Visit From Tutus and Cousin Erica

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa Tutu came to stay and they brought cousin Erica with them. It was a nice break for us. They helped entertain the kids but really Erica and Lincoln play so well together that they do a pretty good job of entertaining themselves. We had a fun filled weekend with lots of activities. We went shopping, went to the park, went to October Fest, played at McDonald's playground, and carved a pumpkin. The kids were troopers and we didn't have any major breakdowns.

I thought it would be really fun for the kids to carve pumpkins. Lincoln was not even a year old last Halloween so we didn't do much of anything festive last year at this time. Erica wasn't too into pulling out the pumpkin seeds but it was probably a good thing considering Lincoln really wanted to pull out all of the seeds by himself. Once he was done I cleaned out the rest of the pumpkin and carved a little classic happy face on the front. Lincoln appropriately named him "Happy." We put Happy out on the porch and lit the candle. Lincoln and Erica were so excited that they would take turns sitting by Happy. It was cute to watch them try to interact with the pumpkin. Later that night as I was cuddling Lincoln and getting him ready for bed, he abruptly sat up, pointed down the hall to the front of the house, and with a very concerned voice said...Happy? I reassured him that Happy was alright and that he would get to see him in the morning. Of course, the next morning, Lincoln went to the front door (which he can open by himself if it's not dead bolted - scary - I know) and wanted to see Happy. He of course was sitting on the porch safe and sound. I think Lincoln was relieved.

We also spent a couple of hours Saturday night at October Fest. They hold the event at the spring training baseball fields that are by our house. It's an annual event where they showcase German food, music, dancing, games for the kids and a few crafts. Never having been before we were a bit nervous about how fun it would be. When we got there it was a much smaller event than I had anticipated but nonetheless we were able to stay occupied for a while. The kids rode on some swings, went in the bounce house and did a couple carnival like games. We shared some dinner and cotton candy (Erica wouldn't eat any cotton candy - I couldn't believe it. Nancee, you have to work with her on that!) and had a few other goodies that we picked up from the booths.

Thanks to Tutus, Ricky and I were able to enjoy a few hours out each evening. We actually even got to go to a movie which we haven't done in a while. We were also able to get some other projects done around the house in preparation for Logan's arrival. After their stay with us was over, they offered to take Lincoln over to Nancee's in Tucson where they were going to be visiting for a few more days. I was pretty hesitant to be away from him for that long but knowing that he would have such a fun time continuing to play with Erica that we let him go. It was hard and we missed him but it was also really nice for Ricky and I to have a few more days by ourselves without having to chase Lincoln around. It was an awkward feeling though not having him around to make noise and messes and we were able to actually stroll through stores without having to worry about how long Lincoln was going to last. It was pretty relaxing. Thanks Tutus!

They weren't quite what to do at first and I don't think Erica was very impressed with the slimy seeds inside but Lincoln sure loved to pull them out.

Happy Halloween!

October Fest at Surprise Stadium. I thought it was cool that we actually got to go on one of the practice fields for the Kansas City Royals. They share the stadium with the Texas Rangers. That was the best grass that I've ever walked on....pretty fascinating.

Even though both Lincoln and Erica were a tad too short for the required height the guy working the swings still let them go on. They seemed to do fine - in fact - they went several times and loved it!

Lincoln is big into Diego and Dora right now. Grandma Tutu got him this new little backpack that he wore all over the house with his teddy and fire truck in it. He calls Diego, "Go Go." I think he looks so big and grown up with the little backpack on. It's sad and cute all at the same time.