Dinosaur Valley

Last weekend, we drove two hours southwest of here to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. I was hoping to get more glipses of some fall color. The Dinosaur aspect was merely a ploy to entice the children into wanting to go to a state park :) It worked. They were so excited about a trip to see dinosaur footprints.

And here they are.....

Yup. We were a little underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong. They are pretty cool, but we were hoping to be able to stand in one. But they were covered in water and roped off so that you couldn't get too close to them

None the less, we went hiking along the river some - searching for the North Texas Wild Penguins (NTWPs) who finally annialated all the dinosaurs in Texas.....Payton was pretty quick to squash Daddy's stories about NTWPs. Payton informed us that dinosaurs died out because it got too cold for them. And as hard as Daddy tried to persuade her otherwise, she stood her ground. Ian really didn't believe Daddy either, but he didn't have the comeback that Payton did.

 Ian had just jumped into the river and gotten his shoes and pants wet. He wasn't up for a picture.

We had a nice picnic lunch and checked out the park. It wasn't a huge park, but the tall grass was pretty fascinating.

Gladiator, anyone?

On the way out we took a picture with the resident dinosaurs. Payton was pretending to roar like one....

Payton's Thanksgiving program

Super Turkey! - That was Payton's favorite song that she sang in her program. The kindergarten combined with first grade to put on a Thanksgiving program.

We had talked about the costumes before the show and I asked Payton what she was - an Indian or a Pilgrim. She asked, 'Which one wears a band with feathers?' And of course, I answered, 'An Indian.' Payton grinned really big, 'That's what I am!'

I'm glad we cleared that up before the program. I wouldn't want Payton thinking the Pilgrims wore feathers....

We got there early, so that we could see Payton. She told me she would be standing on the first step. I figured that if we didn't get close, we wouldn't be able to see her. We got lucky.

Payton did well. She at least seemed to mouth all the words. And she did all the actions, usually with everyone else.

Okay. Now for the soapbox portion of this blog:

I don't know if this happens everywhere, but the parents were a little camera-crazy. It didn't seem this bad when Payton was in Pre-K or preschool, but here parents didn't stay in their seats. They stood if front of other parents.

Particularly this guy in blue. He was front and center. He stood up and remained standing for a good couple of minutes until one of the other Dads asked him to sit down! Really ?!?! And most were watching the program through their cameras. It was sad, funny, and infuriating all at the same time.

Oma's Birthday!

This past weekend Oma, Opa, and Kate and the kids came up to celebrate Oma's birthday. Oma turned 70 a couple of weeks back, but this was the most convenient time for us all to get together.

We donned our party hats and had ourselves a little celebration!

Oma requested a chocolate cake with chocolate icing.

We took Oma to a painting pottery place called Art and Soul where she painted a plate that included all the grandkids' hand prints.

Ian was especially enthralled with this place. He was a little confused when he woke up with paint remnants on his hand :)

Happy Birthday Oma! We love you.

Happy Halloween!

Well, it's 9:15 pm and it's finally all quiet upstairs in the kids room. They were so hyped up about today. They have been counting down the days to Halloween since last weekend. I guess I can't really blame them considering all the fun stuff they get to do - make jack'o'lanterns, dress up, and let's not forget the candy!!!! 


Candy! Candy! Candy!

But, first let's start with the carving of the pumpkin.....

Scott got all wrapped up in 1) his power tools....and 2) this Star Wars thing....

Any guesses as to what this is?

Scott did most of the carving out in the garage - mostly to save me from having to clean up the pumpkin spray mess....notice the shirt and half of Scott's face (he was wearing goggles :)

Our two Captain Rexes met up with their friend Eliza who lives down the street, and then we were off prowling for tricks and treats.....


After about 30 minutes, Ian said, 'I'm done. I want to go home!' He was ready to dive into his loot already. I do have to admit that Ian's pumpkin was about half full and was pretty heavy for him. Payton wasn't tired, yet. We pushed Ian a little longer and in the end, Ian and I came home early while Eliza's dad took her and Payton around to other houses for a little while longer.


Ian and I handed out more treats while we waited for Payton to come back home. Then Payton wanted to hand out some candy. 

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Halloween fun has already started.

Last Saturday, our gym held a Halloween carnival with big bouncy inflatables, decorating pumpkins, face painting, balloon creations, games and a DJ playing loud fun music. Of course, the kids wanted to go. Both kids decided to be Captain Rex this year. For those who don't know who he is...he is a clone trooper from the Clone Wars.  I'm not completely sure how clone troopers were good guys and then became bad storm troopers later. But whatever..... Here's some pics....

Then at Ian's gym class, the kids were invited to wear their costumes this week. Most of the pics were of a blurry clone trooper. The cute thing was that one of his teachers was Princess Leia. Ian all of a sudden became shy around her. (He never was before :)

Payton's on a team....

The team is actually a group of girls that play together on the playground. The call themselves the Power Puff Girls. Each one of the girls has a nickname, given to them by their leader. There are four of them. The leader's name is Blossom......Then there's Buttercups, Tangerina, and Payton's name is Bubbles :)

I asked Payton what the team does together, and she says that they chase boys. Oh, boy.....

The Boards and Scott's Isolation

October 13th, Scott had his Critical Care Board Exam. Leading up to this date, he studied for 5 days straight. The kids and I disappeared to Kevin's house for the weekend prior to his big test, so that he could study in isolation.

It was actually a nice trip and a good excuse for a change of scenery. I really love the rolling hills and larger trees that you find between Madisonville and Cat Spring. (Of course, these trees are no where the size of those from North Carolina, that I really loved, but they are bigger than the scrawny ones here in Plano.)

Anyway, the kids were VERY excited to play and be with their cousins.

On Sunday, we got to worship at Kevin's parish. It was a beautiful, foggy morning.