A Man of Great Style

Myles is one unusual character to say the least.  He loves to create outfits that are a bit on the strange side.  He often refuses to take off his PJs and wants to wear them to school.  His teachers probably think I'm a lunatic.  What can I say?  He knows what he wants.  Did I also mention that he is the most stubborn kid I know?!  It's easier to let him wear pajamas than fight it.  Pick and choose your battles..... The battle of clothes vs PJs goes to Myles.

Here is a nice ensemble consisting of a Superman pajama shirt and rain boots.  (Note: it was not raining that day)

Snow boots and the striped shirt were a must.  (Note: It was 80 degrees this particular day)

The Art of Pumpkin Carving

Fall is in the air, the leaves are changing and our pumpkins were in need of carving.  The boys and I grabbed some utensils and got to work.  Grady wanted his pumpkin to be laughing while Myles asked for a "grumpy" pumpkin.  Ummmm, how fitting. 

Now, I am not an artist so carving pumpkins was quite a challenge for me.  At the end of the carving session, the boys were happy with the results.  And my hand was and still is permanently cramped!

The boys and their pumpkins

Oh Myles, my moody little monkey.  Only you would ask for a "grumpy" pumpkin.

Grady requested that his pumpkin have only one tooth on the bottom.  Ask and ye shall receive.

The Great Pumpkin Express

It was time for our annual ride on the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad.  Last year we had so much fun on the "Great Pumpkin Express" that we just had to do it again.  If you remember from last year, it's a train ride with a Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin theme. 

The train ride is about 30 minutes out to Charlie Brown's "pumpkin patch".  The final destination is a pasture filled with Halloween activities, games and rides.  We checked them all out; marshmallow roasting, games, tattoos, bouncy houses, bouncy slides, hayrides, bobbing for apples and more.  Last but not least, every kid got to head to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin.  What more could a child ask for?  Josh and I also enjoyed every minute. 

Starting in November they do a "Polar Express" train ride.  I think we will check that one out too.  Stay tuned.....

Our train car, the Almond.

Grady decided to rest up before all of the excitement.  No, he wasn't asleep....that boy hasn't taken a nap in years.

Look who greeted us when the train arrived and the pumpkin patch.

I love the boys stances in this pic.  Myles is like, "What up, mom?!  Take the picture".  Grady is acting too cool for school.  Oh no, I already can pictures them at age 16.

Caught red handed with some sweet brotherly love.  Grady was watching over Myles while waiting in line.  They are best buddies.

Down the bouncy slide.  Myles, you are one brave 2 year old.  He was by far the youngest on the slide.

Roasting a few marshmallows

It's toasty and ready for eating.

Photo Opp

The boys are suckers for a person in a fuzzy costume.

One of the big tents was set up for trick or treating.  Just a little practice for the big day.

A new twist on bobbing for apples.  Much better than drowning ones self in nasty water.  Much more sanitary as well.  Who wants an apple that someone tried to take a bite out of?

Games galore

The leaves were just starting to change and fall was in the air.  It was a perfect day for pumpkin picking.

Magical Mimi

Mimi was a life saver this week.  I was working at the pre-school and teaching a ton of programs at Chimney Rock for their Harvest Days.  Needless to say, it was a very busy week for all of us.  Mimi came to the rescue and good thing she did.  Myles ended up being sick all week with a fever and just feeling crummy.  She stayed home with him and Grady went to school for a few days. 

In true Mimi fashion she was full of fun, creative things to do with the boys.  They stayed as busy as they possibly could.  She is a saint!  I had no idea how this week would go.

Myles is in a very clingy stage.  He won't even let Josh put him to bed anymore....only Mama.  So, I was concerned about working a full week and him driving Mimi crazy with "I want Mama" all day long.  It was a rough few days but by the end of the week he was so much better.  It didn't help that he was sick.  Magical Mimi persevered and won the approval of King Myles.  He is a tough nut to crack.

Mom, I can't thank you enough.  You are amazing.  LOVE YOU!!!!

 Mimi brought crafts galore.  Here they are making clay monsters.

The final creations (before they were cut to pieces by two crazy boys wielding play dough knives)

Next they made Halloween decorations for the house. 

They made masks and costumes.

Look at these two Ghouls.  Can you tell Myles was a bit under the weather?

Mimi read books and told a billion stories.  They requested a lot of Halloween stories and Mimi delivered some great ones.

Halloween sugar cookies

They even wrote a book about Monsters.  It was SO cute.

Come back soon, Mimi, or I will suck your blood..... (thanks for the vampire teeth)