Happy Halloween!

Grace was very excited about Halloween this year! We have been talking about it all week, so she got the idea as to what this holiday was all about. Today she woke up ready to go trick-or-treating and of course we had to explain that this would happen after Miss Rosa's house. Ohh patience! Grace brought her costume to Miss Rosa's and the kids had a celebration of their own, so when I picked her up today she was literally jumping with excitement. Bryan was able to get home early, so within 20 minutes of being home Grace was in her costume and we were ready to go. We stayed on our street and Gracie liked being able to pick out the candy from people's bowls. She kept saying, "Go to another one!" So we knew she was enjoying herself. There were some scary masks out there and those made Grace a little upset and frightened. Once we got home she was hesitant to help pass out candy in fear of what costumes she might see at the door.  She was content however taking the candy in and out of her treat bag and organizing it :) As a treat, Gracie picked out some M&M's from her Halloween basket to have after dinner. Overall we had a great Halloween!

A quick snack before we go

Trick or Treat!

There's our Sweet Minnie Mouse

"What did they give me?"

 

Hi Minnie!

Pointing at all the kids in costumes

Checking out the goods :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Gracie!

Boy oh boy what a busy busy week we have had...all leading up to Grace's 2nd Birthday! Earlier in the week we had Grace's 2 year check-up. Grace was very social as usual and answered all of Dr. Canner's questions and carried on conversations with her the entire time we were there. There were no immunizations, but Grace did have her flu shot. She had absolutely no reaction to this shot...I mean nothing! The nurse had to double check that she actually administered the shot because Grace carried on as if nothing happened. Fine by me! Here are her 2 year stats:
Weight: 26 lbs (40%)
Height: 34 3/4 in. (75%)
Now we don't have to go back until Grace turns 3...crazy!

On Friday Gracie celebrated her birthday with her friends at Miss Rosa's. Grace was very excited to share her cupcakes with her friends and celebrate. Miss Rosa made it so special for her by having the kids all make Grace a card, buying her a little present, singing Happy Birthday, and then of course the big kids all enjoyed some cupcakes. Grace told me and Bryan all about Friday night. She was so happy!

Saturday we celebrated Jeffrey's Birthday...remember they are just 1 day apart! He had his birthday party at the Geneva Park District. The kids got to run around the gym and play then Jeffrey opened his presents and we had cupcakes. Happy Birthday Jeffrey! Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!
We still need to teach Grace more about sports... She must get it from me :)

Laying in the goal

And laying down on the base

The parachute was a huge hit with all the kids!

 And then it was time for presents and cupcakes!

Of course everyone wanted to help :)

Happy Birthday Jeffrey!

Frosting...yum!

Sunday was Grace's big day...her 2nd Birthday! She woke up with a cold, but this didn't dampen her spirits at all. She was full of energy and excited all day...Grace definitely knew it was HER special day. Our morning began with Grace opening her presents.

Then we went out for a special birthday breakfast just the three of us. Grace ordered the Mickey Mouse Pancake. I couldn't get a picture quick enough before Grace moved the 'eye and eyebrow', but you get the idea.

Grace also took part in her 2 Year Interview. She actually did really well with answering all these questions and this will be fun to do every year to see how her answers change. Here are the questions and answers. I will try to post the actual video later. Our computer was giving me some trouble.
1. What is your favorite color? Red
2. What is your favorite toy? Dollhouse
3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries
4. What is your favorite TV show? Arthur
5. What is your favorite outfit? Shoes
6. What is your favorite game? Playdough
7. What is your favorite snack? Hummus
8. What is your favorite animal? Horse
9. What is your favorite book? Halloween book
10. Who is your best friend? Molly
11. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play
12. What is your favorite drink? Juice
13. What do you like to take to bed with you? Elmo and Baby
14. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Toast
15. What do you want for your birthday dinner? Fruit
16. What do you want to be when you grow up? Halloween

Grace's 2nd Birthday Party!

Grace doesn't officially turn 2 until next Sunday, but today we had an Elmo birthday party with family and friends. We have been talking to Grace about her party for a couple weeks, so I think she was thrilled to realize that today was finally the 'big' day. Grace spent the day with my parents yesterday so I could clean and decorate the house. Later when Gracie came home she was sooo excited to see all the decorations. She went to each room and ohhed and ahhed at everything. This morning she came downstairs to see the balloons had arrived and that sent her into a dancing and jumping frenzy. It made us so happy and gitty to see our little girl so excited for her special day. And here she is....the BIRTHDAY GIRL!

"Say, Elmo!"

And an Elmo birthday party isn't complete without an Elmo cake (made by a bakery shop in downtown Plainfield) and some Sesame Street decorations.

It was yummy!

Elmo is made out of rice crispie treats :)

Abby...

Cookie Monster...

and Ernie made an appearance!

An Elmo lantern

Birthday Banner!

Favor bags with 'Monster' Cookies

For lunch we had a Chili bar and Chili dogs. It was perfect on a rainy day like today. The kiddies enjoyed it at least!

Yum Yum

 

Jeffrey!

Joey! We missed you Taylor :(

Grace is a very lucky girl with all of the gifts she received...a Bitty Baby, doll clothes, Bitty Baby highchair, winter coat, clothes, clothes, and more clothes, a dollhouse, and her big girl bedding! Wow! She is busy as a bee right now playing with all her new things. Gracie sat through most of the present opening and enjoyed each and every gift.

Gathering all her gifts together

Sitting in her cool new chair

Necklaces and Bracelets

Loving her Bitty Baby

Happy Happy 2nd Birthday to our Sweet Girl! Mommy and Daddy hope you enjoyed your special day. Next weekend we will be celebrating with you again! Thank you to our family and friends who came to celebrate with us today!

"Happy Birthday to Gracie!"

Attempting to blow out her candles...daddy had to help

Yummy cake :)

Pumpkin Patch

I have been trying to find a pumpkin patch in the area that's just a simple pumpkin patch. I put a status out on facebook asking for some suggestions and received many! We decided to try out one that was recommended to us today, Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon. It wasn't a simple pumpkin patch by any means, but it was FREE which is always a good thing! They had a small petting zoo, playground area, kiddie maze, a small store, many great photo opps, and of course PUMPKINS! There were two areas that you could pay for, the steam train ride and tractor ride, but we opted out of that. It was a chilly morning, but Gracie still had a great time!

Ready to go pick some pumpkins!

Picking a small one with Daddy

I choose this one

Playing in the teepee

Mommy and Gracie

This one is so bumpy!

Checking out the goats...

and the piggies...

and the baby cow

So many pumpkins!

Grace went through the maze

We picked a pumpkin!

Giving out pumpkin a push

The hay piles to play in

Gracie in one of the little houses