Our Backyard and Beyond: 2010

Our Backyard and Beyond

Peaceful Moments…

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. So much to do, and so little time to get things done. Time is ticking and my list is growing. Candy to make, cookies to bake, gifts to be wrapped, family and friends to see… All to be fit into the daily grind that must go on as well. The days do get chaotic, yet each day we love to take a few moments and just enjoy a little bit of serenity with our crew. Just sit and relax on the couch, look at the lights and ornaments on the tree, slowly start winding up for the day ahead. It is so much better than the rush to get rolling! Won’t you take some time for some holiday peacefulness in your day too?

Shiver Me Timbers!

Arrrrgh! All Ye landlubbers, bewares! The backyard pirates are here! We be guardin’ our parade candy treasure that we raked in o’er the weekend. Need to get that map made so we can go back for more next year! Our matey’s had a great time las’ weekend. It was a time of much merriement, many family and friends, and good grub and grog. Too bad it had to end. Arggggh! We will have to sail again soon for another gatherin’ of such proportions.

In the meantime, Captain B and crew want you to schmile and say arrrgh in the comments, or ye will be walking the plank. (If we can find our trusty ship.)

BOO!!!!!!

Hope we didn’t frighten you too much!!!!

Albeit a little late, we decided to tackle a little pumpkin carving. The boys have been wanting to do this. I got the pumpkins about a week ago, and there isn’t much time left before Halloween. It is now or never, at least never this year. Why not? Might have been a bit stressful, but overall we had a great time. The looks on their faces as they each held their finished masterpiece was well worth the mess of pumpkin goo all over the kitchen.

Boys waited patiently, very interested in what the inside of a pumpkin looks like.

(You see… We have not done this since Riley was just a wee little tike about TanMan’s age. Time just slips away oh so darn fast!)

Digging into the first one. Everyone was intrigued by what the insides looked like.

Riley was the only one eager to dig in with his bare hands to tackle the cleaning out mess. He was a huge help getting the slimy goo off of all the seeds, although he couldn’t believe that it is really o.k. to eat the seeds. We will have to roast some and let him try them out for himself.

This takes soooo much time! Everyone diligently stuck with the task at hand. All was well until Braden got some goo on his sleeve! Oh he did not like that! After we assured him that the shirt would come perfectly clean when washed, he was good to go again. =)

TanMan wasn’t having anything to do with touching that stuff though! He armed himself with the long handled spoon and gingerly dug in. He was fine as long as we didn’t need to use the spoon.

Oooooh! Look at the stringiness. Time to clean out pumpkin number two!

Riley and Ross take on the job. Other boys just sit aside and wait.

Finally!!!! Time to carve ‘em up!

Riley picked out a ghost pattern that I found. He wanted a little bit of a spooky pumpkin.

Tanner thought it was fun to watch Riley punch his design into the pumpkin. Riley did a great job of getting the pattern outlined and ready to cut out while I helped Braden carve his.

TanMan remained in his perch for the entire duration of the carving process. Even though he was not carving, he DID NOT want to miss out on one second of the excitement.

Braden and I used teamwork to cut out his BOO! He was very patient about it and let me help him with all of it. Whew! Might have had a funny looking boo otherwise.

Riley did an awesome job helping me cut out his ghost. He is so patient, and loves the detail. I have a feeling his pumpkins will get more elaborate in years to come.

Once the carving was done, each boy proudly showed off his pumpkin. I think they look super! TanMan had to have a pumpkin too. Maybe next year he will get to carve one, but for now he is sporting the little accent pumpkin.

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!

Waiting…

As 3:30 rolls around each day, there is anticipation and excitement in the air. TanMan and Braden get anxious. Waiting… “Is snack ready? What are we having today? I want to take my fire truck water bottle today. Does Tanner need his drink? Did you get something for Riley?” Braden’s verbal checklist. Every day we take the same steps at the same times. Every day, the same scenario. Getting ready to go wait. Yet the waiting is always eagerly anticipated. So far it hasn’t gotten old. And I hope that it never does.

At 3:30 we get snacks gathered up, shoes on, and head out the door.