Halloween Party at Playgym

Today was Andrew's party at Playgym and yes....he was ELMO! I took him to pick out a costume for himself and he wanted "momo jacket" Whenever I tell anyone they say "you didn't know that you're supposed to let 2 year old's pick out their own Halloween costume?" That is apparently the only way to get a toddler in a costume but no one told me this before I bought 3 other costumes. Anyways, he looked adorable in it and I'm glad he was happy. Did I mention he hasn't taken his "momo jacket" off since we bought it. 


Look at that grumpy face....Amelia took his instrument and he was pouting!

Twas the Night Before.......

We procrastinated long enough about carving our pumpkins, so last night was the last chance. If you recall, I took Andrew to pick out a pumpkin a few weeks ago and we also got one for Chad and I. Andrew loved his "baby punkin" and even carried it with him on walks in the wagon! Well, Mommy ran over the "baby punkin" last week and had to hide the accident from Andrew until I could go buy another one. He absolutely loves art and was so excited to paint his pumpkin. He decided to put paint on his nose for some reason (even though he freaks out if it's anywhere on him or his clothes normally) and he thought it would be funny to put some on mine as well! I'm a good sport and don't mind getting a little messy every once in a while, plus it made for cute pictures!! Andrew wasn't sure about us carving the big pumpkin, he was hesitant about putting his hand in it to clean out the seeds but did help out a little. It was such a fun family activity, I'm sorry we hadn't done it earlier!

Monkey See.....Monkey Do

After we came home from Disney on Ice, we rushed to get ready and down to the neighborhood Halloween party. Let me give you a little history on the Halloween costume situation in our house. I didn't know what to dress Andrew as this year, the things I like are generic (fireman, astronaut, monkey, cow) and mean absolutely nothing to him, therefor, he refuses to wear them. The things he likes and would agree to wear are cheesy characters that I am too selfish to let him wear (Bob the Builder, Handy Manny, Thomas, Elmo, Mickey). Not to offend any of you who have or will soon dress your kids in these costumes, I will agree to them next year and all the years after, but right now he is still my baby and I want him to just look sweet and silly! So, my friend Denise let me borrow her son Noah's cow and monkey costume and my friend Caroline bought Andrew a firefighter coat and boots.....3 great options. Except, Andrew has a meltdown when we try to put any of those on him. I thought I would just try tonight before the party and I pumped him up before it, telling him, "you get to wear Noah's monkey shirt, pants and hat." At first it was "No, no monkey shirt" but when we got home, it was like he had no fight left in him after hours of Disney on Ice! I got the costume on him, he never complained and never tried to take it off...Success!

                                                    Halloween story-time

       Sweet Meg aka Sheep and her big sister Kate was Little Bo Peep. Kate had taken her wig off before I got any pics and Andrew broke her sheep herder stick :-(
                                                     Catelyn the UT cheerleader
                                                                Mary Margaret

Disney On Ice

Chad and I took Andrew to Disney on Ice with Ashley, Marissa and Ella tonight. The kids had never seen the Disney movies that were actually "featured" but still enjoyed watching the show. Mickey Mouse, Goofy, etc, came out between segments and they really loved that part! Andrew called everything that seemed scary a "monster" and whined for more monsters a lot of the time. he didn't want to sit on our laps but wanted his own chair most of the time. He was smiling, clapping and saying hi to the characters. Did I mention that we had 2nd row seats and could literally touch the stage...it's all about the kids! 

Boo at the Zoo

Chad and I took Andrew to Boo at the Zoo last night and it was one of the most fun things we have ever done in Chattanooga! I wasn't too excited about going but it turned out to be lots of fun and Andrew loved getting to see some of his favorite characters. Chad and I were excited for him and Chad even screamed at Elmo from across the zoo after Andrew saw him walking. Chad yelled "Elmo, Elmo" and he stopped so we could catch up and let Andrew say hello.....so embarrassing. That's how you know you're truly a parent, when you're not too cool to scream for Elmo! Andrew refused to wear his fireman costume but didn't mind the boots. He was the only kid not dressed up, but what can you do. I don't judge anymore. I too, thought I would be a perfect parent and make no mistakes........ before I had a kid! Just ask my sister!

                                              Riding his 3rd pony in a month!!
                                       We love petting the sheep, goats and donkeys!

King of Playdates

I know some people (my sister) make fun of me because we are constantly having play-dates, so here's another one for everyone to enjoy. The funny thing is, I only take pictures at a few of them, we actually have a play-date every day, sometimes 2 a day. I just get so bored sitting in the house and if I go anywhere I spend too much money. This way I get to talk with my girlfriends and Andrew gets to play with kids his age at the same time...Perfect! Us stay at home moms do what we can to survive! Marissa had us over to her house this morning and it was so much fun. She's a stay at home mom but used to teach so she's all about doing fun stuff for the kids. We had art (coloring and stickers in Halloween themes), lunch (pumpkin sippie cups with their names on them, sandwiches in shapes of ghosts and Halloween cupcakes), and goodie bags filled with candy and stamps to take home. What a perfect hostess, thanks so much Marissa and Ella!

Can you believe we got all the kids to sit still for pictures, they didn't even move after we were done snapping away, those goodie bags had them on their best behavior!

Mini Me

Chad and Andrew were enjoying some pizza and football Saturday night and I couldn't believe how much they looked alike in this picture. They are even holding their mouth the same way (full of pizza)! You have to click on it to enlarge it and get the full effect. Andrew was so cute, he kept repeating everything that Chad said, "He's that Michigan grad" "Holy cow" "football player", thank goodness he repeats Chad more than me since my language isn't as tame :)