Autumn in Virginia

Every year I am surprised with the brilliancy of the colors of the leaves. Wes took these pics this week when he had a day off.

Dressed Up with Somewhere to Go

This afternoon I took the boys to see the Veggie Tales production, "God Made you Special." Since the venue was a only a five minute drive from our house, I figured it would be a fun way to spend an afternoon. Keagan decided to wear this outfit because he "wanted to be cute." I had to agree.

We were not disappointed with the performance. Evan especially liked the confetti shot from a cannon at the end of the show, and Keagan, well, he danced his way through the first half and then had enough. He is already in bed for the night.

Working From Home

Because of the crowds expected today at school for the election, teachers were allowed to spend today's teacher work day working from home. The boys and I spent the day doing some homework, reading a book or two, swimming at the rec center, and hiking in the tree line behind the house. We had races on the golf course (let's hope the grounds keeper didn't mind), we climbed a few fallen trees, and we slid down muddy inclines into dry creek beds. The rain just made it that much more muddy and fun. I would say it was a great day, and I am looking forward to next week's day at home already!

Great Great Grandfather Toole

Evan's school project for November requires us to create a doll wearing traditional dress of a country of his ancestry. Evan was not particulary excited about creating a doll. Ireland was the obvious country of choice and so this afternoon I grabbed as many scrapbook supplies that I could to dress this doll. I, of course, had to do it because what five year old, woops! six year old, can create, cut, and paste authentic Irish clothing? I thought it was a stretch for me! While I cut and pasted, I tried to relay the story of the Irish potato famine and the need for so many Irish people to flee to America. We discussed the parts of the outfit and their probable uses. (the "man's bag" was used to carry knives, bread and cheese) However, Evan was confused with the most basic part of the project. He asked, "How do you know what my great, great grandfather Toole looked like? He's dead." In the end, Evan added the face and bright red cheeks because "it is cold when you have to fight wars in Ireland." Every young boy envisions ancestors of great valor fighting in great battles, and I didn't argue because the Toole name actually means "mighty" and well, to tell you the truth it is more fun to tell a story that involves a battle with a sword, a castle in ruins, and a man's bag instead of a purse

Opa and Oma Visit

For the third year, Opa and Oma have flown to Virginia to help us celebrate Evan's birthday. After this afternoon's soccer game, they are headed back to Texas.

While we were taking a shot or two on the deck this morning, Keagan posed for this. 

Fall Festival

This afternoon we attended the fall festival hosted by Evan's school. The kids were supposed to wear costumes, and you can bet Evan had his costume planned days in advance. There were games, crafts, and food, but I think prepping for the party and pretending to be a pirate was more fun!

Keagan was thrilled to go to "Evan's school", have another chance to wear a costume, AND eat cotton candy. Spidey declared it was  one of the best days EVER!

Ahoy There Mateys

In August I said that nothing could top Keagan's party at Gymboree, but I must say that I think that this weekend's birthday party was just as fun! Evan celebrated his sixth birthday today with a pirate themed party at Dolphin Beach on Lake Montclair. The weather was absolutely beautiful and perfect for an outdoor party. We walked the plank, swabbed the deck, played cannonball pop, hunted for treasure, had a sword fight or two, and ate chocolate cake. Thanks to all of our friends that helped us celebrate.

Keagan continues the trend of wearing costumes for no apparent reason. In this case, the wrong costume. Today he chose to wear SpiderMan. One day I will look back on this and find it so funny.

Campbell taken as prisoner

Zachary and Evan sword fight

Evan marks his treasure

The party goers walk the plank (aka The LifeGuard Chair)

Happy, Happy Birthday