A Playa' (football, that is), Princess (naturally), & a Ladybug

Happy Halloween!!!

Cider Mill Pics

These are all courtesy of Lindsey. Our pics are still on our camera waiting for my husband to download (?) them to our computer. Thanks for a great afternoon, Bubba and Winsey!

From the kids' perspectives at Lindsey's place:

The Opposite Of Fun

Today was the 9th annual Bailey's Doggie Dash, a 5k run for dogs and their owners. While living in GR our neighbor, an avid runner, introduced us to this experience and we've been hooked ever since. I drew the short straw this year which meant Eddy dragged me 3.2 miles uphill, through the woods, along the beach, and through a campground as I struggled to just hang on. We always joke that if he could run uninhibited by his owner's lack of fitness he'd win the race and then be patiently waiting for us to crawl across the finish line before suggesting that we go do it all over again. The event is always held at Wabasis park/campground and although we had beautiful weather, it was a bit chilly running this morning. The kids (and Tom) cheered me along and all helped me cross the finish line, Austin proudly holding Eddy's leash. As Austin impatiently waited for the awards ceremony he kept eyeing the trophies. I tried to suggest that maybe it would be okay if mommy didn't get a trophy because we all knew that I did my best, but he promptly shot that idea down. Turns out, I placed 3rd among my age group. Are you impressed? (Maybe I shouldn't mention that there were only 3 of us ladies in our group~ ha ha!) I would like to think that despite my utter lack of training the real reason I ran an uninspiring 37:20 was because Eddy jerking at the leash and constantly crossing in front of me knocked me off rhythm and caused me to struggle on the course. We all know better but for sake of my self-esteem as a track coach, let's just go with it.

After collecting my trophy and dog dish we headed over to Rivertown Crossings where we traditionally go to enjoy a post-race meal at Max and Erma's. Yum! Then we checked out the deals at Old Navy. I was hoping to score a winter coat for Audrey and boots for the kids but I just couldn't bring myself to spend the money quite yet. We did get a couple of school shirts for Austin and Tom got new jeans, khakis, and a blazer. Of course, the kids spied the escalator right away and couldn't wait to ride it. Tom and I, of course, told them they would have to wait until we were done shopping so for the next half hour as we tried to quickly browse through the 2 levels of the store Austin kept informing me in a whiny voice, "mommy, you are the opposite of fun!" (Hmmm, maybe next time we could leave him in the van with Eddy.) While I took Lexi in the stroller down to the 1st floor on the elevator, Tom took Austin and Audrey down on the escalator. Have you ever see the movie Elf where Buddy takes his first escalator ride? He tries to step on but freaks out, when he finally gets on he ends up in the splits because the stairs are moving and he's doesn't know what to do with his feet? That was Audrey exactly. It was hilarious but once she got the hang of it we had to take several more trips.

We finally appeased Austin with a carousel ride and a quick look through the Disney store before heading to K-zoo to meet up with Micah and Lindsey. The plan was to meet at a cider mill and enjoy the fall afternoon. Tom had found a cider mill googling online but it turned out to be more of a road side stand with apples and pumpkins and less of an "attraction". We took a quick look around then decided to go in search of an orchard that offered a bit more of an "experience". We found a corner sign off the main road directing us to Ver Hage's cider mill. We got to see the donuts and cider being made as we stood in line to purchase our goodies. The kids were really mesmerized with the whole process because they had just seen the Curious George where George, trying to keep the apples away from Jumpy Squirrel, accidentally makes cider at an orchard. The workers at the orchard were literally making the cider and filling jugs as customers waited to buy it. It was so delicious, by far the best cider I have ever had! The kids took a turn jumping in the ginormous bouncy pumpkin and then we went back to Lindsey's before heading back home.

Regardless of what Austin may think, I personally feel our mini-vacation was the definition of fun. My opinion may change tomorrow, however, when my whole body will remind me of the "fun" I had.

You're My (Super)Heroes!!!

Overkill

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather yesterday, I vacuumed and cleaned out the van while the kids got some fresh air. With various week-old sippy cups, articles of clothing, shoes, trash and toys our van was smelling rather "pleasant" so I broke out some The Body Shop home fragrance oil. A nice pumpkin nectarine scent for the fall. I got some cotton face pads and liberally doused them in the scent before tucking them in discreet spots throughout the van.

With the heat going this morning on the way to school, our ride smelled like a homey candle shop and Austin noticed. "What's that smell?", he asked (neither a good nor a bad reaction). I explained to him what I had done and I thought that was the end of it until I arrived to pick him up after the end of his day. On average, we wait 20 minutes in the pick-up line every day as his teacher loads the students into their awaiting rides. As Austin finally climbed into the van he announced, "I could smell the van before I could see you!"

At least no one can accuse our van of smelling like a garbage dump!

The Cutest Thing

Overheard by Tom (why does he always hear the good stuff?)

Audrey to Austin: I'll be on your team because I like you and sometimes I snuggle you in bed.

Apparently they were preparing to play some sort of game or activity and Audrey thought it necessary to split into teams (though it was only the two of them). As a mom I live for these rare moments, when there's peace and love and all is well between brother and sister.