Gingerbread Man Mile

Over Thanksgiving weekend, the kids participated in their first race event, the Gingerbread Man Mile. For Ian's race, the kids had to chase the gingerbread man around the block. For Mia's race, they chased him about 100 yards to cross the finish line. Even though it was cold, the kids had a great time and we spent the rest of the morning at Reston Town Center having some fun adventures.

Waiting for their races to start.




Ian ran with his friend Elise.


Can Mia catch the gingerbread man?


Finished!


First time ice skating






We stayed for the parade and saw Santa!

Happy Birthday Mia!

Mia celebrated her 3rd birthday with a Dora theme. Dora is still her favorite show, and the only show she'll watch.

She had a ton of presents to open, as usual.


Dress up clothes were the favorite gift.


Chocolate Dora cake, delicious!


Make a wish!

Halloween 2014

We had a visit from Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Janet for Halloween again this year, we always love it when they visit! In the morning, while Ian was busy at Kindergarten, Mia's class had a Halloween parade at school.

Mia and her friend Charlotte were both dressed as ladybugs.

Time to trick or treat!

Joe had to match Ian of course.

Aunt Janet helped to carve some fancy pumpkins.

Eating all the candy.

Getting Caught Up

It's embarrassing that I haven't posted anything to this blog in 6 months!! Not only have I not been posting, but I haven't been taking many pictures either, and that's even more embarrassing! I'm getting caught up today with the few pictures we do have, and resolving to take more photos and write more posts.

Corn Maze 2014

Back in October we conquered our annual corn maze adventure with friends.  It was really cold this year so we got through the maze in record time. I didn't even take a single picture in the corn!

September Summary

We've had such a busy month of September that I hardly had any time to post!  Not only did Ian start school and sports and Mia went back to Little Gym, and we've had to adjust to an earlier morning start and busier evenings, but I launched both a fitness coaching and a Jamberry nails business (I am crazy).

On Labor Day a friend came to town from Colorado so we met up with her and her family at a local winery.







On September 2nd Ian had his first day of Kindergarten!  We drove him to school that day to help him get settled, and the high school band was there to welcome the students.  The night before the parents had written chalk messages all over the sidewalks around the school too. After the first day Ian decided he wanted to ride the school bus, and he claims it's his favorite part of the day.









On the 21st we went to another local winery with our daycare friends.  We love taking advantage of the beautiful Fall scenery and the family-friendly venues around here.  Ian and this crew have been together since they were infants in the baby room!



This past weekend we went to a concert at yet another winery.  It was an 80s band and the kids got all done up in glow sticks.



Then on Sunday we went apple picking, a favorite Fall tradition. Ian is learning about apples at school this week so he picked out his favorite one to take in his backpack today.













Mia has a birthday coming up!  I've updated her wish list with some suggestions, but she is really into dolls and loves anything Dora, Ariel, or Elsa.  She also loves books.

August Pictures

I'm really falling behind on my blogging lately!  We've been having a lot of fun as summer winds down, and Ian has begun the countdown for his first day at the "big school."

Our neighborhood held a National Night Out event, and the kids and I went for ice cream and balloon animals.


Last weekend we had a free Saturday with no birthday parties (a rare occurrence), so we headed to the Leesburg Animal Park.












Later that evening we met some friends for an outdoor concert at one of the local wineries.  Ian really loved playing with his best friend Ashley (in the grey dress) and her twin sister Avery.


This past weekend we went to National Harbor to celebrate our friend Bud's 4th birthday.  The party was at the carousel, which Ian loved and Mia hated.  Luckily there was also a playground and some boats to watch.




The dragon was Ian's favorite animal to ride.