Pumpkin' Carvin' ... and other things

Every year we HAVE to carve pumpkins, it's a must, for the kids.  And of course you can't forget roasting the seeds, a little extra work but well worth it.  These have to be the biggest pumpkins we have carved so far.  Can you guess who picked them out?  A hint...  it wasn't the kids.

Yes, there was a big mess to clean up afterwards, but they had oh so much fun.

Here's the finished product.  Rachel insisted on sharing her pumpkin with Elise so that is why she has a two-faced pumpkin.  For whatever reason it didn't look right. 

Aren't they ooohhh sooo scary?.

Among other things, I have decided in order to save my sanity, I am temporarily confining Elise to the packnplay in the school room. A last resort.  For those of you who are gasping don't worry she is not in for long.  Every time I turn my back she is into everything, dry erase markers, Sharpie markers, crayons, colored pencils and did I mention markers.  I walk out of the room for a second and she is on top of the table destroying their school work.  I only put her in when I have to sit down with the kids one on one.  It's either that or I would chase her around all day.  See I told you she is like Joseph!

This picture is just too hilarious.  You really have to zoom in to get the full effect of the expression on Joseph's face.  He just finished his 6th season of soccer but his first with Clarke County.  Is it different out here or what, but that's for another post.  They actually play when it is raining.  He loves soccer but is thinking he might want to try baseball in the spring.  Thanks to Grandpa Robert, he took this picture when he was visiting.

So far everyone has been healthy, knock on wood.  Aside from minor sore throats we have not been hit with the flu.  Elise had her 2 year well check today and is a whopping 27 lbs. and 35 in.  She is in the 75th percentile for height and only 25th for weight.  Sounds like my child. 

My baby turns 2!

Elise Marie turns 2 today!  After going to the hospital on Saturday morning (yes, Dave stayed home from hunting) and then being sent home because I was not considered in active labor, she finally showed up at 1:41am on Sunday morning.  Yes, we did go back that evening.  I can't believe she is 2 years old.  Elise resembles Joseph in many ways, cried a lot when she was born, spit up a tremendous amount, has eczema like him, is into everything, is very, very busy and most of all she looks like him.... at least we think so. 

She is still not talking real well, but can say Dadden, Mommy, baby and puppy.  Some of her favorite foods are pancakes, cottage cheese, scrapple, steak, chicken nuggets and more cottage cheese, and she also loves chocolate milk. 

We love you sweetheart.  Happy Birthday!

Not ready for winter

Even though summer is technically over I couldn't help but post some pictures of our last week at the beach in August.  As always we had a wonderful time filled with pool time, crabbing, clamming, more pool time, shell shop, boardwalk, fishing at Uncle Ron's, and of course my favorite, Nicola's Pizza ...... and more pool time. 

Most of the time we do not go to the ocean. Those of you who know me, know that I hate sand.  It's everywhere, my clothes, my hair, my drink and food and then in my car.  We are perfectly content with staying on bay side.  Contrary to what my children think, I don't feel a need to see the ocean ... am I depriving them?

Isn't she a cutie!  Yes, I had to chase her around the pool the whole time... exhausting.  Unlike Nicole she would not sit in the stroller for long. 

Dave and Elise coming in from checking out the clamming conditions.  It needs to be low tide with little to no wind.

Dave's famous "Clams Casino".  And no I will not give out the recipe so don't even ask!

This is too funny not to include.  Don't you think Dave is a little too big to be riding the kiddie rides?!  Nicole screamed half the time and Rachel just look horrified.

I don't do merry-go-rounds or ferris wheels.  They make me sick.  So I leave that up to Dave.

Joseph and Grandad, spending time picking crabs.  One of Joseph's favorite things to do.