Pumpkins in the Patch

Along with the rest of Santa Barbara, we took a little trip to the local pumpkin patch this weekend. It was fun to watch the girls scurry through the patch. Wished it was a little cooler instead of the 80 degree afternoon. I mean it is October, right? I know, I know . . . The grass is always greener. : )

What is it with kids and water? The girls pumped water from this trough over and over and over.

Nothing like a good 'ol hay ride!

Now why couldn't this precious smile be in the photo above?!

Off to the corn field maze! I opted to stay out. This maze has been known to keep

people busy for at least 1/2 an hour or more. No thank you!

Love David and Sophia's expression. 

Catching Up in October

As soon as August rolls around I always feel like I need to have my roller skates (okay maybe running shoes since I don't really own any roller skates) on to keep up with all the activities/festivities. And by the time October makes its' entrance I am insanely busy, but in a good way, and need espresso shots (too bad I don't drink coffee) to make it through the rest of the month let alone the year. Here are some pictures from part of our October.

A quick trip back home to celebrate a very special 6 year olds birthday;
my niece Caroline who Sophia adores.

And of course we ran into a fair!

Cousins are the best!

Thanks for all the fun Grandpa and Grandma!

Back in Santa Barbara:

Morning before Sophia's soccer game.
Who knew this would be the day she'd score her first goal!

Afternoon fun at the carousel.

A Halloween birthday party for sweet Laurel.

Happy #2!

The Birthday Girl making her grand entrance via bounce house style!

Miss K following Laurel's lead.

The princess found her mystical unicorn.

Fun and festive spread!

Princess Elmo? Kalista is obsessed with Elmo and would not take off the shirt.
It's all about compromise, right?

Totally looks real!

Anyone need a hand?

Funny how Kalista and Kenzie enjoyed their "cocktails" by the adult beverages.
Doesn't it look like they are up to something? ; )

Laurel the butterfly

Fun mommy friends : )

For a Good Laugh

My friend Michelle has been blogging a storm lately. When she first started her blog, not too long ago, I always sent her Facebook reminders about posting something . . . anything! I mean what was the point of starting a blog, right? Well, Michelle has definitely outdone herself and me. 

I just had to share one of her latest posts. There have been so many, but this one was our favorite. Yes, David reads Michelle's blog too. : ) I promise it will have you laughing. Don't scroll too fast though. You must read and savor every word and picture. Click on the link under the picture and get ready for a good time.

The Gaylords

DIY Coasters

I am still fascinated with Pinterest. I especially love how I can "pin" all the DIY projects for future references. Wish I had more time to follow through with more of the projects. Someday : )

This is my latest creation courtesy of Pinterest via one of my DIY, Gifts & Party Favors  boards. Coasters. Not the beer - just for clarification : )

Here is all you need:

The steps:

1. Cut scrapbook paper to just less than 4x4. This way you don't have any overhang when pasting.
2. Brush Mod Podge onto clean tiles. I wiped my tiles clean with rubbing alcohol.
3. Carefully align your cut paper onto tile. Press firmly working your way from the center outward. I suggest using some type of small flat edge scraper, like you would use for all wall papering, to help smooth out the paper. But it's not necessary.
4. Brush a light layer of Mod Podge onto the decorated tile. You can use as many coats as you like but just make sure you wait about 15-20 minutes between each coat. I used 2 coats.
5. After tiles have dried, spray paint with a clear coat.
6. Apply felt to bottom. You can also use cork.
7. Pour a drink and place on top : )

A great gift idea!

DIY projects are fun! Looking forward to turning Kalista's crib into this:

Photo from Ohdeedoh

What does October 1st mean to you?

This date never meant anything until a few years ago - when David became scuba certified, invested in a boat and started collecting a lot of fishing gear (rods, spear gun, knives, etc.). So what does October 1st mean? LOBSTER SEASON OPENS!

David and a couple of friends went out this last weekend in search of lobsters. They left early Saturday morning and returned Sunday afternoon. Just a guy's kind of weekend: diving and sleeping on a boat. And although the girls (and Mommy) missed their daddy dearly, I am happy David had the chance to unwind and do something he enjoys. He works so hard and it seems like his free time is always spent with the family. So it was nice to see David taking some time for himself. And I got to reap the benefits of his weekend without having to get sea sick : ).