The McPherson Chronicles

We spent the weekend getting in all our pumpkin fun in anticipation of Halloween. Friday night was the Trunk or Treat I already posted about. Saturday we decided to find a pumpkin patch and pick pumpkins to carve. Apparently they aren't as popular as they used to be since we had a bit of a hard time finding one that isn't mostly a money pit trying to distract the kids with petting zoos, rides and food. We finally found a church in Riverside that had just pumpkins and the girls had plenty of fun inspecting them all until they found just the right ones for them. We tried to get the girls involved in the carving process later that night, but they wanted nothing to do with removing the "guts". My mom and I had plenty of fun doing that messy part ourselves. Then Kevin actually carved the cat that Lucy chose. It turned out quite nicely! Sunday we did Olivia's pumpkin and the witch pattern she chose. This time the girls got a bit more involved and did act...

Here are the photo highlights of our Chicago/South Bend trip. We had a great time, got to see so many new and exciting things, take in the fall weather, experience Notre Dame's beauty and tradition and get in a lot of quality family time. So glad we were able to make the trip.

Last night was Trunk or Treat at church so we got to parade around our costumes for the first time. Here they are- Little Red Riding Lucy and Pirate Olivia.

An Olivia story from my sister: Last Saturday, I ate breakfast with the girls. At one point while we were eating, Olivia reminded me that I shouldn't talk with my mouth full. Olivia finished first, left the table, and started acting silly running around with her hands on her knees.  After one pass of the table, Olivia stopped and asked me, "Do I look silly?" I happened to have just taken a bite, but I responded "Yes." So Olivia, of course, gives me a dirty look and says "Don't talk with your mouth full." My response: "You just asked me a question." Then Olivia says, "I asked you not to talk with your mouth full." Seriously, that girl doesn't miss a trick.

The girls had a great time at my parents this past weekend while we were in Chicago. They got to decorate Halloween cookies, go to Art Class, climb and play outside and enjoy wearing out my parents. My sister sent me these pictures of the silly little monkeys. Oh yeah and Mom, last night when Lucy got in trouble for fooling around instead of eating her dinner she started crying and saying, "I miss my Grandma! I really miss my Grandma!" Hah, so I guess that works both ways.

1) Colds, gunk, junk, coughs and sickies 2) Chicago/South Bend for me and Kevin 3) Grandpa & Grandma's for the girls 4) Home again, home again, jiggity jig for all of us I'll play catch up soon, I promise.

My favorite creations yet! Plus, I actually got to go along to art class this week which was quite exciting. Poor Olivia's sick in this picture and still, but she was a trooper and made it through class and did quite an amazing rainbow hippo, if I may say so.

I told you Lucy's a crazy sleeper still. Here is where I found her the other night.

One of our last swim's of the summer. Look Mom, no hands!

We were in San Diego this weekend for SkyShow, which is the most amazing fireworks show put on each year after an SDSU home football game at Qualcomm. We went 4 years ago when I was pregnant with the girls, but this was their first trip. They loved it and were completely mesmerized by the fireworks. I'm so glad I brought headsets to protect their little ears because the whole thing is so loud. It was a great day though with fun friends, delicious food and a great finale. I'll post those photos and maybe a video later. After fireworks the girls couldn't wait to get to Melissa and Ross' house to see their dog Ozzie. All day they kept asking when it was time to see him and as soon as the fireworks were over the first thing out of Lucy's mouth was, "ok, let's go see Ozzie". The girls had a great time chasing him around, bringing him toys and pretty much just pestering him in general. Thanks for putting up with us, Ozzie! On Sunday, Kyle & Nata...

Here are today's creations Notice any differences???