Rudder

I thought it would be a good idea to let rudder run wild at the park today. I made the mistake of telling Allie about going to the park before I looked outside. I tried to convince her that we shouldn't go but she insisted. I knew in my heart of hearts that within minutes one of the girls would be going down. Indeed, within 39 seconds of arriving Allie jumped in a mud puddle and got her entire body wet. She was thrilled.

Nonna's

She's tough to compete with. But who would want to really. Train set up smack dab in the middle of the dining room, an early start to the advent calendar with super fun surprises, a Santa pez to take home...the list goes on and on. That Nonna knows how to treat my little ladies (us all actually).

Trains

November self-portrait

Picking out the tree

Maddie wanted pretty much everything there, a wreath, garland, a giant tree...you name it. I finally relented and got her mistletoe. But she's had to earn it. There's been a lot of kisses doled out. I'm pretty sure by the end of the week she will be ready to chuck the mistletoe in the garbage.

Teddy bear

Thanks to Auntie Laurie pal is sporting this adorable hood. We LOVE it. It took a few minutes to convince Allie to put it on but once we did she was sold.

Decking the Halls

This was our first year not going to a tree farm.  We were in and out in 30 minutes.  The girls loved making the employee at Mclendons hold the trees for their inspection.  I loved that I was there with the two girls because without them I don't think we would have gotten help tying the tree to the car.  The tree is decorated.  Most of the ornaments are on the bottom third of the tree and will likely be moved daily from not until Christmas. Rudder ate a box of candles to commemorate the occasion and the doors on the advent calendar have been opened and closed about 40000000 times.   Tis the season!

Troll Ave

A visit to the troll for my two little trolls.

Rudder

It's been awhile since he got some face time.

When toddlers INSIST on dressing themselves

Personal shopper

She never lacks an opinion.

Kindergarten picture

She's very proud. And asks me all the time if I like the picture even though she's not showing her teeth.

A little hop

Halloween Part II

We started our Halloween with a festive dinner, well, at least I thought so. We had butternut squash ravioli, sweet potato fries, and avacado slices. Green and Orange...perfect.  Yeah, neither girl thought so.

But with the threat of no trick-or-treating we rallied, actually we gagged down our food and headed into the night.  Allie announced at most houses "Trick or Treat! I am a chicken, my name is Whitey!!"

And Maddie, despite insisting that she was not going to be saying trick or treat, not only did so with gusto but also thanked everyone for the treat.  It was adorable.  

We started in Lakeridge and then headed over to Island Drive where much of the island was skipped because houses were a tad too scary.

Here's some fun past halloween pictures:

Maddie 2007

Maddie 2008

Maddie 2009

Maddie and Allie 2010

Allie 2010

Maddie and Allie 2011

It's tough being on the outside looking in.