Tree Cutting Day

We went out to get our Christmas Tree this weekend. The pickings were good and we got a nice tree. Not a lot of needles falling off of this tree like last year. I did the cutting, the kids did the pulling. Jaiden and Delaney took care of the decorations with Julie while we watched the Steelers clinch the AFC North against those no good criminal Baltimore Brownvens. The only thing missing so far this season is some of the good ole white stuff. With a bigger yard in the new house we would like the kids to make a nice big snowman (or snow family).

Nutcracker 2008

It's been over a Month since I last posted anything on the blog. BUT, it's time for the Nutcracker. Delaney is in the Nutcracker again and performs in both the Saturday and Sunday shows. This year she has the role of a Pollichinelle. Julie took her to the Saturday night performance and said Delaney did real well. The rest of us will be going to the earlier Sunday performance. Below are a picture and video from Saturday Nights debut of the 2008 Nutcracker. Delaney is the third Pollichinelle to come out from the dress. She starts out center stage.

Hershey Birthday Delaney

Delaney turned 7 yesterday. Instead of having a party we decided to take the kids away. So for her Birthday, Delaney got an overnight trip to Hershey Park and Chocolate World. We headed out just before lunch on Sunday and arrived around 1pm. Before heading to the Park we checked into the Hershey Lodge and had lunch at The Bears Den which is decorated after the Hershey Bears AHL hockey club. After lunch we headed to the park for the Hershey In the Dark trick or treating and roller coasters. Delaney road on one of the aggressive roller coasters and loved it. Jaiden had his first fast roller coaster ride and also loved it. When we got back to the room there were cookies (man were they awesome) and milk waiting for the kids. Delaney also had a birthday card from the staff. We got up Monday morning and headed into the Chocolate Factory after breakfast. At the factory the kids became staff members to make their own Hershey Kiss package. We also went on a Chocolate History tour and watched a 3D show.

For her birthday, Delaney got her ears pierced and picked out a nice set of ear rings. At Hershey, she picked out another set of ear rings that look like Hershey Kisses. Jaiden chose a Hershey Bears hockey stick for his souvenier and wants to go to a game.

Halloween

Our first Halloween in Kincaid Forest was fun. For the first time since we had Delaney we decided not to go to the Leesburg Parade and just stay at home to trick or treat. There were plenty of kids out in the neighborhood. Delaney was a bride and Jaiden was Darth Vader. Quinn was dressed up as a Tootsie Roll. Following the candy fun we had a good time in the cul-de-sac having a community bon-fire. The neighborhood kids all took a truck ride around looking at decorations and singing tunes. The rest of the evening was play, hot dogs, and toasting marshmallows.

Pumpkin Carving

Delaney & Jaiden carved their pumpkins today. Delaney went for the pretty look while Jaiden went for the scary look. it was too windy to light them up tonight though.

Halloween Preview Party

Delaney and Jaiden were invited to a Halloween party today at one of Jaiden's teammates and Delaney's classmates. Delaney chose to be a bride and make good use of her flower girl dress from Corey and Claire's wedding. She also wore Julie's veil to make the costume work. Jaiden chose to be the one and only Dark Lord of the Sith. Mini-Vader!!!! This Friday they will be wearing the same costumes for Halloween.

Great Country Farms Field Trip

Jaiden's Pre-K class had a field trip to Great Country Farms this past Friday. He had a good time picking a pumpkin for him and also for Quinn. Here are some pictures from his day. Jaiden's flag football team the Hurricanes have yet to win a game this season but Jaiden did pull his first 2 flags on Saturday. Julie said he was super excited. Delaney's team the D League Rams finished their season with a win over the Steelers to give them 3 wins on the season.

a - MAIZE - ing........Part 1

Delaney and Jaiden made a trip to The Maize at The Plains in the Plains VA just off Rt 66 today. They had fun in the maize, although Jaiden did get tired from walking around. Quinn and Julie didn't go. Quinn has been fighting a cold this week.

First Day of School....PART 2

Jaiden had his first day of Pre-K this year. Even though Jaiden is old enough for Kindergarten we felt it was in his best interest to do a pre-K program first. He was super excited this morning. When we got to school he went right into class with no problem.

Picture Day at CLYFL

Today was Central Loudoun Youth Football League picture day held at Freedom Park in Leesburg, VA. After yesterdays rain it ended up being a beautiful day to be outside.

Left Behind....

Sometimes it pays to be left behind. While Delaney went off to school, Jaiden got a good one on one chance to play with his baby sister Quinn and also to have a boys day out playing "The 9's". It's amazing how gentle Jaiden is with Quinn. He had a good day on the course. Playing on a Tuesday morning is awesome. There is virtually no one on the course so there is plenty of time to allow Jaiden to tee off and putt. He had a good time and so did I. See the pictures of Jaiden's day below.

First Day of School....PART 1

Delaney had her first day of 1st grade today. She started in her new school this year so instead of being a Catoctin Indian she is now a Cool Springs Penguin. Both of the kids went to sleep very well last night and Delaney was up bright and early this morning to get ready for school. Man was she excited too. It will be fun to hear what new friends she makes today. Here are some pictures from this mornings events. PART 2 of First Day of School is next week when Jaiden starts in Pre-K.

Football Season is officially under way

Jaiden is on the far right of his picture with his arm extended.

Delaney's Rams and Jaiden's Hurricanes officially started their season today. The Rams played the Eagles at 8am this morning. Unfortunately, they got slaughtered by somewhere around a score of 41-0. OUCH!! Delaney did a good job cheerleading though and she seemed to enjoy it. Jaiden's Hurricanes played the Raptors at 11am this morning as well. It was a complete mis-match. The Hurricanes failed to score but they played a tough Ironman game of football considering they only were able to field 7 players with no replacements to the Raptors playing 8 players with 4 replacements on the bench. I was a bit shocked that the Raptors coach didn't at least only play 7 to keep it fair but it is what it is. The Hurricanes played several downs during the game 6 on 8 due to already being 1 player short to field a full team and players running off due to "injury". Good thing they don't really keep score in flag football because it was UGLY!! Jaiden seemed to have fun though and he actually effectively blocked several bigger kids (They were all bigger) on the other team. He came to the line once, growled at his oppenent and said "You won't get past me" in his angry voice. The best part, the kid who dwarfed Jaiden in size couldn't get past him.

Flower Girl

We just got back from NC yesterday from Julie's cousins wedding (and just in time for Jaiden's first Flag Football practice). Delaney was the most beautiful Flower Girl ever. We didn't really get a chance to take many pictures but with any luck we'll be able to get some from others who did later on. Quinn handled the trip very well. She only got upset in the car once on the way down and once on the way back. Otherwise, she was good at the rehearsal and at the wedding / reception.

Quinn is Home

Quinn had her first car ride today and is now home. The kids were super excited when we pulled up the driveway. Quinn sported a matching sun dress to Delaney's to come home in.