Playgroup at the park

Ah, the joys of fall- cool in the morning, gorgeous around lunch time. We took advantage of it and had our playgroup at the park. We brought bikes/trikes/scooters to play with, though they don't usually play with them for long. The swings and slides are the biggest hits.

Jacob loves getting to play with his friends!

A day at the park

Monday, our playgroup decided to meet at the park. We couldn't have asked for a better day! Just a few of us went, but we had a blast.

Keza/Kerryn, a new Texan (formerly from Austrailia) brought her sister, Leann, along too. They took turns with Erica's son, Connor. I was quite tickled when Leann chased a squirrel down for a picture- they don't have them in Australia.


Miss Erica ("Kuh" to Jacob) brought bubbles. I think she had more fun than the kids!

The kids had so much fun on the swings and slides and make-you-dizzy thing.

I love that Megan ("MayMay" to Jacob) was oblivious to her pants! That girl is a hoot!

While this isn't the best picture, I love that Keza and her daughter Georgia were having so much fun together.

I am Momma, see me do lots of things at once! My dear friend, Erica, with Megan and baby Connor, 2 months old ("Con" to Jacob).

We did manage to have a picnic too. Guess what, I even packed a lunch instead of buying fast food on the way. Hooray me! And, hooray all the kids were in the same place long enough for a picture

I really enjoy my friends and their children. What a blessing to be able to stay at home to enjoy days and moments like this!
Have I mentioned how much I love my zoom lens and taking pictures outside?

Ripe for the pickin'

Yesterday, we went with our Moms Club friends to Fall Creek Farms for strawberry picking. While there was the usual north Texas wind, the sun was fabulous! I actually got a little sun on my face. Don't fuss about me about sunscreen. My skin is getting close to being so white there's no makeup light enough :)

Since I can't grow any plant of any kind, this was a new experience for Beth. She loved it! Thankfully, I didn't have to worry about her, especially once her friends arrived. She learned quickly to find the reddest ones and pick them gently. She was insistent that she do it herself and fill up the box. She did let me put a few in the box.

Beth and Faith checking out strawberries. Mostly, it was Beth bossing about how to pick them.

More of Beth "helping"- this is her friend and look-a-like (Jacob even thought she was Beth) Austyn

The girls actually agreed to a picture! Gracie, Ava, Beth, Faith, Clara

Most of the time, I got to follow Jacob as he walked around. He did try to pick a couple strawberries and helped put some in the box, but that was the extent of his involvement. He was happiest playing in the dirt and stealing snacks from John Michael, "Mimul".

Here's a great photo of Jacob, thanks to Photoshop- edited out the runny nose and line of drool.

After all that picking, we paid for our strawberries then sat down for a snack and drink. Jacob actually tasted the strawberry. While he didn't love it (the usual sign he loves it is him asking for more), he didn't turn his head away for another bite. Beth just this morning realized she hadn't eaten a strawberry yet. Goofy girl! We also attempted a group picture with all the kids. Yup, that went well.

Overall, it was a great day. I look forward to going back to the farm for peaches, maybe even their veggies and certainly next year for strawberries.

Yummy Yummy

Last week, I set up a tour of the local ice cream shop for our Moms Club group.

Lucky for us, they also own the bagel/sandwich shop next door, so the kids got a bonus tour. That's one big, cold frig!

They had so much fun watching how ice cream and waffle cones are made. Jacob liked the "i-kee" too. He wanted so much to get down like the big kids. That would have been trouble!

Of course, to them, the best part was eating ice cream before lunch. Beth chose vanilla with m&ms. Jacob loved sharing hers.

Beth and Jackson behind Ms Karen and Faith. Ms Brandi and her boys- Nicholas, Nathan and Daniel. Ms Katherine and her crew- Gracie, Clara and John Michael. Ms Erica and Megan were there too, but I didn't get a good picture.

Party like it's 6 o'clock

We went, as a whole family, to the Moms Club Christmas party last night.

Our first party of the holiday season, and, honestly, probably the only one. It was a fun night, really. Dinner was a little late, kiddos were starting to melt down, but it was fun.

I enjoyed seeing the other families, since we usually just see moms and kids. We got a full meal for less than half of what it costs us to eat out, plus plenty of desserts to choose from.

Bonus, we won a door prize- $10 at Applebees! Then, we won a silent auction- 4 tickets for the movies. Now, we just need a babysitter.

The kiddos had a book exchange. Jacob was oblivious- he wanted to walk around more than pick a present. Beth couldn't hardly stand it until it was her turn. They both got Christmas books, and Beth got fabulous glittery, fuzzy ribbon for crafts.

Happy Halloween

We had a busy, fun Halloween. It really is a holiday made for kids.

We went to a Moms Club Halloween Party,

home for a nap, our neighbors Bonnie and Tiffany hosted a party,

then trick or treating with our friends Elizabeth and Jackson, and Gilda and Ariana.

Needless to say, they both went to sleep without any fuss!