I Love The Fall

I am so happy we made it through summer! While our summer wasn't terribly hot, except for a few weeks of 100F+ weather, I'm still happy it is over. School is in full swing, we're back on a schedule, the air has a bite in it and the leaves are changing colors. I love the fall, I thrive in it. It is my favorite season.

Over the weekend the kids finally persuaded me to put up our Halloween and Harvest decorations. I hadn't really been feeling the urge to do it, but I figured I may as well so I don't get bugged about it anymore. I'm happy I did, because the house looks really cute. I forgot what goodies I had tucked away!

Now that it is October, it is time to start doing some Halloween and fall themed crafts. I like doing them with our youngest daughter because she isn't in pre-school, and it gives us a fun activity to do together. I need some ideas though, what are some of your favorite fall crafts?

One idea I had was to have her collect some leaves that had changed color, put them between some wax paper and iron them. Then we can cut out the shapes together and hang them or put them on the fridge. And who can forget the classic leaf rub? just put the leaf under the paper and color over the shape of it on the paper. We could make this Fall Fingerprint Tree, or even this fun Paper Strip Pumpkin.

For Halloween, there is a plethora of craft ideas. FamilyFun.com has a whole section dedicated to Halloween Crafts. You can get a new idea for every day of the month with this 31 Days of Halloween Printables Calendar. I have found a ton of ideas on the Family Fun website, so I will definitely be using some of the craft suggestions.

Anyone have any good ideas they can share? I'm open to suggestions!

Mish Mash Round 2

Please excuse my lack of blogging for the last few days, I've come down with a horrific chest cold and have been completely wiped out the last few days.

Wednesday was the start of our school year, and we have slowly been easing back into our routine. I think we've adapted well, but it will take a little while to iron our the kinks. We seem to have the most trouble after school, doing chores and getting homework done. The kids are excited to be back though, and it is nice to have some quiet time while they are gone.

The "baby" and I have enjoyed the time alone, and already went on one "adventure" together. Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting Northwest Trek with a local Mom's group that I joined. We enjoyed NWT so much that we're thinking of going back as a family next month when my husband comes home again. If you live in the Puget Sound area, and haven't been, go! The kids will love it, and so will you. I really enjoyed the tram portion of the day, and seeing all the Elk, Moose, Bison, Caribou etc.

I also realized that my middle daughter's birthday is in less than one month. Eek! Tonight my husband and I shopped online through Oriental Trading and bought all of her party supplies, plus two goody bag treats. She is doing a Halloween theme again for her party, like she did last year. That girl LOVES Halloween, so we are happy to oblige her request for a Halloween themed birthday. This year she picked a spider candy corn theme:



We also got matching cups, napkins, treat bags, orange forks, and a purple table cloth with candy corn on it. I'm realizing now that I should have bought two table cloths, but oh well! I'll go pick up a purple one at Party City.

Lastly, I was surprised today with these:


All I'll say is, it's good to make up after a fight. I love you honey!