Haunted Hayride

Who is ready for a haunted hayride on a crisp, chilly day??

 Todd and I took our nieces and nephew to Colonial Gardens, which is a local garden center that puts on a huge fall / halloween event for the entire month of October.  One of the main events is the Haunted Hay ride.  The day time rides are for kids and adults (who are scared of monsters). The night time rides are so much fun!!!  Monsters jump out at you and even climb into the hay wagon.

 If you're in the area, you should go visit Colonial Gardens!

 A few of the events they have are: Pumpkinland, Children (day and night) Hay Rides, Haunted Gardens, Walk of Terror, Corn Stalk Maze, small petting zoo, play rooms and more.

 Happy Fall!

Spring Break

Zachary has been home on spring break for almost a week.  It's been nice having him around again.  

I'm glad he was home to celebrate Easter with us.

Egg hunts are a thing in the past. 

 My boys think they are too old for an egg hunt, but they are okay with getting Easter baskets on Easter morning.

We spent Easter with Todd's parents and his brother's family.

Maggie's spring break was spent with a cone around her head.

 Poor baby.  

She had surgery to get spayed.

The vet also tattooed a state license number on her.  In the state of PA, you have to apply annually for a dog license.  Because Maggie is tattooed, we never have to get another dog license for her.  That save a few dollars.   Pretty soon the cone will come off and stitches out.  Maggie will be good as new!

Ringing in the New Year

I want to wish a Happy New Year to all my old friends I've known for years. My new friends I just met in 2014. My blogger and facebook friends who I have never met but are friends nonetheless. I hope 2015 is a great year for all of you and all the world around you! 

Cheers!

What does Christmas Eve look like at your house?

Christmas 2001

Probably the only time I wait to the last minute to do anything is on Christmas Eve. I got into the bad habit of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve.  Although it isn't as hectic and stressful as it used to be when the boys were younger.  There are less (but more expensive) presents to wrap.   I like to wrap presents watching the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and drinking a glass (or two) of wine.

Christmas 2009

Christmas Eve is when we hide the pickle on the tree.  In the past the boys would rush down to find the pickle.  Whoever found the pickle first got a prize.  The pickle prize varied over the years from toys to games and now... money.

Christmas 2007

We also spend Christmas Eve with good friends of ours.  We have Chinese take out and unwrap gifts.

Christmas 2006

Christmas Eve is always the time we would take a family photo.  Not the easiest thing to do with three uncooperative boys and dogs that can't sit still.  Seems like each year it gets harder and harder to get a picture.
Wishful thinking on my part, but maybe this year the boys won't moan and groan!!

Father's Day & Brandon's Birthday

FAMILY

In spirit of the World Cup, our family held their own soccer game.

My niece loves her cousin, Brandon.

She was happy he played her favorite sport, even if they were on opposing teams.

 FATHERS DAY

 We celebrated Father's day with a picnic at our house.

Todd is pictured with his Dad and Brother. 

Our friend, Chad is considered a part of the family too!

 I am thankful that these wonderful guys.

They are good men who make our lives better and bless their children by actions and examples.

I say, Thank You!!

BRANDON'S BIRTHDAY

My BFF made Brandon's cake.

As always, it was very good!

 I forgot to buy candles. Brandon had to blow out a lighter.

The next day, some of my day care kids sang Happy Birthday to Brandon.

This time I remembered the candles.