Trick or Treat

Athena came over to trick or treat on Halloween. It was hard to get a good picture, because the kids were so excited, jumping and running, but here is Thor, Strawberry Shortcake and Doc McStuffins.

Wine and Palette

The week before last, I went out on a girls' night with my mom, Stacey and Karla. We went to Wine and Palette, where they take you step by step through making a painting.

I love arts and crafts, but I'm not artistic, so the detailed instructions are right up my alley, and I tried to follow every little thing, and the result wasn't too bad. Here is my painting from start to finish.

It was fun to do it together and see how each person's was a little different.

I think they all turned out pretty good.

Pumpkin Patches

I think visiting a pumpkin patch is one of my favorite yearly activities, and this year we went to two pumpkin patches. First, we went to the Parkhurst Pumpkin with the Bowlings. This was our first time to go there, and I really liked it, because it was in a wooded area and had a relaxing feel.

I did think at one point that we might not ever make it out of the corn maze, but we did. The kids also enjoyed the hay ride, and I appreciated that we actually rode on hay, not just benches like some of the other "hay" rides.

I didn't get any pictures, but the kids also had fun on the rope swings and playing some of the games.

We also took our annual trip to the Orr Family Farm with cousin Athena.

We were so excited that they were open this year, even though they had been significantly damaged by the May tornado. They had basically everything up and going again, including the carousel.

Tyler spent a lot of time on the pedal cars, and the girls loved the giant slide and the jumping pillows.

Looking forward to doing it again next year.

Mother-Daughter Day

Ashley has been wanting to do another class at the art museum, and I was finally able to sign her up for one, and we went a few weeks ago. In the class, we visited one of the exhibits and learned about portraits. When we got back to the classroom, the kids got to draw a portrait of someone they love. Not suprisingly, Ashley chose to draw a picture of Grandma. Here was the result:

You may not be impressed, but I was actually suprised. She mostly just scribbles when given a crayon, and I didn't know she could really draw a person (stick figure).

After the art museum, we went for brunch at the Waffle Champion. I highly recommend it.

Fall Fun

I've been slow on blogging, but we've been having a fun time this fall. Here are a few of the things we've done.

We spent an afternoon at Martin Nature Park. Every time I go there, I think I need to go there more often. The kids particularly loved wading in the creek.

We also enjoyed a granola bar snack while there. Next time, I'm going to try to bring a full picnic.

We've, of course, spent some time at the Science Museum.

Ashley also tried Nutella for the first time at the cafe at the Science Museum. She was definitely a fan.

We've also gone to the Edmond Historical Society, playing at the playground outside,

and playing at the children's area inside.

Trip to Minnesota

Early this month, we were able to go to the cabin in Minnesota again. The kids took off with Grandma and Grandpa, and Brent and I followed four days later.

It was quite a big adventure for the kids, and they were so excited! There was lots of fishing with grandpa,

time spent with cousins,

four bonfires,

relaxing, 

a trip to the Duluth Children's Museum,

boat rides,

and many wonderful memories made.

State Fair

We got a season pass to the fair this year, and enjoyed Disney on Ice with Gram, Cousin Athena, Uncle Toby and Aunt Karla. We also met up with the Bowlings one day, which was a special treat. Here are some pics of some of the other highlights:

"Driving" cars in the Auto Show Pavilion

Playing in tornado shelters

Giving the Cox robot a hug

Making crafts at the Creation Station

And, of course, enjoying some special treats!

End of Summer Highlights

We've had a lot of fun over the last few weeks. The kids got to see their first Redhawks game.

We went with Toby, Karla, Athena and Granddad, and the kids loved it!

Tyler, in particular, was full of questions about the game, and it turns out baseball is a pretty complicated game to explain. I didn't know how much I knew about baseball until I started to explain it to him. We also took a trip to the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The kids enjoyed the dress-up clothes, pretending to cook beans over the open fire, learning about the rodeo, and hopping up on the saddles.

We've also enjoyed a trip to the Edmond Historical Society Museum,

And the Wondertorium with Cousin Athena.

Yesterday, the twins took off for their biggest adventure yet...a trip with Grandma and Grandpa to their cabin in Minnesota.

Brent and I plan to join them this weekend, and I can't wait to hear their stories!