Halloween

The boys and I headed to Walmart to find their costumes. I had 5 costumes picked out for Riley to choose from. He picked:


A doctor!!!! I know it's a bit early to get excited about such things, but when your 4 year old would rather be a doctor than a ninja, spiderman, or batman, you tend to get a little giddy.

Poor Brock had to be a hand me down motorcycle rider. He was desperate to be spiderman but the only things left even near his size were a mario brothers and a pirate princess.


We had a quick visit from our neighbor dog, Bella.


At the neighbor's house--first stop!


There was no way I was lugging these big boys around in the wagon this year, so we took the 4 wheeler. Brock wanted to walk so Riley got it all to himself!


We had a great time. There was much candy and much running and rejoicing at the candy. And, thankfully, they said Thank You to everyone!

The Spider

*shiver*

This big booger was found around the back patio.


He would have filled up the palm of my hand.


*barf* *shudder* *RUN AWAY*

A week later I was pulling weeds in the front yard and found TWO more of these horrible creatures!


I killed this one before finding his/her buddy.


The buddy was guarding 2 massive egg sacks. UGH. Seriously.

I have not gone looking for anymore relatives in our area!

Soccer time!

We went from not even a little bit of controlled chaos to doing pretty well in soccer this year!




Riley had a really great time and improved more than I thought was possible.




We can't wait for next year!

A trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Both of the kids loved playing in the corn box.




Hay bale maze.




Riley's buddy, Pepper.


Caged, as he should be.


He made sure I got the picture of him touching a goat and then he was done.


Hay ride!




Riley loves his Mrs. Heather! She's such an awesome teacher for my boy.

Brock turns 3!

How I don't have a picture of the whole cake, I don't know! He had a chocolate train cake. He picked the flavor. That's my boy!




Riley certainly enjoyed it, too.


He also picked vanilla ice cream to go along with his cake.




Happy Campers!

Pictures

Just some randoms until I manage to get a real post up!

Ready or not.....


Waiting his turn on the field.


One of my favorite pictures of the boys! I love watching them explore their world.


Fun with Grandpa




At the soccer field.

Chicken and Bacon Creamy Pasta

A delicious pasta dish

Mix together:
8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1/4C softened butter
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2/3C milk



Blend those together well and then microwave in 30 minute intervals until it's warm, stirring each time.

Prepare 8 oz. of your favorite pasta (I used penne) according to pkg directions.

Chop up cooked chicken and crispy bacon.


Stir together cream cheese mixture and pasta. Add bacon and chicken and toss. I'm sure, if you're smart, you could add some veggies to this. Top with 1/2 C shredded parmesan cheese.

Delicious!

Burgers

I'm sorry I don't have a final picture of these, especially since they were so amazingly delicious. But I'm not very good at remembering the after shot!

Anyway, these are Cheddar Ranch Spinach burgers. I made them up.

Mix:
ground beef
ranch dressing powder
worchestershire sauce
shredded cheddar
fresh spinach
salt and pepper

Form patties and fry them up. These were really amazing.

A trip to the Natural Science Museum

Thank goodness for Groupon. I have gotten some great deals through them. One of them was a year membership to the Natural Science Museum. We took a trip over with our buddies Cindy and Thomas for the frog exhibit.


Brock meets Kermit.


Climbing


Turtles!




Taking a walk on the trails.


Cuties


Sliding




We had a great time. Now to get back over there to take advantage of it!