Trick or Treat 2018

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Tonight was trick or treat and we got super lucky with terrific weather.  It was in the upper 60's when we set out on our treat collection adventure and by the time we got home it was only in the upper 50's.  And no rain!  Plus, this year I did not even have to buy a Halloween costume because Emily opted to wear her flight suit from Space Camp.  It was a fun night and Emily pulled in quite the haul.  Happy Halloween!!

Halloween Fun Day

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Today we celebrated all things Halloween.  We started our afternoon with pumpkin carving.  We had to get a new pumpkin from Kroger since our ones from Gritt's were kind of old at this point.  One of them even rotted!

   

   

This year's design was none other than the Pumpkin King himself - Jack Skellington!  We decided to keep it simple this year.

"Everyone hale to the pumpkin song..."

While Daddy and Emily carved the pumpkin, I worked on cupcakes for the figure skating club party and treat bags for school.  :-)

Then it was off to the Charleston Figure Skating Club Halloween party!  This year Emily invited one of her friends from school, Kaylyn, and they had a blast.  They skated, played games and enjoyed lots of treats.  Definitely a fun day preparing for Halloween!

   

   

5th Grade Pumpkin Drop

Friday, October 26, 2018

Today was Bible Center School's 5th Grade Pumpkin Drop.  Apparently the kids all go and watch every year, but this year was finally Emily's turn to participate.

Emily's partner for the pumpkin drop was Jaxson.  They had to construct a container and protection for their pumpkin so that it would not crack when dropped from a very tall bucket truck.  They decided to use a large trash can filled with pillows, balloons and foam from the hospital.

Then it was time for the drop...

But, when Ms. Ramey took the lid off...well, the pumpkin didn't make it.  Oh well.  They sure had a fun time planning and building their pumpkin protection device.

Juvenile Moves in the Field Test

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Today we were back at the rink really early this morning for Emily to take her next US Figure Skating test.  Today she was testing Juvenile Moves in the Field.  She has worked really hard on this test, but the 8 step mohawk sequence was a tough one.  We were really crossing our fingers for a clean test....

The benefit of skating in one of the first groups is that the testing tends to stay on time and you get results fast.  And SHE PASSED!!!!  Her goal is to complete all of her moves tests before she finishes middle school and she is well on her way.  She has completed 4 tests already and now has 4 to go.  Keep up the great work Emily!  You've got this!

Gritt's Farm

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Today was our annual trip to Gritt's Farm for pumpkin picking and celebrating all things fall.  This year we got to go with the Johns again and the kids had a blast.  We stayed longer this year than we ever have before.  The weather started out a little shaky.  It was cool, but very foggy and it had rained a lot over the previous 4-5 days so we needed boots.

After we loaded our pumpkins into the car it was time for more fun fall festivities.  We started out with a climb on the hay bales, a slide into the corn bin, a wagon ride and a fun photo op.

   

   

Before leaving this area, the kids got to feed the goats, float some ducks in a fountain and even try out some pumpkin bowling.  So many fun things to do!!

   

   

Then it was off to the BIG slides and the tricycles.  Amazingly, there was no mud puddle at the bottom like there had been in some prior years.

  

From there, we decided to hop on the wagon and head out to the giant corn maze.  

This year the corn was actually really tall so it was extra challenging.  The theme for the maze this year took you through all of the major West Virginia cities with fun facts about each one.

  

When we finally found our way out, it was off for more adventures in the form of zip lines, "hamster wheels" and archery too!  Wow!

   

   

We had such a great time.  I'll be sad when Emily decides she is too old for this trip.  I think Dan and I enjoy it almost as much as she does.  Oh, and here's the end result from our trip to the farm...

Bring on fall and all things pumpkin spice!