Halloween

Well, since we just celebrated Thanksgiving, I figure it's a good time to share our Halloween pictures. Needless to say, I'm a bit behind on updating...but, better late than never!

This year we tried a new pumpkin patch and took the long drive down to Woodburn to the same place the wooden shoe tulip festival is held. It was great! A very different experience from the Lee Farms where we usually go - much more rustic. We lucked out and even though it was a beautiful day there weren't many people there. We had a great time!

 We also attended the "Big Boo" at Henry's school - the annual Halloween carnival. It was SUPER crowded, but we still had a great time playing all the games and enjoying seeing everyone in their costumes.

This was a "treasure hunt" in barkchips. Nora didn't want a prize - she wanted to keep a barkchip.

Carving pumpkins!

 This year Henry was a policeman - clearly he took his role seriously - and Nora was a ladybug. She had refused to wear her costume  on all other occasions when I tried to get her to...on Halloween night we told her she wouldn't be able to go trick-or-treating for candy unless she wore it. She wore it.

Nora Turns TWO!

Happy Birthday to Nora!

She had a wonderful day celebrating turning two - here are some pictures of the party.

Children's Museum

Dr. Henry examining his patient.

Dr. Nora taking care of her patient.

Dr. Nora and her charges getting weighed.

She looks like she's on a grocery store shopping game show or something...

Rock climbing!

Chef Henry

Fun in the water room.

First time checking out the new outdoor section.

Putting on a show.

 A couple weeks ago we took advantage of the Garden Home Library's Cultural Pass and went to the Children's Museum. We were able to check out a pass to get in for free! Woo-hoo! We used to have a membership, but let it lapse and so we haven't been in quite some time. Not since Nora was old enough to really enjoy it. Of course, with her "hand-on" personality (meaning she puts her hands on pretty much every child she comes across), it was a little dicey taking her, but overall she did pretty well.

We missed the start to the traveling exhibit "Wizard of Oz" but I am planning to try and check out another pass soon so we can go again and check that out.

Driver Henry taking Bumpa and Nora on the bus.

Fall Soccer

Henry is playing soccer this fall with some fellow Capitol Hill students. Although it is not officially through the school I think all but one or two of his teammates attend Capitol Hill. They are divided up by age, so they are all first graders. He played this past spring as well, but this is a whole different experience. Last year it was "kick and chase" and they practiced and played a "game" (which was really just a scrimmage against each other) all during one, one hour session. Now they have two, one hour practices during the week and a real game on Saturdays. So far they have had two games and Henry is LOVING it. I was a little concerned that two practices a week plus school would be too much for him but he so looks forward to going to practice each week and so far has not wanted to miss a single one. I think going to the Timbers soccer camp this summer really helped him develop his skills and gain confidence.

That's Henry there in the middle at his very first game.

Taking a breather.

Henry right in the middle trying to get the ball at his second game.

Henry throwing the ball in after it went out of bounds.