My American Girl

This year, the majority of Avery's birthday presents revolve around an American Girl doll. At her birthday party (which was held 5 whole days before her actual birthday), she received gifts to accessorize the doll she had yet to receive! We weren't planning on taking her to get the doll until next weekend since her birthday fell on a Thursday this year, but I felt so bad that she didn't have the doll to accessorize! So we decided to take her today! I'm a sucker, and she was sooooo excited!! She beelined straight to the case and picked out one that looked just like her, or at least one that looked closest to her! 

We got there a few minutes before they opened, so we took that as a photo op!

After she picked her doll, we got in line at the doll salon to get her doll's hair done.

And while she was getting her hair done, I got suckered into getting the doll's ears pierced too, since "I have my ears pierced"-Avery

Meet Avery's new American Girl Doll, Alyssa. She loves this doll to pieces! And carried her all over the mall at Park Meadows and we also took her to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, which is doll friendly. (They had little high chairs for the dolls to sit in)

We were gone all day, when we got home, she immediately changed Alyssa into her new ballerina outfit she got for her birthday and put Alyssa on the ballet bar. I have to say, she's had a pretty busy weekend! Wait til she sees all the clothes Alyssa's gonna get on Avery's actual birthday.... 

Avery's 5th Birthday Party

I can't believe we just celebrated Avery's 5th Birthday.... it seems like only yesterday.... Oh but enough of the reminiscing. Let's get to the goods!! This year Avery invited her closest friends for a candy themed party at Hammond's Candies  in Denver. (I know, right? Totally not my style.) The kids got to see how they made candy, and then got to make some candies of their own! We had lots of chocolate and candy to play with and squeezed in some cake and pizza as well! It was definitely a great time and no stress on Mom and Dad since Hammond's took care of everything!! 

 The kids watching the video on the history of Hammonds.

 Watching the candy production.

 The whole crew getting in on the candy making action.

 OOOOHHHHH so much chocolate!

I can't believe my girl is turning 5!

Happy Birthday Party Day!!

We love you, Avery!!

Anderson Farms-a family tradition

Oh, Fall.... it has to be my most favorite season. There's a cool, crispness in the air, yet still warm... it's perfect BOOT weather! :) Every year, we always do our usual rounds... Rock Creek Farms for pumpkin picking and Anderson Farms for the corn maze. Every year, each farm seems to get more and more crowded, more popular. We're usually pretty good about hitting this places early in the month, but the month kind of just got away from us this year. 

Anderson Farms was CRA-ZY today!! We decided to get there as soon as they opened and even then there was still a line! Since we've been here before, we knew exactly what to get done before the big crowds got there.

So they were the first to ride the barrel cars, all by themselves... and I'm sure it was a lil longer than usual since no one else was in line

They were able to do the pedal cars....

twice, before the line was outta control.

We did the mine cars with no one  else in our car. Check out Avery's hair, that's how bumpy the ride was!

Got the photo ops in before everyone else found it

Boys being boys... in jail

And a nice lady offered to take our picture in front of the corn maze entrance, which is where we retreated to when it started getting busier.

I think this sign pretty much sums him up!

And last but not least, gourd launching. Lucas had a ball, Avery threw a fit! Welcome to my world!

Another fun year at the farm. I think I'll remember this year's experience next year, and try to get there at the beginning of the month instead of the end. We all had a great time as always!! 

TKD Testing

Last night after we left the fall festival, Lucas had his Tae Kwon Do testing. He's currently an orange belt and is testing for his green.

getting tested on his poom sae..

focused....

and determined.

Practicing his one step sparring with Jimmy,

And then with Mr. Steve

And every kid's favorite....

Board breaking with a round house kick.

He passed (I haven't seen a kid NOT pass yet) and should be receiving his belt sometime next week! Great Job Lucas!

PRA Fall Festival

WELCOME TO THE PRA FALL FESTIVAL

Lucas' school held a fall festival last night to raise money for the library. There was a bake sale, pulled pork sandwiches and hot dogs, face painting, hair spray coloring, a home depot building station, and even live music!! 

 The kids each got 2 face paintings, Avery picked a penguin and a rainbow. Lucas picked a skull and "BOO" across his forehead!

Then they wanted to get their hair spray painted different colors! Lucas had blue and green and Avery had orange... LOTS OF IT!

This is the finished product

They even had PRA tattoos, which the kids totally LOVED! Avery got the elementary mascot and Lucas got the middle school.

Hopefully the school raised a good chunk of change for the library! It seemed like there was a pretty good turn out!

A day in the life of city farmers

Over the weekend we headed over to Miller Farms in Platteville. You get to hop on a tractor and head out into the fields to pick your own veggies. Lucas and I came here last year with his class for a field trip and he was really excited to bring Eric and Avery this time. 

Eric and Avery are picking some green beans

Lucas picked some carrots

Hanging out til we reach our next stop!

 Eric picking some celery

 And Avery, DONE picking veggies!

When it was all said and done, we ended up with a ton of carrots and potatoes, onions, green beans, cabbage, pumpkins, gourds, corn, celery, red bell peppers, and habaneros!

In front of the farm, they have old cars and trucks "dressed up" as the characters from Disney's Cars. Here are some favorites!

After the kids had a photo op with EVERY single car out front, it was time to play!!

And they're off!! 

 Lucas jumping as high as he could!!

 Avery had sooooo much fun!!

And then there were more photo ops!! Lucas loved all of these planes!

 This might've been his favorite car of the day!! GHOSTBUSTERS!

 pedal cars!

HAPPY FALL FROM THE REXROTHS!