Pizza!

Claire's class went on a field trip to a local pizza manufacturer. Before it was announced, she kept telling us they were going on a field trip where there would be cheese pizza and milk. She asked if both Lucian and I could go. When we finally got the date and location, it worked for both of us. We toured a factory, watched a video and ate pizza for lunch.

They sent the kids home with pizza dough as well. Claire had fun making her pizza and insisted on using a rolling pin.

And anything that Claire does, Kyle wants in on too.

She also helped me make pancakes over the weekend as well as scoop roasted pumpkin for pies. She is a little Martha Stewart.

Art Museum

I am a little behind in my postings. These photo are from a quick trip to the art museum two weeks ago. We just needed to get out of the house that Sunday, so we ran around the atrium for a bit before lunch. We ended up staying while some crazy weather passed through.

Earlier in the weekend we asked my parents to watch the kids while Lucian and I went out to dinner and to a movie. It was a most enjoyable evening and Claire was super excited to spend the evening with Nana and Papa.

Aunt Mimi was recovering from toe surgery so Claire colored a get well sign for her. We sent her this photo

All About Claire

Claire is really enjoying school this year. After several weeks of tough drop-offs in the mornings, she has settled into a great routine. Just tonight she mentioned how she only knew Sydney on the first day and then proceeded to list off every student in the class she now knows.

We signed Claire up for picture day even though we have some great photos of her already. She informed her teachers that her dad is a photographer so she did not have to take them. He teacher said that it was up to her parents to which Claire's response was "Fine, but I'm not going to smile.'" As you can see she didn't quite smile... we still bought the photos.

Claire had a lovely grandma date last weekend with Nana Kathleen. They had lunch just the two of them and then went dress shopping. Claire did a fashion show when they returned home to show off her new purchases.

Claire wrapped up another session of gymnastics. My parents were visiting, so they went with us to her last class. We were able to go in and watch on that day and Claire just beamed the whole time having a big audience. She is asking to try ballet next.

 

Halloween 2013

We got the weekend started with a little pumpkin carving. The kids were intrigued by the texture of the pumpkin guts. Kyle tried to eat a seed or two right out of the pumpkin. I roasted them, but they didn't turn out right. Oh well.

Trick or treating was Sunday afternoon in our neighborhood. Kyle was Elmo and Claire was Princess Merida from the movie Brave. We headed to a few close neighbors first. Claire was again unsure of this process and Kyle was outgoing and gregarious as usual.

Someone liked his treats

We hung out in our yard for a while and Claire practiced her bow and arrow skills

Kyle went down for a nap and then Claire and I ran around with a group of neighbor kids. She warmed up to the process, but I still had to hold her hand at the doors. She managed to say thank to everyone, but didn't like to say trick or treat. Eventually she passed out in the living room for a late nap.

Our finished jack-o'-lanterns

Day Off

Claire did not have school last Thursday or Friday. She spent Thursday at her old daycare with Kyle, which she enjoyed, and I stayed home on Friday with both kids.

First thing Friday morning, Claire had a dentist appointment. I also had Kyle, so she wasn't able to sit on my lap in the chair. She was a little timid at first, but let the hygienist clean her teeth with the scrapers and polishing brush. She did such a great job. I know she felt great about her accomplishment too.

After that we headed to the Children's museum. We got there early enough to beat the crowds (many other schools were off too) and had a great morning. The two of them even played together quite a bit.

Kyle's favorite exhibit. He would have driven this truck all day. Luckily it was next to the grocery store area, which is Claire's favorite.

We got cookies when we stopped at the grocery store later. Claire chose this Packer cookie and asked that I send a picture of it to Lucian.

Pumpkin Farm Field Trip

Claire's Class went to a pumpkin farm last week and Lucian went along with his camera. He took so many photos I feel like I was there (which is great, I loved the apple farm trip I went on). Here are a few. It was a cold day, but everyone still had fun.

 They touched several animals, although some effect may have been lost through mittens.

 They fed goats

 And took a tractor ride to the field

 I like this face, not sure what she's thinking

 Claire picked the perfect pumpkin and Lucian got one too

 Waving goodbye to Daddy from the bus

Mom Photo

I'm fortunate to have Lucian take such great photos of our family. Typically I share his best work, but the photos from this session are pretty humorous.

I asked Lucian to take a photo of me and the kids as a birthday present. I wanted it to be outside, so we headed out in the late afternoon the other weekend. Big mistake. These kids are best in the morning, which I know. We got little to no cooperation from Kyle and Claire didn't last long either. Which is too bad, since I was having a great hair day.

 I brought bubbles hoping to distract them. Didn't impress Kyle.

 This is where we lost Claire.

Kyle was happy to pose for some close-ups, but wanted nothing to do with standing or sitting on the blanket.

 A decent shot of Claire and I.

 Last weekend we tried again in the studio. In the morning. Much better.