Team Jacob!

It's become a tradition each year to go to the Black Island Farms here in Syracuse. Jeff Wilson, the guy who does a lot of loans for myself and clients, is part of the Axiom Financial group who sponsor the event once a year. I'm sure I went into more detail last time when I posted, but there are animals to see, slides to go down, hot cocoa and doughnuts to snack on, a "corn" box, and much more. This year the highlight were the corn mazes covering 24 acres of ground. One side was cut into the shape of Edward's face the other side was Jacob's. Who do you think we explored? You guessed it, TEAM JACOB all the way :0) Brian took the boys and I took the girls and we separated about half way through. We had the map, which unfortunately for the girls is not an advantage when I'm leading the way! lol. The boys came back from the exit looking for us once they finished the maze since they knew we might be lost forever. After the maze we went into the GYNORMOUS pumpkin patches (which you have to ride on a tractor to get to) and we each got to take home a pumpkin. We were cold and tired, but it was another great year at the Black Island Farms... Thanks Jeff!

Fall Preschool

For preschool we went on a field trip to a pumpkin patch. There was a 3 ft corn maze that the kids got to run around in. Marcus got to go with us since he has afternoon kindergarten and the field trip was in the morning. Being his father's son, he had the corn maze figured out in just a few minutes and was soon giving guided tours through it to the other children who were there. I guess that settles it - He has "the knack". If you are not familiar with the knack, please visit this website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmYDgncMhXw . Corben also got to dress up in a feathered hat he made at preschool for Thanksgiving. I help out in his class twice a month and let me tell you what a hoot those kids are! In the first picture, you can see Corben at the front, his girlfriend, Ella just behind him, and Marc over to the side about to pounce on Corben. Gracie couldn't go with us that day because she was at home sick :0( we brought her back a pumpkin though.

Alone at Last! cont.

Alone at Last!

Brian and I were able to take a mini-vacation to Park City this fall. We were there as the leaves were at their most beautiful. My camera does not capture it well, but it was absolutely exhilarating. We took the enclosed lifts from the Canyons up the side of the mountain where there is a quaint little restaurant. We had a delicious lunch and then had free access to all of the ski lifts. We would ride up the lift and then take the scenic walk down. One of the trails was extremely narrow - not that we were in danger of falling - quite the opposite, we were walking through forest and the forest animals seemed agetated about it. They were following us and all we'd hear were the bushes and trees being moved this way and that. It was impossible to tell how big the animal that was watching us was and we ended up nearly running through those portions. It was so much fun! We hung out on Main St. one night and had dinner in an italian restaurant. Everything seemed so peaceful and lovely. I wish we could have stayed longer. Came back just in time to pick up Aly from school because she had a migraine. That's real life I guess :0)

Megan's First Horse Show

Megan was invited to do a horse show with the farm where she takes lessons. She ended up falling off on her first attempt at the jumps. She looked a little stunned, but they walked her off and let her rest for a minute. When she came back out the whole arena burst into applause for her giving it another go. I was so proud of her for coming back out that I couldn't help but cry. When I looked over at my sister, Anne, who had come with us (along with the boys) she was crying too. It was a very touching scene. Megan did not come in last except in one area. She ended up with 7 total ribbons, the best was a 3rd place.

Halloween 09 cont.

Halloween 2009

Ah, Halloween. My least favorite holiday. It came again this year and again we dressed up and participated in festivities at church and at home. None too eventful, kids got candy - mom got fat! :0(