretend friend, but a pretend long-distance relationship :) haha.