Frozen On Ice

We are the epitome of a Frozen fanatic household.  {Although, I imagine every family with a 4 year old girl has that claim to fame}.  Add the 2 year old who wants to and will do anything to be just like her big sister and we are brimming with everything Frozen around here.

So as you can imagine, we were giddy with excitement when we heard the Frozen On Ice show was rolling into town.  We bought tickets the day they went on sale and we have been counting down ever since.

The show was fabulous.  My girls were fabulous despite the trek to the arena and the never ending crowds.  And we came home with nearly every fabulous souvenir.  All in all an amazingly fabulous day.

Let me forewarn you...SPOILER ALERT....Maggie insisted on wearing her Elsa dress.  I could not even begin to say no to that.  But, the big spoiler is...it will also be doubling as her Halloween costume and tripling as her birthday party dress.  That is if it makes it until then.  That dear gown has already been through the wringer as her "after nap go to dress".  Can't say we didn't get our moneys worth on that one.

So after the parking scenario that resembled that of a zoo and then the 1/2 mile trek to the arena, we arrived {with smiles still in tact} and hit the first Frozen goody stand we could find.  We ended up with two flashy spinny wands.  Maggie, of course, chose the Elsa and Anna one.  And to my surprise, Lucy chose Olaf.

We grabbed our seats just in the knick of time.  Another jaunt to say the least.  But, Lucy was loving the welcome from Mickey and Minnie {her absolute newest faves}.

The show was packed full of the Frozen soundtrack, dancing, and lots of skating.  My girls were in complete awe.  After Elsa's performance of Let It Go we grabbed a snowcone during the intermission.

Maggie could not wait to get her hands on one of these souvenir cups.  The snowcone was only an added bonus.

Lucy on the other hand, was all about the ice.  She copped a squat and dug right in.  And then followed this with a ginormous tub of popcorn.  That's my girl.

The second half of the show was just as entertaining as the first.  Lucy made it through the whole thing {an accomplishment in itself for my live-wire 2 year old}.  And Maggie was just as sweet as ever.  Not that I would expect anything less.

Another great day with my two amazing girls!  I'm just loving the joys of sisters...we couldn't have seen a more fitting show.

Now off to more things Fall...we've got a busy weekend ahead.

On My Nightstand: Gone With The Wind

I just finished reading, what is now, my most favorite novel of all times...Gone With The Wind.  My timing was impeccable with it being the 75th anniversary and all.  Seriously, where have I been the last 75 years?  How could it have taken me so long to read this classic?

Oh my, it had it all.  History, romance, drama.  I could hardly eat, drink or sleep, without wondering what Scarlett was up to next.  She has literally consumed my thoughts for the past three months {sorry kiddos}.  Now, if you ask me, that is a sign of an epic book.

I can't deny, I was sorely devastated when I came to the last page.  No it can't be over and no, it can't end like this!  

The only silver lining is that I FINALLY get to dive into the movie.  I'm pretty sure I saw it as a kid, but only snippets are in my memory.  Nothing can compare to how amazing I'm anticipating the flick to be after just finishing up the novel.  Just me Scarlett, Rhett, and some popcorn.  Absolutely divine!

And, of course, I just can't forgo giving 'Scarlett' {the sequel novel} a try.  I certainly don't anticipate anything as great as its predecessor, but I can't go on without knowing what could be...

Oh Scarlett, I do give a damn...and probably too much so.

Happy Reading!

Fall Kick Off

We kicked off Fall this weekend with one of my most favorite traditions...our annual visit to Southern Belle Farm.  This sweet little farm tucked away down South {of all places!} never disappoints.  This is our third October visit and I find it only gets better each time.

I anticipate this yearly tradition nearly as much as the kids do.  Last year, Lucy took her first steps at the pig races {won't that be a classy story to share} and this year, she was running all over the place hot on her big's tails.  With maps in hand, we didn't miss a thing.  And I was loving that Lucy was right in the mix.

The weather never seems to surprise us on our visit.   Last year we practically melted, it was near miserable.  And this year, we had a hit a record low the night before.  I came prepared with every outer garment I could stuff in the car, all the while dreading that the girl's pumpkin dresses may never see the light of day.  But, as the day wore on, we were slowly able to shed our layers.  I could have taken about another 10 degrees {maybe 15}, but all in all the weather was deal able.

As much fun as we did have, I must admit we missed Daddy.  He was off enjoying a much deserved guy's weekend.  Thankfully, Grandma joined us and made the day just that...GRAND.

As soon as we arrived, I was bombed with ..."can we do this and are we going to do that?".  Yes, yes, and yes!  And we did.  So unlike me, but I made the executive decision to farm it up right through nap time.   We departed just in time to eat an early dinner and then I took those filthy farmigans home, bathed them silly, and had them in bed by 6:30.

It was one of our most perfect days...and it all took place out on a farm...

Like I mentioned, we didn't miss a thing.  Our first stop was the corn hut.  This is a must and of course the best way to get good and farm dirty...

We then made our way over to the new and improved Petting Barn.

Lucy was most definitely hesitant of this attraction.  She would only "feed" the animals from the comfort of "am-ma"'s arms.

Next up was the Hay Ride.  We saw just about every kind of produce that can grow in these parts.  Maggie was most amazed by the strawberry fields.

Then the Giant Slide...{which only Jack was brave enough to take part in}.  And about 18 times.

The Duck Races were a huge hit with Lucy.  Of course, it was located under a giant shade tree.  I nearly froze as she raced her purple and pink ducks over and over and over again.  So much so, that Jack headed back to the slide for his 19th ride down and Grandma took Maggie all the way up to the big barn for a potty break.

For a while there it was just me and Lu...and her pretty little ducks.

But, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, was more anticipated than the Corn Maze.  Jack happily so, and me, secretly dreading it.  Last year was a debacle.  First of all, it was sweltering hot in those corn stalks.  Second, we totally did not have the right kind of stroller.  Ours only caused us more pain and anguish.  And lastly, we NEVER got out.  We finally barreled right through the corn and called it a lesson learned.

Well, since then, Jack has been ready to get it right.  Knowing there was absolutely no way of getting around this, I did all I could to prepare.  I borrowed my neighbor's most fabulous double off roading stroller, took a compass, and most importantly, had my Mom with us {one of the best navigators I know}.

And wouldn't you know...we made it out of Maze 2 in a little under 40 minutes.

A serious victory!  Totally worthy of a thumbs up!

We are so not ready for Maze 3 {and I can guarantee we won't be by next year}, but I have a feeling that is exactly what Jack is thinking right now.

Post mission Maze 2, we headed over for some seated fun.  The Pedal Carts.  Obviously, Jack wanted to race me.  And obviously, he won.

But, I could not get enough of this cute thing pedaling around the track...her first time going solo too.  Mmm...what a doll!

Ever since "am-ma" saved Lucy at the Petting Farm, Lucy would not leave her side.  Naturally she wanted to ride with "am-ma" and no one else.  Aren't they a cute pair?  I can proudly admit, I at least beat them.

We made our way to the Jump Pillows next.  Another fan favorite.

And to think she couldn't even walk last year.  Simply irresistible.

We followed that with an ice cream, slushie, and kettle corn break and then we were off to the Cow Train...

Our last stops included the Flower Garden, pumpkin painting, and my most anticipated....the Pumpkin Patch!

By this point, the kids were slap worn out and farmtasictally filthy.  But there was absolutely no way they were getting out of pumpkin patch pictures.  And to my surprise they were willing and ready.

Oh my...how sweet is this little one?

Oh...and this one too?

And I could never be more proud of my strongest and biggest pumpkin of all.

Sweet things!

A successful welcome to Fall!  The rest of our month looks just as note worthy.  We have a calendar full of fabulous October fun.  I'm looking forward to celebrating one of the busiest months of the year with my sweet Pumpkins!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Orange Belt Graduation

As of Saturday, I officially reside with an orange belt karate kid.  After several months of hard work on Jack's part and several months of dragging little sisters to karate lessons twice a week he reached his goal.

I couldn't be more proud of him.  And that little humble grin on his face during graduation proved that he was mighty proud as well.  I couldn't help but tearing up on Saturday {seems to be a problem of mine the last two weekends-and I'm hardly a crier}.  But the joy of seeing Jack doing something he feels good about and doing it well is enough to make me want to burst.

His graduation included a full on display of his most recent accomplishments.  I am truly amazed at how strong he has become, both in his will and physically. His confidence has soared since taking on the extracurricular activity and I'm pretty confident he could defend himself well if ever needed.

Not to mention, his instructors are amazing.  They were born to work with kids.  I couldn't be more pleased with the way they handle a class full of boys.  That in itself takes talent if you ask me.

Jack has already set his sights on a black belt.  Obviously a few years down the road.  However, we did both agree a break from the karate grind schedule would do us both well.

I know we will return, Jack just can't ever stay away for too long.  But for now, he decided to put his efforts into his most recent extracurricular activity choices...chess club and flag football.  I can't lie, I was slightly surprised by the latter choice.  Oh, but believe me, I didn't hesitate signing him up for a moment.  I am all about a well rounded kiddo.

And so far so good.  He is loving the football thing and comes home completely worn out.  Score!

Congrats on that fancy orange belt Jack!  Well deserved!