Halloween Preparations

October is a fun month of Halloween activities at our house. I have just finished putting up the last of my decorations.

As usual, my Halloween village is dedicated to Erica. I have put a video of it on my blog since she cannot view it in person this year. Happy Halloween Girlie!

Caleb's First Camping Trip

This past weekend I took Caleb on his first camping trip with Lisa, Emily, Lisa's friend, Melissa, and her daughter, Lily. I think that it is great that Caleb's first camping experience was with all females!

We had a blast and I think that we all earned well-deserved camping merit badges. Lisa was in charge of the tent, Melissa was in charge of the fire, and I, of course, was in charge of the wine.

I am proud that we toughed it out through the night even though it POURED ALL night long!!!

Here are pictures from the weekend.
Caleb said that his favorite part of the weekend was going on the "blue boat" (paddle boat).Relaxing on the clubhouse porch during a rain storm. The kids loved the vent.
Caleb thinks that he is Tiger Woods!
This is Sherlock Holmes. We entered a four-part challenge race. (Hula hoops, paddle boats, sand find, and cupcake eating contest.) The goal was to be the first team to help Sherlock Holmes find Yogi's missing picnic basket. Our team did really well, but in the end three 3-year olds could not outrun 10-12 year olds. (Caleb's Mama would have tried if the rules didn't state the entire team had to stay together!)
You had to eat the cupcakes without your hands. Even Caleb didn't complain! I think that he knew it was a game.
Lisa did an AWESOME job with the tent!!!
Dinner. Yummy. (We did eat it!)
Lisa and I.
Yogi Bear's Dance. Caleb danced the entire time, even while Yogi was doing his Thriller solo. I think that we were there almost two hours. Caleb loved it! I even got out and danced some.
Caleb doing the limbo.
Caleb line dancing with Mama.
Even "Baby Graysen" went on the trip.

Airport Picnic

Friday was a busy day. After the playdate with Melanie and Jacob, the boys and I met Lisa at the Charlotte airport for a picnic near the runway. Lisa knew of a great spot and we were very close to the airplanes. All of the kids enjoyed the picnic, but Caleb really enjoyed watching the airplanes. When he got home, he got out his toy airport and recreated what he saw.

In contrast to the end of last week, Lee and I have had a very relaxing and quiet weekend. I always enjoy spending time with my three boys.

Graysen's First Solo Playdate

Friday morning, Graysen had his first "solo" playdate with Jacob. Jacob is Melanie's son. Melanie was my "sponser" at Milliken when I started working there back in 1998. It was great to catch up with her and meet her young son. Graysen, who is very social, loved playing with a friend.

Open House

Thursday night was Open House at Caleb's school. We got to see the classroom, talk to the teacher, have a picnic, and play on the playground.

Caleb absolutely loves school and adores his teacher.

Shipwreck Cove

On Saturday, we went to Shipwreck Cove with Lisa, Todd, and Emily. It was a fun family day, even though I did get my first bee sting ever! (Of course I handled it with grace.) It turns out that I am going to be OK, but I did make a call to Dr. Sean last night concerned that I may loose my finger. It feels much better today.

Chuck E Cheese

Today we went to Chuck E Cheese in Gastonia with Lisa and Emily. The kids always have a blast there.

Lee and I are worn out after a long week and are looking forward to relaxing over Labor Day weekend.