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Halloween got started early with trick-or-treating at Grams and Pop's house.

Per Molly's request, Leah was a banana. So, here's our cute, little peeled banana.

Everyone posed for a quick pic before heading to our next Halloween destination.

We then headed to church where they had lots of Halloween games for kids. Molly showed off her basketball skills.

Leah got in on the playing as well.

Simon and Matilda came to the party too.

Molly picked all of our costumes. She first decided she wanted to be a monkey, then that Leah had to be a banana to accompany her. Then, she decided that Chad and I would be trees for her to climb on (banana trees, to be specific). We borrowed Molly's monkey costume, but I made the rest. We even took the prize for best family costume.

After the games, we went outside for trunk-or-treating.

This led to lots and lots of candy.

Since Molly's now in preschool, she gets to celebrate Halloween with her class. Parents were invited to come see them recite a couple poems and sing a song. As you can see, Molly was a bit excited. If you think you're hearing some extra voices, you're right, as there are more kids off to the right that I couldn't fit in the shot.

One of the great things about living in a planned community is the number of conveniences available. One that Molly has taken advantage lately is the tot lot (aka mini playgrounds) near our house. Fall can be a great time to swing and slide.

Last week, I hosted a squirt bottle painting playdate. Squirt bottles + colored water + paper = happy kids! They sprayed so quickly that the water didn't really soak into the poster board, but they didn't care!

The kids did a nice job of sharing to end up with a nice waterfall of colors. They all had such fun!

We all enjoyed owl s'mores when the masterpieces were completed.

The days of waking up early for school! Molly was so excited for her first day of preschool.

It's important to practice thinking before going off to school for the first time.

The teacher's report at the end of the day was that in her 10 years it was her best first day - no tears and no accidents! By Molly's second day, she ran in without a hug or kiss goodbye, and I got merely a wave without even a look back. Hello Miss Independent! It's going to be an exciting adventure for us all.

Leah is turning One,

Flutter by and join the fun!

We celebrated Leah's birthday with family and friends last weekend. Leah wore her Mommy-made party dress and a festive butterfly bow. Despite still being sick (we discovered later this was the roseola virus), Leah shared some smiles at her birthday party.

Upon arrival, each child at the party got a butterfly wand.

The bigger kids enjoyed playing with the butterfly shaped bubble wands.

Despite big sister's enthusiasm, Leah wasn't so sure about being sung to.

After a good nap and a snack, Leah was ready to open a few gifts.

There's our happy girl! Leah loves her new Dora ride-on toy, and often thinks it's cool to ride backward.

And for those interested, all the personalized party printables were bought from Bird Crafts.

Molly has begun a "gyn-nastics" class. She loves for Daddy to jump and swing her, so this is a great new sport for her. There are 5 kids in the class and they do a great job of listening to Miss Amanda. Leah and I hang out and watch from the waiting room.

She now likes walking on any curb to practice her balancing skills.

As you can see, there are many, many classes going on simultaneously. (Pay no attention to the woman and baby in the mirror!)

After quizzing Molly after this class, swinging from the bar was her favorite part!

While everyone else is starting school, Molly's still got a week and a half before she starts preschool. They've been renovating this summer, and are not quite done. But, they had an open house today to show off the new digs as the final touches are completed. Molly was thrilled to get to go check out her school.

Leah seemed to think she was ready for school too. Sorry Leah, you've got a couple years.

The school is loaded with fun stuff, and Molly just kept running around and getting excited about everything. Here she found a bin full of hats and modeled a firefighter hat for me.

Ms. Carol, Molly's teacher, was great and Molly warmed up to her and Ms. Jodi very quickly. Here's Ms. Carol reading a story to Molly and Leah.

Molly can't wait to start school. I think it's going to be tough to keep her patient over the next week and a half before school starts.

Molly and I went on a tour of Rita's Italian Ice with our MOMS Club. First, we saw the process of making lemon ice.

And then got to taste the freshly made ice.

Next, the kids were given small cups of random flavors and tried to guess what kind of ice it was.

And finally, the kids got to order their very own cup of Italian ice. Molly was set on getting red.

Surprisingly, even after eating the kid (aka huge for a toddler) serving, she ate a great lunch.