Twins 1st birthday

 Happy Birthday to Jane and Emma!

I like the picture my mom drew on their package.

Watch the video below, as it tells a story of their first year. I really enjoyed making it. Every song included is significant ("Sisters", "Mama Said", songs from Parent Trap (because they are twins) soundtrack, Tangled (their first movie, and I like how the lyrics describe our crazy days), and the video is 12 minutes -- a minute for every month they have lived. (You can click on the box in the bottom right-hand corner to see it full screen and hit F11 or ESC when you are done. The quality on computer isn't the best, but you get the idea). .

We love having them in our family. They are so much fun and they have a special relationship. I'm very happy they came to Earth together

This is them at 12 months old. We were having a birthday party dinner picnic on Saturday.
The babies had enjoyed a Wendy's Frosty, their first ice cream. Jane, especially, couldn't get enough.
And I love that they still fit in the same swing!

We made it. One year with twins. Now another year with two mobile babies... wish us luck!

Happy Halloween from the Big D!

The "D" people (Ross: district judge / Andrea: devil / Allen: deputy / Abby: daisy / Jane: dragon / Emma: dalmatian) from the "Big D" (Dallas), wish you a Happy Halloween!

triple birthday party

We had a triple birthday party yesterday, celebrating Momma and twins, because we knew we wouldn't have much time tomorrow on the holiday to party with Jane and Emma. We had a lot of fun!

Me with them at 12 months. I can add that to the milestone pictures of me holding both of them.
We played a short game of kick ball in the backyard while the babies played on the tramopline.

Then we came inside.
The party hats didn't last long on their heads.
They are wearing new, matching birthday dresses from Grandma Schmidt.

The Mummy Wrap Game.
The babies LOVE toilet paper so we figured we should use it at the birthday party.

Emma liked ripping the paper off.
It was impossible to wrap Jane and take a picture of her without crawling away. She is pretty fast!

Allen liked being wrapped up.
Abby scooted away before I could finish (and photo) her.

Our jack o'lantern pizza before cooking. It even has a stem.

While dinner was baking, the babies opened their gifts.

They got dollies (from Grandpa Tucker), toys, a walker, a puzzle and noisy sticks (that everyone seems to fight over now).

I opened their cards from Grandma Schmidt and they are both holding their dollar bills.

Catherine Sawaya gave the babies each a white dress and a 4-pack of fairytale puppets. Emma squealed when she saw the stuffed animals. That was her favorite present. She even went to bed with two of the puppets.

Yummy cheesecake with a "30" candle on the top.
Once the kids were in bed and things were put away, three of us played Acquire. I won!

After the kids were in bed, Ross and I decorated the cakes for the babies.
Abby thought we should do two pumpkin cakes for their birthday.
They have "1" candles for the stems.

30 on October 30

It's my birthday. Today I'm 30. Here are 30 things I have done with my life:

1. Skipped Kindergarten.
2. Sang a solo in a 2nd grade program.
3. Won the 6th grade class spelling bee without even studying, but declined going to the school bee due to shyness
4. Played clarinet in school and had weekly piano lessons from Torma Henderson.
5. Loved softball and played first base for three years. I was known for many foul balls in the third base direction. One time I hit a grand slam.
6. Having a birthday next to Halloween created many holiday games at my party. "Blow the Witches Hat" was my favorite.
7. Grew up with five other siblings. Our father was a junior high principal and our mother stayed home with us and made sure we were "well-rounded," meaning we participated in many activities.
8. I was FHA (Future Homemakers of America) President in high school.
9. Worked as an assistant dance teacher for the 3-4 year old class.
10. Graduated with scholarships and acceptance to three schools. I chose to go to the College of Eastern Utah.
11. Fun at college in Price, Utah included rollerblading down the middle of the street at 10am (because the town had shut-down), four-wheeling at 2am, going on hikes to see "White Lady" (a mining ghost) or hanging out in the dorms or on campus with roommates.
12. Diagnosed with Type One Diabetes a month after my 19th birthday. I got an insulin pump a year later.
13. I graduated with my Associate Degree in three semesters.
14. Spent 5 summers working at Coleman Knitting Mills doing twill, pressing and assembling cheer outfits and sweaters.
15. I worked as a Head Start teacher for the 3-4 year olds in Salt Lake for eight months.
16. Accepted at USU, U of U and BYU as a transfer student and received marching band scholarhips at all three schools. I chose BYU.
17. Toyed with the idea of a major in accounting but after three days of class, I knew I was in the wrong place. I decided on a major in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education.
18. Joined the BYU marching band for two seasons. The lowlight was marching in hot weather and keeping my blood sugar regular. The highlight was the trip to Vegas for the game with UNLV and the bowl game in Memphis, Tennessee.
19. Got call on my 21st birthday to go out on a date. (He didn't know it was my birthday). The boy who called was named Ross Tucker. We married the following August.
20. Did my student teaching in two parts, first with 1st grade at Canyon Crest Elementary in Provo, Utah and second with the BYU Preschool.
21. Worked at Convergy's answering phone calls for USPS while I looked for a teaching job.
22. Taught one year of Kindergarten at Sunset View Elementary in Provo.
23. Moved to Chicago with one kid for Ross 's law school experience and lived there for three years.
24. Did a summer internship with two kids in Washington D.C. for six week and in Houston, Texas for six weeks.
25. Moved to Virginia with two kids and bought a house.
26. Sold our house and moved to Dallas Texas for a new job.
27. Had twin girls last Halloween. Now a mother of four children.
28. Teach preschool and piano lessons.
29. Weekly date nights and monthly temple visits with Ross. Celebrated our 8th anniversary this year.
30. Got a new calling today as primary music director. Still serving as the ward music chairman.

One year old

Five years old

Ten years old

Twenty years Old

Thirty years Old

How are we celebrating the birthday? We started Friday by going out to dinner and to the BYU game. We went out for breakfast to McDonald's, had a dinner picnic at the llama park and tonight we are having a Jack O'Lantern pizza/garlic bread/cinnamon bread from Papa Murphy's (take-n-back is perfect for Sunday birthdays) and Catherine Sawaya is bringing a salad and cheesecake. Maybe we'll play a few silly party games. Stay tuned for the twins first birthday tomorrow!

BYU vs TCU

That screen in the middle is HUGE! It's as big as a house.

Today's Tidbits:

• The worst case scenerio happened last night: Both BYU and the Texas Rangers lost. Boo! But, Ross and I had a lot of fun. The Cowboys Stadium is something else! When we entered I felt like we were in a mall. Then, as we wandered throughout the arena looking for our seats, I felt like we were in a hotel lobby with the plush carpet, seating around tvs and fireplaces. After TCU scored two touchdowns (before we even got to our seats) I thought we were at a train station with the loud "train whistle" that rang through the building. So it's a new billion dollar stadium, covered with glass for natual lighting and other unique and interesting features, but it's not very user friendly.
• The kids had fun at Kroger last night trick-or-treating. They had some of their candy for breakfast before we went to McDonald's to enjoy sausage biscuits, McGriddles and hot cakes, as we celebrated three birthdays.
• Abby had a soccer game today. Allen had a bye. Next week is the last game, which is good because most of her team is wearing out. Ten weeks of soccer has been a little intense.
• Tonight we are taking the kids to a trunk-or-treat activity. I've got costumes set aside and ready to put on.

Let's go cougars!

• BYU football here we come! Tonight we are going on a date to celebrate my birthday. We'll see BYU play TCU in the Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington (which happens to be right next-door to where the Rangers play for home games.) I'm hoping that BYU scores a touchdown so I can sing the fight song. The last BYU Football game I went to was in 2004 when they played Utah, the bleachers were covered with ice, and the score was 3-0 for Utah. Pretty lame game.
• I'm enjoying some beautiful yellow tulips on my kitchen table this morning thanks to a special surprise yesterday afternoon -- a bouquet of flowers and some yummy lunch from Wendy's. After hearing about the passing of my Grandma, Catherine Sawaya decided to stop by to cheer us up. She's awesome!
• Ross took Allen and Abby to the school last night for the Seuss festivities. The highlights were playing in the Oobleck and free cotton candy and popcorn (and they even brought home a popcorn bag for me). 
• Too bad the Rangers didn't win last night. They will play again tonight and we'll miss it being at the football game. But baseball goes pretty slow -- I think the most fun of watching the games is sitting by Ross, working on a project and seeing manager Ron Washington reactions to home-runs or great plays. He dances, he flies (flaps his arms), he jumps, he swings his arm 360 degrees again and again... it's pretty entertaining. And last night since the game went into the 11th inning I was able to finish another cross-stitch project, press it and mount it on the wall. (Yes! Another project to mark off my list.)
• It was really nice yesterday for Allen do his reading homework next to Abby (which does a triple duty) while I listened from a distance and finished feeding the babies and put them in bed. Why a triple duty? Because it's a brother-sister bond moment, they police each other (if Abby is listening to Allen and Allen is reading to her they can't get into any trouble while I am helping the babies), and they get a learning experience together. 
• This morning the girls and I were in the toy room. Abby built the long train car puzzle and Jane and Emma played with the cash register, Curious George game pieces and the See 'n Say animal noise machine. Emma laughed when she heard the duck and rooster.
• Party at Kroger tonight. The kids will wear their costumes and join the mini-party as they trick-or-treat around the store and do different holiday activities. (And this will be our costume preview -- I haven't seen everyone dressed up yet all at the same time.) Of course, I'll have to zip home so I can get ready for our football date. 
• After we pick up Abby from preschool we'll head to the music store (to pick up Ross's fixed clarinet) and the shoe store.

Grandma Erickson

• My Grandma passed away this morning. The last time I saw her was July of 2010. I was hoping we'd see her in Utah for the wedding next month, especially so she could meet the babies, but it's okay. She must be so happy to be with Grandpa again. They have been separated for 24 years. Here is a video I made for her 88th birthday. She was an amazing lady.
• Both Jane and Emma pull themselves all the time, but they are still hesitant to let go and just stand. They love opening cupboards and exploring new things, and if I'm not on top of things, the house can get out of sorts pretty quickly.
• I've sent 80 emails (I had to go back and count out of curiosity) since Monday, working out various details of things coming up, lining up music, and taking care of business. I don't have an iPhone and I don't text, (unless you count pushing buttons on my insulin pump), so you can imagine how many quick moments I've been on my laptop. 
• Allen picked out his neon green Stricker Soccer shirt to wear today. Abby selected a Halloween outfit. Everyone is wearing long pants because it's going to be a cold rainy day in the 50s. (Just kidding, Abby is wearing her pink skirt and she must have had a growth spurt because it looks like a mini-skirt now.)
• Last night Ross went for a long run (almost 2 hours) while I stayed home, made sure kids stayed in bed, mounted one cross-stitch project, watched One Fine Day, and worked on a Word document for the babies books.
• This morning I am going to take the girls to the library for story time and tonight, once Ross gets home from work, I am taking Allen and Abby to the school for the Seussville Academic Fair.

midnight owl shopper

• I don't like staying up late, but it's usually easier to stay up and get more done (uninterrupted) than get up early and risk waking people up. Last night I got home after midnight with a trunk full of groceries, birthday gifts for Jane and Emma, a few things I found for myself, a birthday party gift for a friend, and Halloween candy. It was sweet to get a phone call from Ross, while I was on my way home, to check and make sure I was okay.  
• Tonight is Game 6 of the World Series. Ross and I are planning on watching it. Allen and Abby will watch a little bit before they go to bed, especially since Allen has been asking when it was on again.
• While Ross and Abby were at soccer practice and the babies were in bed for the night, Allen and I watched "Wheel of Fortune". During commercials we read a silly Halloween story he really liked called The Haunted Hamburger. It's fun to watch that game show together because Allen is good at reading and spelling. I remember watching it many nights with my dad when I was growing up.
• We had an oatmeal incident on the floor this morning. Yesterday it was a meltdown about not eating lunch followed by two big messes made out of anger. I getting tired of this stage and it doesn't help me manage it when I go to bed late.
• Jane and Emma are wearing matching outfits -- jeans and pink polka dot shirts. They don't always match, because most of the clothes we have were given to us, but sometimes I'll put something on them that was bought just for them.
• Abby and I are going to go mop the floor, switch the loads of laundry and get her ready for dance. The teacher is going to measure the dancers for costumes and they are invited to wear their own Halloween costumes.

zoo cage

Here are some pictures starting from last week until last night...

Wed. Oct 19th 2011: After we put away laundry, we made a zoo cage and put the babies inside. (A zoo was on our minds because Allen had a fieldtrip to the zoo the following day). As a sidenote, notice the kids clothes. Allen is wearing his spooky eyes shirt and Abby is wearing orange and black Halloween clothes. All clothing is from cousins. Thanks, cousins! 

Here are the "animals" in their cage. They liked it. But didn't stay in very long.

A lot of fun comes from empty laundry baskets.

Emma is laughing!

Then Abby wanted a turn...

Jane is trying to push the top of the cage off.

Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 2011: The babies wearing polka dot dresses and playing in the toy room right before dinner.

Monday, Oct 24th 2011: We finished up our Halloween Family Home Evening party with pumpkin carving. The kids put aprons on over their pajamas.

We carved these while listening to spooky, fun Halloween music.
Allen and I carved the one on the right. He said he wanted a scary one with eyebrows and a frown. Then he changed his mind and wanted a smile.
Abby and Ross worked on the pumpkin on the right. I think they turned out great and it will be fun to light them each night this week.

Other Tidbits:

• Ross and I had fun watching the end of Game 5 of the World Series. Jane and Emma woke up to eat again and hung out a little with us as we watched. It's funny to think that last year when I was in labor with them (Oct 30th) Ross and I were watching the World Series and, again the Rangers were playing. The babies must like the Rangers. This is the second time they have woken up and watched a little with us.
• I ordered photos for the babies' scrapbook. I have a few other documents (a year summary of their development and a 2010 year sheet) to finish up for their books.
• After a few attempts of keeping her still, Jane finally gave a real good smile while clapping for a photo yesterday at Target. It was perfect. I walked out only spending 10 minutes in the studio and paying $5 for the package. Can't beat that! 
• Emma is really good at making lots of purring and growling noises. It's especially funny to listen to while driving.
• Abby wore a different Halloween outfit to preschool this morning. She has been doing lots of watercolor painting on Halloween posters. Our room is getting more full of her artwork.
• Allen especially liked the ghost bowling (napkins fastened with rubber bands around bowling pins) last night during Family Home Evening. (I knew he would like it especially when I piqued his interest while having bowling during primary). He played it a few times after Abby's interest was gone after one time.
• Tonight after dinner, a piano lesson, soccer practice, and project night at Catherine Sawaya's apartment, I'm going to go shopping for some clothes for my birthday. I don't really like shopping, but I need some new things.

appointment at Target

• It was a BUSY day yesterday (with primary program, me substituting as chorister, the home teachers came, Ross went home teaching), the kids were worn out and my head is still swimming.
• This morning I have a Target portrait appointment for Jane. Their new birthday outfits from Grandma Schmidt arrived just in time! Emma's appointment is in two weeks. I have to use strategy in order to maximize coupons and not go in the same month.
• Both Allen and Abby woke up last night needing help. I'm hoping that people aren't too grumpy today, including me.
• My task today and this week is to write a ton of emails trying to line up songs for December. I also need to finish ordering photos for the babies' scrapbooks and go shopping for some new birthday clothes.
• Tonight is our Halloween Family Home Evening, which I am in charge of, we will enjoy ghost bowling, pumpkin carving, Halloween songs and stories. We're stretching out the celebrations due to three birthdays next week.

primary program

• Today Allen and Abby give their primary lines.
• Allen: "I can live the Word of Wisdom by choosing good foods like peas and broccoli. I can exercise by playing outside and running in parks."
• Abby: "My favorite apostle is President Packer."
• I get the opportunity to substitute for the primary chorister today. Since the program will have been done earlier in Sacrament meeting, the primary presidency wanted music time very casual, almost to celebrate all the work the kids have done. So what are we going to do? I'll have lots of helpers with selecting songs and bowling as we play "Name That Tune."
• Ross is working on his lesson next to me as I type. Too bad I'll be in the primary today instead of in his Sunday School class.
• Jane and Emma both woke up to eat around 11pm. The two of them had fun playing with Mommy and Daddy for a few minutes after eating.
• The ward carnival last night was awesome. There were lots of fun activities for the kids. Right before Allen went to bed he said twice, "I had such a fun day today again. Thanks Mom." We have had a lot of fun yesterday, but I am worn out! I'm looking forward to a slower day... but I'll have to wait a few more. This week is already looking awfully busy. 

what time is it?

6:30am - Ross playing basketball at the church with the guys
7am - Feed the kids breakfast, bake some cookies for the ward party (I've got the dough all ready in the fridge) and get everyone in soccer uniforms and ready for the day.
9:30am - I'm taking the kids over to the church for primary program practice while Ross mows the lawn
10am - Take Abby to her soccer game and stay until halftime. Then I'll stop at the library to pick-up books on the hold shelf that will be re-shelved if not picked up.
11:15am - After the primary dishes out the pizza, watch Allen eat and grab a slice for Abby. Then take Allen to his soccer game. His team is taking their team picture
1pm - We will get home from Allen's soccer game, have lunch and then quiet time.
3:30pm - As a family we will load up to see a model train festival in Carrollton. (We went here last year on my birthday. I was extremely uncomfortable because I was in labor.)
5pm - Go to the church for the Fall Carnival ward party and enjoy dinner and booths.
7pm - Put everyone in bed and get ready to leave for the temple. We have to squeeze in a visit since they will be closed for the next two weeks.
10pm - See what happened with the Rangers Game and prepare something for primary tomorrow. I was asked to sub as chorister.

Other Tidbits:

• Our date last night was a lot of fun. I over-ate but I had the best meal (Chicken Chimichanga platter, "pot roast" tacos for Ross and fried ice cream for dessert) that I've eaten this month. We had enough money left over from the Groupon that we could order dessert, a rare thing for us. 
• Texas football is something else! Who knew that high school teams had huge stadiums, a jumbo tron with instant replay (which also shows commercials at halftime and some time-outs), teams that run out of an inflatable football helmet at halftime (that took all half time to put up), and that most parents wear buttons with their student's photo and attire they have purchased (band, football, drill team, color guard) that is monogrammed with child's group and name.
• Yesterday after school I stopped at a warehouse for a big book sale. I got a stack of books and VHS tapes for about $20. The kids were happy to select a book or two and spent most of the time in the aisle reading (and the babies hung out in the stroller with graham crackers) while I scoped out the piles for sale.
• Jane and Emma wore shoes yesterday, a rare thing. These babies are really used to bare feet. Jane's pair stayed on all day. whereas, Emma's kept falling off. I put them in a toddler swing back to back and they loved it! Even at 11 months old, they still fit.
• The kids had pancakes and eggs for dinner last night. It was a hit!

morning, noon and night

Morning: The girls and I have a visiting teaching appointment and after we'll stop at the grocery store for a few things. Then we'll swing by the ward playgroup.
Afternoon: We'll pick Allen up from school and go see Abby's dance teacher so she can get measured for costumes.
Night: Ross and I are going on a date! Catherine Sawaya is coming over to watch the kids so we can go out to dinner and then a football game.

P.S. We turned on the baseball game again last night (1-0 for the Cardinals) at the perfect time. We saw the Rangers get 2 runs the last inning to win the game.

going to the zoo

• Allen is going on a fieldtrip to the zoo today with the first grade. He wore a coat over two layers of shirt. Hopefully he'll stay warm.
• I had fun at book group last night. We had homemade milkshakes and then I was brave enough to pull out my cross-stitch project, that I tucked in my purse, and work on it during of Outliers.
• Ross and I stayed up way past our bedtime just talking. I love our talks. Too bad the good ones keep us up late.
• Abby slept-in this morning. Honestly, I can't remember the last time she did this. Ever. I hate to wake her for preschool in 30 minutes. 
• Jane woke up about 4:30am for an early breakfast. My peepers wouldn't open, but it's okay because I know the routine and can do it in the dark. Since Jane is so active it's really the only cuddle-time I get with her. I love that she holds so still and falls asleep after in my arms . It's precious. Then when I put her back in bed she goes right to sleep. 
• Emma enjoyed playing in the mulch during Allen's soccer clinic yesterday. She was perfectly content to sit right under the playground bridge, unlike Jane who was all over the place. Emma wore a purple fleece jacket (first time we've done jackets with the babies this season) that Abby wore as a baby and it brings back memories of many Chicago days. 
• I finished the babies' video. My next project will be working on a year summary for each baby's scrapbook. 
• When we pick up Allen at school today I need to buy some tickets for the football game this Friday. It's my date this week and we thought it would  be fun to go to a high school game. Plus, one of Ross's Sunday School gals is on the drill team and we will see her perform.

working

Ross is working in an office, busy with different cases.
Andrea is working on a video for the babies' birthday and laundry / ironing (5 loads today).
Allen is working on a Halloween story he started writing on Monday.
Abby is working on her positions for dance class.
Jane and Emma are working on keeping their balance without holding on to anything.

friends at the Ark

• Yesterday while at the Ark not only did we meet Catherine and Madeleine, but we met a new LDS family that lives a city away that had a boy about Allen's age and an infant to crawl around with Jane and Emma. They all got along great.
• For dinner I tried a new cornbread and honey butter recipe. It tasted really familiar to the kind served at Frontier Pies. Yummy! And for our Family Home Evening treat/dessert we had lemon jello cheesecake. Double yum! 
• For the Family Home Evening lesson, Ross taught about kindness, I taught the primary song, "Kindness Begins With Me", and then Ross showed the video (posted below). I love it!
• Ross went for a long run last night (11 miles) and got caught in a downpour of rain.
• It's cooler this morning, around 59 degrees. Definitely pant and jacket weather. Abby was disappointed she couldn't wear shorts but once Ross opened the door for her to feel the cool air, she quickly changed into pants.
• This morning while Abby is at preschool, I've been working on a video for the babies birthday. Pretty soon it will be time to load up and pick up the co-op group.
• Allen has been a little trickster lately. Yesterday he put two socks on one foot and, to be silly, said he couldn't find the other one. That really confused me because I saw two socks a minute earlier.
• Abby's soccer practice might be cancelled this evening due to wet fields from last night's storm. I'll have to check later.
• Jane and Emma had a good morning nap (which they still like) and enjoy eating apple slices in their high chair. They like books with pages they can rip (which they can find in almost any room in the house and in their reach thanks to Allen and Abby), but are starting to get more interested in board books I trade them for. 

singing about applesauce

• While I was making cookies and dinner I really enjoyed listening to Ross sing to the babies while he fed them. First it was a song about applesauce to the tune of "Edelweiss" and then one about going on a walk. The rhyming was really funny.
• We went for a walk, as a family, just before dinner. We enjoyed walking up the street and seeing the holiday decorations people have out.
• After dinner Allen, Abby, Mommy and Daddy played Chutes and Ladders. Ross had never noticed how good deeds made you climb and bad deeds made you slide back, he always thought it was random. Both kids, who were really excited at first and had played while I was cooking, ran out of patience to finish the game, but Ross and I didn't quit. I ended up winning.
• While Ross talked to his dad last night in the hospital (he is having surgery today to get a pacemaker), I read several holiday books to Allen and Abby. I love to sit and read new books from the library too. We discovered some new funny ones.
• I had a good dream last night. I love those.
• This morning the girls and I are going to the airport to pick up Catherine Sawaya. And after school we plan to play at the Ark.
• Allen is excited for his fieldtrip to the zoo on Thursday.
• Ross is teaching the Family Home Evening lesson tonight.
• Abby put two of her stuffed animals on my chair for some repairs.
• The babies just woke up... and I'm off. Bye!

a baby's laugh

• It's really cute to hear Emma laugh in the van and it's all because Abby is making silly faces at her.
• The babies and I went to Ross's Sunday School class. We watched a short video about Paul and next week we'll watch a movie called "The Armor of God".
• I attended Allen's primary class today to help Sister Alvarez with 6 active 6-year olds. It's a good thing I was there because right after the opening prayer, the teacher's baby had a blow-out. I took over her lesson on the fly until she got back.
• Jane has another tooth! Number 5, to the right of her front teeth, was spotted by Ross at church.
• Abby made springs, one for her and one for Allen, in her primary class and when I asked her what her lesson was about she said, "I can be honest." When I asked her was "honest" meant she said, "true."
• Soon I'm going to go make some snickerdoodles and Looney Lasagna for dinner.

Oakfest

Today: early-morning basketball for Ross, flu shot for Allen and flu mist for Abby, Abby's soccer game (she passed out Capri Sun and fruit snacks for her half-time snack), Allen's soccer game (Ross took the he and Abby while I stayed home and cleaned the house while the babies napped), having the option of watching the BYU game (oh how I love when I can watch them online, but I got so into my cleaning that I forgot to turn it on), arriving at Oakfest (our city's fall festival) with a Little Caesars pizza for dinner and enjoying the activities, and watching the Texas Rangers score 6 runs in the 3rd inning.

Here are some photos from our fun at Oakfest...

The kids got their faces painted and balloon animals.
Abby requested a giraffe and Allen got a sword.

Abby wanted a dog mask

Allen chose a vampire mask even though on the way over he said he wanted a clown.

Riding the train around the pond.

Look! Emma and me are across from Jane and Daddy in the car.

Allen liked the slide.

They had fun in the bounce house.
Allen recognized another first grader from his school.

Getting ready to watch a circus/magic show from the front row.

The babies and I are ready for the show too!

Side Street Circus

Allen was called up to be one of the magician's helpers during the Chinese ring act.

Ross was called up to inspect all the cups and balls before the act.
I'm still wondering how the magician managed to put a coconut under the black hat without anyone seeing.

 And just two photos of the babies just for fun!

Playing in the ball pit with matching shirts and overalls.

Halloween costume preview!
Jane is a dragon and Emma is a dalmatian.
It was really cute watching the babies' reaction after they looked at each other in costume. They played with each other's hoods as if it was some toy.