Spooks, Chills and Thrills

Thrills:  

Grant earned his bear rank at cub scouts.  Way to Go Grant!

We picked out our pumpkins at our favorite pumpkin patch

The tiny corn maze and tractor ride that is provided there is so thrilling, Grant was left speechless.

 

We carved up those pumpkins...but didn't take any pictures, I feel like I am becoming a grumpy old lady when it comes to pumpkin carving.  I promise my fingers hurt from the design work for days.  But, the roasted seeds were oh, so delicious!

Chills:

October is not complete without some bone chilling experiences.  We had a little Halloween gathering with delightful/disgusting food...

witches brew, swamp water with worms, candy corn fruit cups, mummy dogs, zombie fingers, witches broomsticks, pretzel pumpkins and spider eggs.  The girls invited some friends over to chill and play minute to win it games.  The oreo down the face to the mouth game was a big hit, Marshmallow transport with Vampire teeth was hilarious, the classic donuts on a string never disappoints and terrifying Ghost in the Graveyard (aka as Goose in the Graveyard by Brenna) had everyone squealing in fear.  It was a super fun night!

 We visited our buddies, the Witches at Gardner Village, and chilled with them one warm evening.

But, we really looked forward the most to disguising ourselves and spooking people!

 Here is Katelee doing just that for crazy hair day....

Brenna is in the back row of her preschool class picture.  They sang some spooky songs and one kid wandered around the whole time, it was good entertainment.  

 

We took the littles to high five our superstars in the elementary school parade.  It was all in preparation for the big day/night-all Hallow's Eve!

We went to Dave's work to trick or treat (we have the cast of Frozen, and a spooky mirror Ghoul) I'm not sure why Grant wouldn't be Kristoff or Sven, but he wasn't digging the ideas!  After some pizza at the office, we came back for trick-or-treating.  

 Olaf hated wearing his hat the entire night.  Notice how we are holding his hands down.  The cute snowman face lasted a good .3 seconds and then it was ripped off.  He still loves warm hugs!

We had a spectacular time and now we have gallon bags full of candy and a few extra pounds.  I could still recognize my kids, ok, not Grant.  There was no way to tell who he was under that mask.  But, Brenna still says to me, even without costume, "Mom, it's me, Brenna.  I'm your small child."  I am so glad she is around to keep me straight. Although I am not sure what she thinks about me.  Yesterday when I told her we had no more chicken noodle soup around for lunch, I would have to buy more, she took a moment, and responded with, "Hmmm, I don't trust you."    Perhaps she has discovered me sneaking into her Halloween stash for those Twix candy bars!  

Making Memories California Style

 In December, it will have been three years since we experienced Disney World.  When we left that blessed place, Dave promised me that we could do another Disney vacation in three years time.  Well, you better believe I held him to that vow.  Last week we headed to sunny California and it was quite magical.

 We stayed at the Marriott Resort in Newport for a couple of nights and those were some fancy digs.  The kids were in heaven

playing table tennis, life size chess (well, moving the pieces around, they don't know how to play).

They strategized for the win while I did some zumba with the other guests on the pool patio.  

After some exploring and relaxing in the kids club, we spent the afternoon at the beach.  

The kids were blissfully happy.  If I could show a picture of pure joy, it would be photos of them frolicking in the water.  Even Harrison kept running to to the tide.  He loved the beach so much, he tried to eat all the sand.  

The rest of us opted for other snacks, like granola bars, popcorn, etc.  The popcorn bag spilled all over and I kid you not, the entire flock of Newport seagulls surrounded our blankets.  The kids were trying to run them off, but those were some beastly birds taking claim to the beach and those kernels.  I put on a brave face and didn't run screaming down the beach as I did as a child, but I wanted to.  We went back to the hotel, swam in the pools there, grabbed a bite to eat and prepared for our Disney delights ahead!  I knew the vacation was off to a good start when Brenna was hanging out the van window (yes, Dave rented a minivan) and yelled "I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS TRIP!!"

I was so looking forward to Disneyland at Halloween and it did not disappoint.  I am not the best photographer, so I didn't capture the decor but it was fabulous.  There were lots and lots of people, but we did everything we wanted and waited no longer than 25 min on any ride.  So, Harrison did pretty well chillin with the people in his Mickey tee.  

The first day brought awe to each of us.  Katelee is our most bubbly and expressive child.  She showed her enthusiasm and giggled all day. She is a thrill seeker and loved everything we did and saw.  Brenna opened her map and dropped her jaw.  She said, "MOM-they have bathrooms here!!"

Dave does not do spinning rides, so that cuts out the tea cups, splash mountain and others, but that didn't stop the rest of us.  That skeleton dude they put in Space Mountain is seriously disturbing, though!  Brenna said she was 'almost scared ' of that ride!

And, because Dave isn't as much of a ride/Disney fanatic (some may say freak), he happily sits out with the baby so I can go enjoy.  Each Disney vaca we have had (this is #3) I appreciate this, because I honestly can't get enough.  This is apparent in every ride pic that is taken.  I have the same open mouth 'wahoo' being exclaimed!

While they didn't do the fast rides, Dave and Harrison did go on quite a few.  Peter Pan was a hit, Buzz Lightyear is always exciting, and how could we forget, 'It's a Small World?'  Harrison was literally in awe...

The weather was sunny and felt kind of hot, but we weren't complaining.  It had been 99 the week before we got there.  

The next day we went to California Adventure.  Grandma and Grandpa and Shannon flew in to meet us for the day.  It was great having them with us.  Some highlights were: Tower of Terror (Brenna's favorite), going to Cars Land, riding the swinging Ferris Wheel, where Shannon couldn't open her eyes and I kept yelling to Grant, "Don't drop my baby, don't let my baby drop!"  as Harry sat on his lap and our car rocked like a pendulum.  Good times.  

California Screaming was a hit with all those tall enough to ride...sorry Brenna...There is so much awesomeness going on in this picture, I can't even point it all out, but take a good look at each person here...

World of Color was absolutely incredible and the parade was fun as can be watching the girls dance and the baby pop bubbles

We LOVED our experience at Turtle Talk (he he, Grant trying to describe a bikini top,) and seeing Harrison squeal in delight in the Disney Junior puppet show made the whole trip worth it!

California Adventure is a BLAST!

We said goodbye to the grandparents but Shannon stayed one more day and met us for breakfast the next morning at Ariel's Grotto.  It was Friday and we knew the park would be more crowded, so it was perfect to meet some of our favorite characters then.  

Wahoo!  It's Aurora

and Snow White

Cinderella and Ariel were there too, but Harrison tried to feel up Belle

it caught her attention, of course!

But, the baby's favorite character of the day was Minnie. Here he is laughing and running to her.  

But, then she had to keep her creepy head away from him!  Ha!  

 The wonderful Shannon got our tickets for the girls to see Anna and Elsa.  There was some finagling, but it was all worth it!  Brenna had been internalizing all her excitement most of the time, but when she knew she was about to meet Elsa, all the hyper came to a head!  She was on a high.  It was awesome!

 Anna and Elsa loved having sisters dressed like them.  They twirled and hugged and bonded, for sure!

Notice Grant is missing in each of the character photos.  Somehow he seemed to disappear whenever a princess photo op happened!

We had dinner at the Blue Bayou and stayed for Mickey's Halloween party.  But, much to my dismay, the kids were tuckered out and couldn't be dragged around past 10:30.  They made it for the fireworks (which rocked) and the parade, so I tried not to be too mad at them!

So, our much anticipated trip was all we ever wanted and MORE!  Dave even had a great time! He really did, he said so.   Although, when we were leaving and a Disney soundtrack was playing where the shuttles pick up he just couldn't take it anymore and asked us, "When does the music stop?!"  And Shannon quickly explained, "It doesn't."

The music and magic of Disney never stops!  That's why we (ok, I) love it!  It was a fantastic trip, we just wish it was longer.  There were tears coming home and a countdown has begun to the next time we can put the words Disney and vacation together again!

How to Devour a Birthday Cake



Our favorite little guy had a big birthday a couple weeks ago!  Harrison is now 1!! 

In true McArthur fashion, he dug into his personal cake with no reservations. 

We take our treats here very seriously.  There was no screams of disgust or delight, just all business for this boy.

But, he did pause to share a taste with the other brotha in the house!

It was a birthday to remember, for us, that is.  I don't know that he will recall a thing! 

But, we sang and opened presents (very minimal) and reflected on the bright light this kid is in our our lives. 

He has filled our home with joy and so much love.  Having "older" kids with a baby is so special because their lives are changed for the good when a new little one comes a long.  (As opposed to when the elder sibling is jealous and tries to do away with the new babe-flashback to 2007 when baby Katelee entered the scene).  Don't get me wrong, we all made adjustments over the course of the last 12 months, but he has filled a spot in our hearts we didn't know was vacant.  And, while we (ok, just me) got teary thinking of the day he was placed in my arms he just stared, oblivous to my emotions and spread cream cheese frosting across his belly. 

 

 We have loved this year with him and are excited to see him grow with all the fun milestones coming up.  Harrison has his top two teeth breaking...which was like my secret dream come true.  I get so sad when little babies loose their gummy smiles.  So, for him to make it a whole year toothless has been fabulous!  He sleeps all night, is done to one nap and a cat nap whenever we run errands in the morning.  He jabbers and says a few words and is the cutest waddler on the planet!

Other news on the homefront... Brenna started her second year of preschool:

 

 She continues to be a spit fire.  She continues to run away from church, workout classes, friends houses, etc.  She doesn't wander the neighborhood so much, so I don't get too frantic, but I still get upset at her.  She yesterday told me in a non-chalant fashion, almost like a side note, "Oh, and you aren't a very good mom."  This is the day after she told me I was fat and that she loves butts, they are her favorite thing ever.  We are raising a princess for sure. 

And, this week, we went on a hike to Twin Lake.  The kids were stellar, minus number three on the way down.  She melted at the thought of walking anymore and ended up on Dad's shoulders while I lugged around this rascal:

We surely live in a beautiful world!

 

 

Sayonara Summer

 And its official, folks.  Summer has come to a conclusion.  I know a few months ago the season began with some trepidation and anxiety.  What were we going to do with all the time off??  Well, as it does every year, summer flew by.  We finished it with some pretty fun activities: the zoo with friends...

classic, Cowabunga Bay, a road trip to the Blue Angels air show:

 

 

Cousin Evan has been here for the summer and we have loved hanging out with him.  Dave and the older two kids have gone on two road trips with Evan and Aunt Amy.  The Blue Angels is a must see for them-they are hometown heroes of course!!  I really wish I could have gone, but after the disastrous quick trip with Harrison to St George earlier in the summer, we opted out for him and Brenna.  A week after the Blue Angels, the same crew hit up Las Vegas and Evan fulfilled his stratosphere dreams!

 

We are very fortunate to have family  who understands that our kids do not get the outdoor camping adventures they deserve...so they take them camping for us!  My sisters reserved a camp site and I wasn't about to take baby Harry, so they kept the other three.  The camp ground was close, so I went up each day.  Dave was just devastated he had to work and couldn't get dirty with them (I may or may not be laying on the sarcasm there!). 

We were sitting around the fire and a pair of Sasquatch wandered through, some of our group may have been frightened for their lives, some laughed and some just wondered who the weirdos were!  Ha!  My favorite was Angelique thinking the last of those options, til we pointed out the shoes underneath looked similar to Devin's!

We were so happy Brad and Angeliques family was in town for that week and we got to spend time with them too!!  We miss them! 

 

 

Brenna wasn't so sure about Bigfoot, good thing Grandma could protect her!

 

It has been fun having some visitors.  Last week, my dear Laci was in town, so we got all of us gals and our kiddos together (and Dave and Gavin) for pizza and frolicing.  Good times were had by all.  This is what happens after 28 years of friendship:

 

 

 

While we have been relaxing for months, one thing that has not taken a back seat is piano!  Wahoo!  These kids had an awesome recital last week. 

They all worked those fingers like you wouldn't believe...memorized songs, bravo!

 

This year has been so mild outside, of course compared to last year when I was 9 months pregnant and endured a record breaking heat wave.  We have spent lots of time tramp jumping and bike riding.  Harrison gets the hook up a lot.  He totally folded in half and was asleep in the green wagon the other day on his ride. 



But, now the all day fun at home is now put on hold.  School here we come! 

 First day of second grade for Katelee and fourth grade for Grant went so well that when asked what her least favorite part of the day was, Katelee responded with, "I hate to say this to you mom, but it was when we had to go home!"  Say what??  That was her  worst part of the day. 

This was the first year there weren't major tears on my part.  I attribute this to a few things.  1)While second and fourth grade are nothing to scoff at, they aren't milestone years.  Last year it was Katelee's first time gone all day, kindergarten before that, the previous two were Grant's first experiences.  So, I feel like we kinda have a groove going on 2)The kids were SO ready.  We had fun for sure, but we had lots of fights this summer as well 3) We were getting to school as the classes were already filing into their rooms.  I had only a brief moment to watch these two and it was more me telling them to get going than me telling them how I would miss them.  I already have missed them the last couple days, so much.  Be kind to them world!  They have my heart! 

 

Now that they are back at school, we here at home focus on important tasks,

like unrolling every toliet paper roll and eating as much of it as possible!!  Harrison is a total walker/runner now.  Amazing what a month of practice will do!!