dig, dig, dig, kick, kick, kick

So the kids just wrapped up their first swim lesson at the YMCA. I took Evan through several parent-tot sessions when he was much younger, but this was the first one he went through by himself.....and this is the first one Ella has ever been in. Evan is much more cautious than Ella ever was, so they are pretty much at the same level right now. She's a brave soul when it comes to being in the water. Evan improved GREATLY since the first day of class and I couldn't be more proud of him!! We of course will start our next session next week, and more than likely continue them throughout the year.

I was pretty much stuck with this camera angle.....which was horrible. Parents were allowed pool-side, but when I attempted that, Ella thought she could come over and sit with me instead of participate with her class......so needless to say me being pool-side was short lived. So hopefully you can make out which kids are mine!! :)

GingerBread Junction

Today we took the kids up to the YWCA to have some fun at their GingerBread Junction event. I had a pretty good feeling that Ella would only eat the decorations......and of course she didn't disappoint!! She was pretty excited at first to spread the frosting on the house and put some decorations on......but it was short lived. Evan really got into it and did a great job at covering his whole house!! Megan's kiddos did great too. I don't think Holden wanted to get his house too dirty, so his is about as bare as Ella's :) But all the kids did a great job.

Santa was there too, so Ella was sure to tell him that she wanted Barbie for Christmas!! Such a fun event!! The best part.....we didn't have to put together the houses....and we didn't have to clean up the mess!! Thanks for inviting us Jamie!!

to scale

Here's a look back over the past three years at just how much the kids have changed and grown! Makes my heart happy!! :) Check out my previous post about the location we shoot at.....hopefully we'll be able to continue this tradition next year.....with many to follow!!

Annual Fall Pictures

I finally drug myself out to do the kids' scale pictures this weekend!! My how they are growing. Funny how that can make you happy and sad all at the same time. Ella insisted on having that pumpkin in the picture with her......can't argue with a 2 1/2 year old can you....??

Simply Country

This is the beautiful barn that I've been taking the kids to for the last three years for their 'scale' picture! Just absolutely magnificent!! It wasn't until I started going their to take their pictures that I realized that there was an antique store inside the barn!! It's such a cool place inside and out.....and the couple that run the store are fantastic too!! For those of you who went to Lincolnview North building, the owner is Nancy (the secretary) and her husband. They do this as a hobby in their retired years. And let me tell you.....they have the best prices around! I browse a lot of antique stores and hands down their prices are the best!! They will even attend estate auctions in search of your specific needs!! Incredible!! I would love to furnish a house with furniture from here......

Unfortunately the barn is currently for sale and they are not sure if they will be able to continue to house their store inside. So this weekend was their last weekend for business. Unless of course, if the barn sells, the new owner allows them to remain. So if you're in the market to purchase some land......buy this amazing barn. And of course allow Nancy and her husband to stay!! :)

* C A N D Y *

Well I think we've got enough candy to last us until next Halloween!! Hope everyone got lots of treats and few tricks, if any!! :()

Lincoln Ridge

I took the kids out to Lincoln Ridge this past weekend to enjoy their festivities. There was so much to do, the kids had a blast!! This was the first time I'd been out there (to enjoy their fall festivities)......we'll definitely be coming back next year.

We didn't get any pictures on the hayride.....but we did ride out and pick our own pumpkins too.

Waiting on the barrel train....one of MANY times!! :)

Check out the chicken in the front!! I thought for sure Ella was going to jump out of the barrel.
She stayed.....watching closely....
And the chicken made it's exit!!
Yes......he's tall!! Ella wouldn't stand there
hahahaha
Oh the slide.....we spent lots of time here!!
Great Fun!!
Preparing ourselves to go to the Witches house......
Ella tried to sneak in the back!!
The door is opening.....
There's the Witch brewing her skull stew!! YUM
Running away to safety!!
Check out all those beautiful mums.
My Scarecrows