Fall in Modesto

I love the mixture of beautiful flowers and Fall leaves! I also love the 70 degree weather and the fact that Anna is in shorts and a t-shirt. It is such a beautiful time of year!

YUCK!

Our cute pumpkins didn't last long...

In Utah it seems like we could carve pumpkins and they would last like a week or so... is my memory wrong? We carved these babies Saturday, the day before Halloween, and this was Wednesday..... GROSS!!!

On a side note, I got this beautiful plant, called a Wandering Jew, the day before Halloween at the farmers market. I saw it and thought it was cool and gorgeous. You cannot really tell in the photo, but it sparkles. (: AND I hope I cannot kill it, the farmer told me I just water every 3 days and leave it out in partial sun, it "should last forever." Here's to hoping I can keep it alive!

What do you do in November in California?

Run in the Sprinklers of course! For those of you who are natives this may seem like a silly post, but if you grew up in Utah, Michigan, or anywhere else that have colder seasons you'll understand my shock in what we are able to do at this time of year.

Last week we had BEAUTIFUL weather. We got out many times, but one evening Anna asked if she could run in the sprinklers. We were already out in our shorts so why not? Though it is a little colder this week so this is probably the last. We will miss having snow, but I have to admit it is nice not to pull out the winter coats just yet. (Though some in Modesto seem to think that 60 degree weather required beanies, winter coats and boots.) (:

This was her way of drying off afterwards, she did it all on her own, getting the towels, laying them out and everything. When she asked for one more towel for her feet I told her she didn't need the yellow one where is was... her reply, "but it is my favorite color!" Oh, didn't realize it had to be on top! (: Particular, particular!!

Weeks of Halloween

We had a couple of weeks of celebrating the holiday. The weekend prior to Halloween Dave and I went to the Oakland Temple for the evening. Anna went with our friends from the neighboring ward and went to their Halloween Trunk or Treat. Here's the little cutie before hand.

Saturday night we had an adult Halloween Party. I wanted to do something with the belly. (No I did not paint it,) but had a good time using it as a prop.

We had a fun Halloween weekend. Friday night was our church's Trunk or treat. Anna liked playing the games, but her favorite thing was exploring the "pumpkin patch." Cinderella was the belle of the ball... Our great friends brought their "child" to the Trunk or Treat. Here is Winston aka the Fireman.

Saturday, Anna and I went down to the farmer's market (Dave had a retreat all morning) and went trick or treating. There were many fun costumes including a Lego family and many princesses, however Anna's favorite was Mary Poppins dressed to a tee with her parents as Chimney sweeps! Later that evening we carved pumpkins and had pizza, and Anna went to bed early. We were all exhausted, but Dave and I had to finish our carving. Dave was such a cute Daddy and did his to honor Anna. On Halloween night we ate dinner in a pumpkin. It was my first attempt and I think it turned out pretty good!Anna had a great time giving out treats to the Trick or Treaters. She would scream every time the doorbell rang and run to the door! Such a cutie.

All in all it was a great Halloween.

Fall / Halloween Fun...so far

We are trying to live up the fall festivities. Here are some highlights so far.

Anna decorating with her favorite toys and new pumpkins from the Del Osso Farms

PUMPKIN COSTUME...

Our nearby shopping center had a kick off to Halloween day. Anna found her Halloween costume from last year and wanted to wear it. She looks so cute! (especially the California hot weather version). They were suppose to set up a hot air balloon which I was most excited about, but it was too windy. Instead we met a few characters and went in a haunted house- which we went through the wrong door and left prematurely, but it was probably better for Anna. Then we trick or treated to all the stores.

Ghostbusters... Anna had heard this song the week before so we were able to tell her this was from that song. She was a little reluctant at first, then liked the green silly monster.

Waiting for the Hot Air Balloon. We couldn't find her trick or treat pumpkin, but she loved wearing the backpack.

Gearing up to go ...Kinnersley smile style!

MICHIGAN CHEERLEADER ...
We have a monthly music makers class with toddlers in our ward. This month was a Halloween theme. We have had Anna's actual Halloween costume since the beginning of the month, but Anna didn't want to wear it. She had been singing the Michigan fight song all weekend so we dressed up as that!

Eating treats Ala Ashleigh. She will probably kill me for posting since she "rushed" through these treats, but I thought they were REALLY cute! Check out her blog, "Bee in our Bonnet" on my blog reel. She is AMAZING!

Hello song, check out all the great costumes!

Marching, Anna's at the end of the sidewalk with her skirt falling off.

This was after she had a turn helping with a book. She was pretty proud.