Fall is for....

The Pumpkin Patch!

Because in Florida, we all know it's not for cool weather and the changing of the leaves.


I was determined to get a good picture of them with pumpkins on a bale of hay. It was so crowded I didn't have enough room to get good angles.



Miss Arianna picked out her favorite pumpkin


Both of the kids rode a pony. Arianna was frightened at first, but once they started moving she loved it. Bernie was never scared for one second.


We saw plenty of animals from behind the fence. We had some close encounters with sheep, chickens, goats, and bunnies.


Fall Family Photo 2009

I was going to update from our weekend....

....however Blogger is not letting me upload any pictures.

So I'll share a bunch of random things:

1) our master shower is complete!
2) Bernie's birthday party is planned for this Sunday, however the location has yet to be determined. (It's tough being the 2nd child, although you'd think both Marty and I would prevent that since we're both 2nd kids).
3) I have ideas for the kids Halloween costumes, but surprisingly or not, nothing has been purchased or put together.
4) Bernie went to the Doctor last week as he's had a lingering cough for some 3 weeks. Apparently it's sinus drainage. He also determined that Bernie has very minor pigeon toed tendencies, but advised me that the fastest athletes are slightly pigeon toed. Run Bernie Run!!!
5) Ahhh, the weather was extremely nice last weekend. And I'm hoping that returns soon.

Be back soon with pictures from our weekend!

Long time no post

Sorry, for the lack of posts, I guess we are still recovering from Arianna's birthday. Not to mention trying to plan another one for a special 2 year-old-to-be.

No doubt it's tough work having 2 kids 13 months apart.

It's also no doubt that Arianna hasn't lost any sassiness since turning three.

Over the past few weeks:

We've been enjoying the new sand box in the backyard.

The kids also went bowling for the first time (and ohmygosh I didn't bring my camera!). This was an extracurricular activity through my work, and unfortunately Marty was working that night. Maybe it was not unfortunate for him. Or me. I lost 5 lbs that night bowling for 3 people and chasing 2 of them. Sometimes I really wish I had eyes that would go separate directions so they could follow each kid. In any case, it was fun, but extremely exhausting. There's no way I'll ever do that again without Marty. Or at least for another 5 years.

We live in Florida, so it's still 90+ degrees in October. This means we are still fortunate to enjoy being outside. I don't know how people live in really cold weather with lots of snow can manage the whole winter and not be able to do any (or as many) outside activities with their children. They must have more patience than me.

And lastly, we are getting our master bathroom shower updated. It's still in progress, but is coming along quite nicely. And is much better than the 1979 version we previously showered in.

Best 3rd Birthday Yet!

Yesterday was quite a fun, but exhausting, day as we celebrated Arianna's 3rd birthday. Arianna was quite aware that it was her birthday as she asked all week if she would get cake, presents, and a party.

We had a nice little gathering under the gazebo at the Radcliffe Park in North Redington Beach, just a hop, skip and a jump from my parents house.

Arianna took on the climbing wall. Unfortunately, a few minutes later this became the scene of her first wasp sting. (We found out she's not allergic and did very well after the immediate sting left. Today you can't even tell she got stung.)


While the kids were playing, the grillmasters were at work.


Before cake was the only time that our kids were willing to sit. And I'm pretty sure they're only sitting next to each other because the cake was close by.


Speaking of cake, it was unbelievable. A great friend of ours volunteered to make the cake, as this is a side hobby for her.


I never imagined it to be this beautiful! Everyone at the party agreed that this should no longer be just a side talent.


Arianna made her wish and blew out the candles.


We had such a great day. Thank you to everyone for celebrating it with us!


See you in a month so we can start all over with the terrible two's!

Look who's turning 3 tomorrow!!

Cow problem solved!

Today we headed to Tyrone Mall to catch all the action that the mall kids club, Kidgets, was having. Unfortunately for Arianna, Kidgets activities usually equal (Mimi and Papa's) Chick-fil-A cow being present as well.

As we're approaching the mall, Arianna figures out where we are going. She precedes to ask her typical series of questions: We going to the mall, Mom? We go to Chick-fil-A? We going to see Mimi and Papa? Is the cow going to be there?

I try to avoid that last question. Well I only avoid the last question if I know the cow will be there. If I know the cow will not be there, I promptly and firmly say NO.

As soon as we go to the activities at the mall, Arianna spots the cow and gets hysterical. This child starts shaking, and yells "NOOOOOO cow", and proclaims "I want to go home." You would think as a nice mom, I wouldn't subject her to such fears.

Fortunately, Papa has a few spare minutes, and whisks her away to distract her. They get a balloon and head down the way and end up at the candy store. And now after 5+ trips to the mall with cow around, Papa has successfully calmed her down. It's called The. Candy. Store.


In the end, Arianna still believes in Chick-fil-A, just as long as the cow is absent and the candy store is close!


Bubby's "I caught a fish!" balloon.

Happy Grandparent's Day!!!

Thank you Grandma Spilker, Grandma and Paps Williams, Mom-Mom Bricketto, Grammy and Grampy O'Cononor, and Mimi and Papa Spilker for being the best grandparents any of us could ask for.



We love You,
Marty, Karen, Arianna and Bernie