Pumpkin Carving

We actually carved pumpkins before Halloween, but somehow I got ahead of myself and didn't blog in the proper order. Anyway, Dave's a trooper as he does most of, okay all of the carving and I take pictures.  
Keeping it simple this year he carved one and I drew a face on another (with Claire's help of course).

Halloween

Boy some days I come up with the cleverest titles. Ha ha ha! Anyway, here are a few pictures from Halloween. Claire did NOT want to put on her Minnie Mouse costume. These first couple are of Dave trying to get it on her. It was actually a bit comical. 

We went to Grumpy and Grams neighborhood to trick or treat as our area isn't real conducive to trick or treating. Luckily they have lived on the same street a long time and their neighbors are friendly. Claire wasn't exactly sure of the whole idea. I guess there is always next year.

Although we only went to four houses she made out pretty good since each neighbor gave her handfuls of candy. Grams added to the loot too :)

Pumpkin Patch

Claire and I went to the pumpkin patch (Daddy was at his annual golf tournament fundraiser) a few weekends ago. It had been a rainy week so we took our chance with a break in the weather, even if it was a Saturday. Luckily we go there early as it quickly got a busy. 

Liepold Farms is in Boring, relatively close and where we went last year. They have corn and hay mazes, hay and pony rides, pumpkin carving contests, a corn bin (like a sand box but corn kernels), tricycle race course, a pumpkin catapult and of course a cafe with yummy apple cider, caramel corn, caramel dipped apples and hot cocoa. Basically a ton of stuff to have a fun filled afternoon. 

This year the Boring Fire Department was there with their fire trucks. They also gave away fireman hats, stickers and even had a dalmatian dog. Claire kept saying he had polka dots. Too funny! I think she was more excited about petting the dog then picking out pumpkins. 

Pony rides

Pretend pony rides :)

Sitting in the fire truck

Driving the fire truck 

Claire and Mama on the hay ride

Sharing caramel corn

Claire liked the little ones

Looking for just the right one

Attempt #1 to get her to look at the camera

Attempt #2. This is her look at me and say 'cheese' face. 

Here's to another 60 more!

Dave surprised me with a dinner out at the Melting Pot.
 It was delicious! 

Claire turns 2!

Can you believe it? I'm a bit behind on my blogging as she turned two over a month and half ago. Better late than never... right? We had a small birthday party at our home and included all of Claire's favorite people. Thank you to everyone who came and helped us celebrate.

Claire in her birthday shirt and tutu

I don't claim to be a super party planner but these
homemade cupcakes and toppers turned out pretty good. 

Grandma Debbie and Papa Dean got Claire an easel.
Fun times ahead!

This was suppose to be a cute idea. Brownie bites in the shape of a number 2.

How on earth do you get them out?

FAIL

Showing off her new pony 

I order all the decorations online. One click and it came with everything. Free shipping. So Easy!

Daddy's boots from when he was little.

Giving "thank you hugs"

Tucker and his balloon

Enjoying "Happy Birthday Muffins". I think was her third
possible fourth one. Thank goodness they were minis.

Opening presents

Claire got new panties and princess pjs!
She just HAD to put them on... quite the fashionista.

Thank you Grandpa Dan Reiman and Grandma Debbie Gallino for sharing your pictures with me. Once again I didn't take any and without you there wouldn't be any to put up on the blog.

Painting

Claire loves to paint. It is one of the first things she likes to do at daycare and at our parenting class. We have been lucky enough these last couple weeks of summer to be able to be outside; which makes the setup and clean up much easier. I guess when the rain comes we will figure out something else as Grandma Debbie is getting her an easel for her birthday.