Silly String

One of the prizes in her bucket from the costume contest was silly string.  She had never played with it before and loved it.  Pushing the button took some effort, but the faces were priceless.

Trick or Treat With MISS Octopus

Yes, Camden has an official title now.  The Waveland Volunteer Fire Department had a costume contest and she won first place in her age group (0-4).  Hali got second.  She scored one of the buckets full of prizes and candy.

 

 



Her friend from school, Paxton, was there and we invited him to walk with us around town.

All of her loot...

Waveland Halloween (For GaGa)

Our first stop in town is always at GaGa and Grandpa's.  

 

Shortly after we arrived, Hali and Preslee did.  They were all just a tad bit excited, so getting a good picture was difficult.  However, I think it's pretty obvious how cute they all are!

The VBS church holds a hog roast in the town park this night, so we headed there for a yummy dinner, before heading to the firestation for the town costume contest.

Trunk or Treat

Our town did their Halloween activities this weekend.  One nearby church was having a Trunk or Treat event just before Waveland kick-off times, so we headed there first.  Camden requested to be an octopus again this year.  The sweatshirt was much smaller on her, so we had to put shorts on too, but it still gets rave reviews at every stop.

 

There were only about 6 cars set up, but they each had a fun theme and were VERY generous with their treats. 

 

Noah's Ark Party

Camden's Preschool had a Noah's Ark Party on Friday.  I thought it was a real clever way to let the kids dress up, play games, get prizes, without encouraging the Halloween theme (I don't have a problem with that, but I know lots do and am sensitive to it).  They have also been learning all kinds of related stuff this month - storms, weather, Noah Bible lessons, etc. - so it was perfectly designed (again, this school rocks!).

 

Without realizing it, Aunt Carole gave Camden the perfect costume a few weeks ago.  One of her co-workers was getting rid of a beautiful outfit that fit Camden perfectly.  She made an adorable giraffe for the Ark!

 

Bridge Festival

Last weekend, Camden and I headed over to Rockville for the 56th Annual Covered Bridge Festival.  In recent years, Kevin and I had gone once or twice to Mansfield, but I remember going as a kid to the main celebration around the square in Rockville.  I remember it having more true artists and crafts and not as much of a flea market as some of the other towns. 

 

I must say, I do love the atmosphere in Rockville a little better.  Plus it had more authentic and family food booths (crullers!), rather than carnival trucks.  However, I actually think next time we go we will head to Mansfield or Bridgeton again since it has much more to offer/do/see.

 



Two of my favorite finds (most reminiscent of childhood experience) were the pumpkin butter being made over an open fire and sweet little chairs made out of branches (Camden thougth they were adorable).

But my all-time favorite memory of the day was Camden's immediate request when we reached the food area.  Corn on the cob!  For mom and Carole this should immediately remind you of our family story (that Grammy still regularly recounts and giggles about) when Dad took us all there when we were young.  My estimation is it was probably in the mid to late 70's.  Walking around the courthouse, we were deciding what to get to eat. A lady walked toward us eating an ear (just like Camden is below).  As she approached, Dad said the corn sure looked good.  She jokingly held it out to him and offered a bite but then was completely in shock when he leaned forward and took one!  We all laughed hysterically as she stood mouth agape as we walked away.

 

The day brought a wonderful memory to mind (and a few tears), remembering those fun years with my dad - and how much that ornery side of his personality is in his granddaughter.  I can even see him in her expression above.  Wish they could have met.

 

Spooky Cupcake

Supporting our local cupcake shop - Lil Sweetums.  Gotta love a monster eye-ball!

 

Camden's Jack-O-Lantern

After canceling the planned field trip to the pumpkin patch on Friday because of rain and cold temperatures, Camden's preschool ventured out yesterday in rain...and warm temperatures.  A few of the activities at the location were closed because of the weather, but Camden reports tons of fun and immediately wanted to carve her little pumpkin when we got home.

 

I asked her to wait until Daddy got out of the woods and the two of them set about the carving adventure.



 

After the lid was cut and the seeds and goop were scooped, Camden began detailing the face.

The first side features a fun, happy drawn-on face.  On the other side, she sketched a more scary visage and Daddy cut it out.

And with a small votive candle...SPOOKY!

We immediately put it on the porch for everyone to see.  I'm sure over the next week we will burn through a ton of votives (because, per Camden, we are NOT allowed to blow it out).

Happy 6th Anniversary!

Sunday, October 14 was Kevin and my anniversary.  Camden spent Saturday night with GaGa and we headed to Cincinnati for the night.  We actually celebrated our second anniversary there (along with a 2 1/2 month old Camden).

 

We stayed at the Millenium in downtown for a great price (and because of a slight issue got our valet parking and breakfast in the morning comped).  We applaud the manager for his great service and enjoyed our stay.

 

View outside of the lobby while waiting for our car before heading to dinner at Hofbrauhaus.  We thought about going to the best steakhouse we've ever eaten at (The Precinct), but decided we spend 1/3 of the price and go to our favorite German restaurant.  We did not regret this decision. 

Kevin bought his liter stein as a memento.  That's alot of good beer!  Glassware is becoming his newest collection.

We didn't sit in the main dining area (it's smoking and had a loud polka band).  We very much love the communal atmosphere, but enjoyed a more quiet table in the adjoining room.

The restaurant is actually across the river from Cincinnati in Covington, KY.  The riverfront is a hopping place and the bridges are beautiful.  Holding the camera still long enough to allow for a non-blurry picture in the dark is another thing.

Our room was on the 28th floor of the hotel.  We didn't face the river, but had a great view over the old city.

In the morning we counted 9 churches within the immediate view.  Plus a HS football field and Kroger headquarters. 

It was a quick trip, but a wonderful time together.