End of September

I can not believe September is ending; it has gone by too fast. This past week we have enjoyed all this wonderful weather with lots of playground and outside time. We all are looking forward to the crisp Fall weather. 

Aiden still loves to draw with chalk and of course wants to draw Halloween items. Today he and I drew a Haunted house with lots and lots of webs and spiders. 

 We have decided to have our first ever Haunted House party, so Aiden and I went to the Dollar Store to gather some cheap easy items for the party. Aiden really likes the zombie cut-out.

 I have been meaning to take the boys to a Herndon High School football game for two years now, but for some reason we never end up going. This year I was determined. The boys were super excited to go to the game with friends. They were so cute. Owen kept cheering and yelling "Go Hornets!" and Aiden of course tried to chime in. But they also enjoyed climbing on the bleachers, watching the cheerleaders do their flips, the delicious snacks, playing keep away with friends, running around in the dark, and the band and dance squad. We left after half time to get them to bed. It was a fun family time with good friends.

Owen went on the hike today with me and while walking he found an X marks the spot. If only we had shovels with us.

Owen and his Stick Rifle

 He likes to bush-whack and also climb down in the creeks. I love this section because above the creek is a small cave.

 I took the boys to NatureFest in Herndon, and I must say we had a wonderful time. I was not expecting there to be so much. Below is just a couple of our fun times we had. I think one of my favorite moments was Owen telling the volunteer high school girl that "You know this was my first job. I worked at the nature camp during the summer." WHAT?!?! He did go to nature camp at this park, but love him trying to impress her with his work.

They got to try on bug glasses

While Aiden played with animal puppets, Owen was asked to release a butterfly. Here the lady is tagging it.

 Then Owen got to hold him in his hand, and then let go

 He was so excited to watch it fly away

 They colored butterflies and also made bug boxes

The Luray Zoo put on a show with some snack, and American alligator and the most amazing golden eagle I have ever seen

 They also got to practice fishing. They loved this and I was happy there was someone there to assist them with the poles.

 Then we explore toads and snakes. Owen is really good at handling the toads and holding them. He was in heaven. Owen also likes to help and teach Aiden how to. Aiden does pretty well for his age but I think he enjoyed petting all the snakes more.

 Ended our week visiting Erica and Craig with their new baby, Carson. Owen really wanted to meet Carson, but when we first got there he'd rather run around. But once I was holding Carson Owen gave some awe's and stroked his hair. Not surprised but Aiden could have cared less and was looking for food. Ha! We got a picture of all the boy's watching the Redskins game.

Owen's 6 Year Stats

We finally got in to the doctor for Owen's 6 year well check up. The doctor said he looks amazing and is on target or above all necessary marks. He aced his vision test; hope that continues. The doctor joked that he is definitely a social boy as Owen talked almost the entire time he was there and told several stories.

We did talk about him still wetting the bed and she said many boys this age still do, but that we should see him stop soon. He does not during the night but seems to not be able to get up in time in the morning. It is a hassle but trying not to make a big deal about it.

He still is very slender and tall.
Weight: 43.10 lbs, 32% (2011: 39.6 lbs)
Height: 47.75 inches, 76% (2011: 44.75 in)
BMI: 13.76, 5% (2011: 13.9/6%)

Taking Breaks....

The foundation that hosted the 911 Heroes Run sent out pictures they took. They were able to get a couple good ones of the kiddos. 

Lining Up, We are to the left

And We Are Off

Owen and Me Finishing

Getting His Water

My Proud Runner

Aiden and Daddy Finishing

Owen had his first game of Tball for the Fall season. One of the Dad's took some awesome pictures. I really enjoy watching him play and having fun with the game. He has learned a lot. He is having fun learning how to play and trying to get better.

While the boys played Tball Aiden and Sadie played at the playground. 

Our neighborhood opened the pool for the dog swim. This is the first time I have been and the pups had a good time. We were there for a long time and it was funny to see how the pups played. Chester enjoyed running in the water for a little and then laying in the shade and getting lots and lots of pets from the kids. Callie was crazy, she kept wanting to herd all the other dogs and racing around playing and she even jumped from the bottom of the pool all the way out from the side; pretty impressive jump.

 Okay I know it is not good but I did it; I let Owen play hooky from school. It was gross out and he asked to stay at home because he did not want to get caught at school in the storm. I went back and forth, but when he said he just wanted to stay home and play with his brother....come on, I had too. We had a wonderful day but I made sure he understood that it was a special treat.

They ran around in the rain

He missed art class, so we did some artful chalk drawings. 

We also drew with markers. Owen made a Frankenstein (right), then Aiden wanted to draw one and even signed his name (backwards)

We got some Halloween window clings and the boys decorated their windows and Owen added some on Beardy's tank.

Can you believe how large he has gotten. 

Owen has made several new friends in his new class, one lives in our neighborhood and I see his mom at pick up. Owen has been asking since the beginning of school to have a play date with Noah. So I picked them both up from school and they had a wonderful time playing all afternoon. It is nice to meet one of his new friends.

Aiden asked if he could have a pizza party play date with his old school crew, two still in his class. :)  So I loaded all the car seats in the van and picked all four up from school. Aiden was beaming when he walked out with his crew. I call them the Fantastic Four, because they all get along so well and really enjoy each other's company. It is so adorable to watch all of them. They cut out shapes from the pizza dough and made them all. They seemed to enjoy it and then got to gobble it all up. They played and played and played. All the mom's came over too for lunch and to catch up. It was a great afternoon.

The boys really relish their after school time. I miss Owen a lot too but have learned sometimes it is best to step away from the boys and allow them their own time together. Love these boys!!!!

Aiden got the garden decorations and was making them fly around. What a cutie

Owen picked me some flowers. What a sweetie!

Omer and I got to get away for the weekend to enjoy one of Omer's college friend's wedding. He has known him since the beginning of college and we have all become good friends. This was a HUGE reunion of all his friends from college. We had an spectacular time and so grateful for my wonderful sister for watching the kids and dogs. Always fun seeing old friends and getting to party altogether again.