Halloween

One day in late September Clara came running into my room and told me she wanted to be a bee for Halloween. So we made it happen. I looked around at bee costumes and couldn't find any that I loved so I made her a little bee pinafore and we found matching wings and antennae while buying the fabric at Joann's. Clara told me several times that Rex wanted to be a grasshopper but I couldn't think of a good/cute way to make that happen. We opted instead for The Hungry Caterpillar. I made his costume as well and had fun dressing my sweet babies up. Since I got strep throat twice during October, I was glad that I got Clara's finished a few days into the month. 

We had trunk or treat at our church the weekend before Halloween and Ben and I dressed up as bug catchers to go along with our little bugs. Clara had a great time seeing her friends and collecting candy. Rex was happy to wander around and enjoy a sucker.

On Halloween night, Ben's parents came over for dinner and trick-or-treating. Connie stayed at our house to hand out candy while the rest of us went out. Since we were in California last year, this was the first year we were able to go trick-or-treating in our own neighborhood. 

Build-A-Bear, or Dog

On Clara's actual birthday we took her to Build-A-Bear and out to dinner--quesadillas--at her request. Clara was so excited when we got in the store, she just ran from display to display looking at everything. It took us a while for to get her focused enough to pick out an animal. She finally chose a dog. While we were getting it stuffed, the employee asked Clara what her dog's name was and after a little thought she said, "Gilbert." The employee asked her, "Is your dog a boy?" Clara said, "No, it's a girl." She had fun giving her dog a bath (multiple times) and picking out clothes. When we were leaving the store, Clara told Ben that she got a little flag for her dog. When Ben asked if he could look in her box she said, "No, you may not." After a little talk, we opened up her box and sure enough, she had stashed a little American flag in the box when we weren't looking. :) Ben went back and paid for the flag and then we went to The Sweet Tooth Fairy to get Clara a birthday cupcake.

Pumpkins

After Clara's birthday party and some much needed napping, we headed to the pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins. We had an early snow this year, but we still found some great carving pumpkins. Clara and Rex had fun getting muddy, riding in the cart and choosing their pumpkins. While Ben and Rex bought our pumpkins, Clara ran through their small straw maze.

The next day we carved our pumpkins and roasted some pumpkin seeds. Clara chose the little monster, Ben carved the haunted castle, and I did the owl. We had fun lighting them up every evening before Halloween.

Happy 3 years!

Since Clara's birthday fell on a Tuesday this year, we had a little party for her the Saturday before her birthday. When I asked her what kind of party she wanted, she said, "A pumpkin party!" So that's just what we did. We had family and a few of Clara's friends over to help us celebrate. Ben and I stayed up late the night before decorating the house, frosting cookies and baking the cake. Clara's big surprise was the castle bounce house we rented and it was a big hit. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time being together.

Waiting for guests to arrive

Pumpkin piñata fun

We love you Clara. You have so much spunk and bring so much laughter and joy into our home. It's only been three years but we can't imagine our life without you. We are so glad you are ours.

Big girl bike

Ben's parents got a bike from one of Connie's co-workers and asked if Clara would like it. We were planning on getting her a bike for her birthday, so this one worked out perfectly. It had been in an attic for a long time, but lucky for us the tires still held air and Clara got to ride it right away. She loves it and  both Ben and I were pretty sentimental watching her ride it around. She's growing up so quickly.

Gardner Village

One Monday in October, the kids and I went to Gardner Village with a couple of our neighbors. Clara loves to be with Hannah & Reagan and all of the boys are pretty close in age. We went on a little witch scavenger hunt and finished off the morning riding a pony & going to the petting zoo. We love our neighbors!

Hannah, Clara & Reagan

Clara was trying to sit just like the witch.

Hannah & bunny

Clara & donkey. The donkey brayed pretty loud and startled her.

1st pony ride

She was pretty serious during the ride but wanted to get back on as soon as the ride was over.

Owen & Rex. High five.

He was so happy to be out of the stroller!