"Thirty-as-well?"

So, when I told a friend yesterday how old I was turning he said, "Oh, so you're turning thirty-as well (32)." We both laughed at his clever little comment, but then I started to wonder, "Am I getting old? I mean, is he trying to help me think of a clever way to disguise my age because there is something inherently wrong with 32? I've never thought I was old, and in my mind, I think I'm perpetually about 25. So really, people, how do you know when you're getting old?

I LOVED the rock collection from the backyard that was scotch-taped to pink paper!

I giggled like a kid when I opened the skirt that I've owned for seven years that Elyse had daddy help her wrap.

Aiden's polished, heart-shaped stone truly was a precious gem.

And I actually wanted to blow out my own candles. I didn't want that little blonde girl next to me to do it for me! (OK, I admit I was concerned about the germs.)

But wait, now I know why I might be classified as old. When I opened Spencer's gift, I'll admit I had a little feeling of dread about having to figure out a new contraption. I mean, I'm sure a GPS is a great tool and all, and I'll probably love it, but I have to take time to learn it! I AM thirty-as-well and all, and don't you know you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Elyse's Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

So one of the advantages and disadvantages to helping run and organize your own preschool is that you get to be in the details--like especially field trips. We got together with a bunch of other moms who were doing co-op preschools, and we went to the pumpkin patch. The kids had a great time--worms, chickens, veggies and more. And we even baked a pie with the pumpkin we took home!

The kids check out the BIG pumpkins.

The farmer lady was a great teacher, and Elyse loved petting the animals.



The preschool-level corn maze. The kids did it over and over!

Elyse and her good friend Grace. (And no, Grace is NOT the one with straw coming out of her head.)

Pumpkin Carving with Evie's Class

So Ms. Eaton organized a family pumpkin carving event a couple of weeks ago. We had to toss two pumpkins today because they were completely moldy. But, I think the experience was worth it. It was fun to see Evie so proud to show off her family to her teacher and friends, and also to show them off to us. I think we all had a great time.

(And yes, every time we mention Evie's teacher, Spence asks Evie if she's "eatin'" all the time in class--Evie's not amused)

Coulson's finished product

Aiden used a design, but cut it out all by himself! Way to go, Aiden!

So Elyse drew hers, and I cut it out. It was SO cute!

Evie wasn't so big on cleaning out the pumpkin guts, but she did do everything else by herself.

The whole gang cleaning out the gook--except for Spence. He was the photographer. He doesn't "do" the pumpkin carving thing. And Kian got to be a handful by the end. Everyone else did fine.

Back On-line

So, I haven't even gotten on my blog, because I feel so guilty for not updating. It's beginning to look like my journal, with months between entries. Bad, bad! It all started when our computer crashed, and it took us months to get a new one. Then I got out of the habit of writing, and then it all went downhill from there. I figure I'll only keep doing this though, if it is a guilt-free endeaver. So, there's only moving forward; no looking back. If I go months between entries, so be it!