Her own LEAF Pile

Since the leaves began falling Ellie has been wanting to make a big pile of leaves and jump in them.  Well we do not have any big trees in our yard, but our neighbors have several that produced just what was needed for our girl.

One afternoon Ellie went to work and did all the raking herself to make that pile of leaves.

And I came out just in time to snap a few shots of her jumping into the leaves.

Later Ellie asked me to bury her in the leaves.  The fun part was when Dad and Ethan came out to throw the football they had no idea where she was until they heard the little giggles coming from the pile of leaves.

FaLL FrEnZy

Just some "moments" we've had over the last few weeks.

One day while in Costco we came across this giant teddy bear.  We (well Mom) were pretty sure there was not enough space in Ellie's room.

Fun trail run:  Leatham Hollow to Milleville Canyon to Providence Canyon

Ellie missed Disneyland so she drew this picture of Mickey Mouse.

Ellie's First Field Trip

Elisabeth has been so excited to go on a field trip.  Since the first day of school she's been asking "When am I going to go on a field trip?"  Well the day finally arrived.  Her class has been learning about different jobs so they were going to go to the local Bread baking store to learn about this business and job.  It was so fun for me to be able to volunteer and tag along with the class.  

One reason she had been excited about a field trip is to ride on a school bus, unfortunately we have a nice public transport system that makes it so we don't have to use a school bus for local trips.  However it was still fun to ride the city bus with her class.  It was also fun to see the regular bus riders set foot onto a bus load of 5 & 6 year olds.

At Old Grist mill we saw the entire process of how bread is made.  From the wheat being ground into flour to the enormous kitchen aid that mixes the dough, to the "ginormous" oven it's baked in and then the slicer, bagger, and even a machine that twist ties the bag - which the kids thought was so amazing!

Of course, we all got to have a taste of the yummy bread that was made.

Pine Wood Derby

Being a Webelo, this marks Ethan's (and Kelly's) last Pine Wood Derby.  Being the last, it was perfect that Ethan's car wasted all of the other cars earning a the fastest time and a first place finish.  Dad spent a lot of time researching the perfect design and tips for weight distribution in order to have the fastest car. 

More Random Moments

One evening while watching a football game Ellie informed us that her dog friends were watching the game as well.

New Trail - Birdneau

One evening we got after Ellie for something and she was upset.  A little while later she brought this picture to me.  

Ellie is going through a "scared of everything" phase.  She can't be in a room by herself and if she happens to be left in a room by herself she freaks out and starts screaming quite fiercely.  The first time it happened I thought there was something seriously wrong, like a broken bone, or cut off finger.  When I got to her she said she didn't want to be alone.  It has been quite frustrating and definitely a test of patience and I know that this is just a phase and she'll grow out of it, but for now it's driving us crazy.  She also has been waking up in the middle of the night wanting to get in bed with us or have us go to her room.  I guess the best thing we can do now, is embrace the extra snuggle time and know that it won't last forever and some day we may even miss it.  

Happy Halloween!!

Pumpkin Carving Night

When I take pictures I often have to surprise Ethan or he'll make a silly, or even a mad face.  I guess I know just where he gets it.  

Ellie showed Dad what her Jack-o-lantern's eyes, nose and mouth should look like and let him do all the work.  Ethan chose a design from the kit that matched his costume.

Finished Product

Several weeks ago, Ellie and I attended a performance of the Wizard of Oz.  She loved the play and after watching thought it would be a great idea to be Dorothy for Halloween. 

School Halloween Parade

Surprisingly  our school still celebrates Halloween - costumes, parties, even the costume parade through the school.  Ellie was so excited to participate in her first Woodruff Halloween Parade.

With props and all, she had many compliments on her costume.

Ethan was fine with dressing up, he wasn't too worried about getting a new costume and just used his old one.  With all they hype of the Halloween Parade one would actually feel a little odd NOT dressing up at the school.  This year marks Ethan's last Elementary school Halloween party.  It's funny, it'll be Ellie's "first" of so many things this year and Ethan's "last".  It was so fun to be able to be his class's room mom for the Halloween Party, and enjoy this "last" elementary Halloween celebration.  

After school we went home for a while and then headed over to Dad's work for the traditional office trick or treating.  The kids get so much candy there we really should cancel the door to door - but what fun would that be.

Trick or Treat!

Before heading out, Ellie and two of her friends trick or treated our house.  

Every year we roam the neighborhood with our friends, the Reeders.  Ethan and Kayson have gotten old enough that they take off with a few other boys and hit as many houses as possible while Ellie, Tylan, and Mace get to hang out with us parents.

We were grateful for the perfect weather and a beautiful sunset.

At one point in the evening we did run in to Ethan and friends.

Pumpkin Walk

The local annual pumpkin walk has become a tradition for our family.  Ellie and I love going, Ethan says it's okay, and Dad tolerates it.  I love seeing the creative scenes that people around the valley come up with.  I love that this tradition means it's the beginning of the holiday season.

The theme this year was "The Classics" so we were able to see many favorites:

The Little Mermaid

Who doesn't love Charlie Brown?

Ellie had to be Dorothy, which is also her Halloween costume this year.

Everything is Awesome!

Very Hungry Caterpillar

Snow White & the Seven Drawfs

We thought all of the Disney scenes were fitting since we had just returned from Disneyland.  Except it made some of us really miss it.

Frozen

Love these characters!

I'm pretty sure we have a picture of Ellie as Ariel every year.