Halloween Festivities

yummmmm...

Grrrrrrrrrrr!!

This has been a fun age for Drew to enjoy Halloween. Last week we decorated pumpkin sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles, earlier this week his preschool class had a Halloween party and tonight he went out with us to trick-or-treat. It took one house to understand the concept....if I say 'trick-or-treat' they give me candy......and he was a pro. He came home with about 5 houses worth of candy in his pumpkin and couldn't wait to dump it out with Daddy and try as many pieces as possible. Needless to day he was an hour late getting to bed and still a little wired, but it was worth it.

Potty Training

We've been applauding Drew for going to the bathroom on his potty for months now and he loves the experience. Unfortunately he hasn't gotten to the point where he tells us when he has to go yet, but we're hoping that will come soon.

Recently Drew and I were shopping at Target and we made a stop in the restroom before leaving the store. It was both embarrassing and funny when Drew said loudly "Yea, Mommy went potty" clapping his hands.

Pumpkin Patch

We took Drew to the Pumpkin Patch today and had such a great time. It's one of our favorite activities every year and the weather today was perfect for it.....a cool, sunny, breezy fall day. The Pumpkin Patch we went to was at Surbuban Lawn and Garden in KC, MO. We love that place. We're in the market for a new tree in the front corner of the house so we took a golf cart around the tree farm and made it a fun shopping excursion. We made a stop at the playground for Drew to go down the slide and play in the little cedar house. We went on a hayride, and rode in a military vehicle which both Dave and Drew loved! Both boys are zonked now....Dave on the sofa watching the Chiefs, and Drew in his bed....peace :).

American Royal BBQ

My friend Laura and I helped judge the American Royal BBQ competition today. This is our second year to judge after exhibiting the two years prior. Judging is a lot less work with much of the same benefit - great BBQ! We judged 5 categories of meats: chicken, ribs, pork, brisket and sausage. This year we followed the lead of others and brought coolers to bring home the best in each category. You end up taking 1 or 2 bites of each piece, and judge 5+ pieces in each category. So we each brought home a LOT of BBQ. Good thing it freezes well.

Telemarketers

We don't mind receiving mail about a new service or asking for a donation, but do not like telemarketing calls to the house. Since Drew loves answering the phone, when a telemarketer called, Dave let Drew answer the phone. He told the friendly caller all about Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto. Drew then ended the call with 'bye bye' and a kiss.

No More Tantrums

I am relieved there were no major tantrums today. We went to school early this morning so Drew could play with the train before going to his classroom. 5 minutes of train time and he was fulfilled. I did hear from his teacher that he took other children's toys twice today, ran off with them, and was put in time out both times. Miss Jenny says consistency in discipline is the key. Good advice.

Terrible Two's

Today Drew's temper tantrums reached an all time high. I was picking him up from preschool and he wanted to stay and play with the train. So I let him play with it for a few minutes then gave him the standard 'one minute' warning that usually works like a charm. This time it did not work and he threw himself to the floor saying he wanted to stay and play with the train. I gave him the choice of walking towards the door with me or I could carry him. The little stinker wouldn't get up so I ended up carrying him out of preschool screaming and kicking with all eyes on us, mean mom that I am. The tantrum continued in the car for 10 more minutes - I've never heard him so mad. I hope this heightened temper isn't a sign of what's to come...