Things are looking up

Well, life has been upside down for us since my last post. We had an awesome time at the Haunted Hotel at the Children's Museum for the member preview party. This was the first year we tried this and it was really neat. Ian has asked to go back to the Haunted House a minimum of 30 times since then. They had crafts, photo stations, tattoos, face painting, treats, games, etc set up all around the museum as well. I included a photo of Sophie being silly with her bat glasses that she made herself.

Grandma and Grandpa Porter came the next day on Saturday, Oct 13th. The visit started out good. Sunday we went to Stuckey Farm's pumpkin patch and picked out our pumpkins. The kids had fun with their Grandparents. Ian especially had fun hanging out in the pumpkin patch and searching for the "perfect" pumpkin. Monday, I went in to work for a little while and Sophie and Ian stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa and all was well. But that night the fever and cough started with Ian so we took him to the doctor on Tuesday and while we were there they did Sophie's 5 year check-up to save us another trip, or so they thought. Well, I'll spare you with all the details but Sophie had a reaction to her 5 year shots then she caught the cold and Grandma and Grandpa were surrounded by germs for the rest of their stay. We (John and I) felt lucky because we didn't have to miss work or have to take the kids to daycare at all but we knew they were in good hands. So, the kids got alot of one on one time reading books, watching movies, playing with play doh, etc. with their Grandparents . Some how they didn't catch the bug but John and I did and has not been fun. It has been a week and a half and this nasty bug has made its way around the house but finally we're all on the mend and getting close to 100%.

South Bound to Morgan Monroe

I am so pooped. Today we traveled south to Morgan Monroe Nat'l Forest and did a hike again with the kids. We probably only hiked 2 miles today but it felt much longer. Today we discovered black walnuts on the trail. We also saw a juicy, green caterpillar. I offered it to both Sophie and Ian for lunch but they preferred Mc Donald's. John and I considered the caterpillar :-).
Then we headed to Oliver Winery. I know it doesn't sound like a place to take the kids but they love it and they're not the only ones. They have a pond in the back stocked with brightly colored fish. The fish come right up to the surface...practically standing on their tails begging to be fed. Sophie and Ian just giggle and giggle at the fish.
My favorite part is the landscape and pumpkins. They have an amazing gardener. This winery is beautiful in every season but I think fall is my favorite time of year there. We might have to make it back one more time before it gets too cold.


I loved this photo of Sophie, also taken at Oliver Winery. My little girl is getting so big ;-(

New Robot exhibit at the Childrens Museum

Today we went to the Children's Museum to check out the new Robot exhibit that opened last weekend. Ian has been talking about robots a lot since watching the Robot Movie a few weeks ago. I thought the kids were going to love this exhibit but it really wasn't a hit with them. They liked the big robots (like the ones pictured) but that was about it. I think this exhibit was geared toward an older crowd. I thought it was cool. :-) The dinosaur exhibit was once again there favorite exhibit of the day. You can see them digging for fossils in the pictures below. Ian really got into digging today. Usually he doesn't like the goggles but he didn't mind today. He loved using the magnifying glass. It's nice having a membership because we can just spend a couple hours and not feel bad about not being able to see everything. We usually go early, right when they open, hit 3 or 4 exhibits and the carousel then eat lunch on the way home. I usually pack peanut butter sandwiches and we're home by 12:30 pm....Ian's nap time. It works out great and is a fun and educational morning for all of us.

A Day in the Life of Sophie and Ian

Today, Tuesday October 2nd

6:15 am -Ian wakes and requests a drink and cartoons
6:45 am- Sophie wakes up and gives everyone hugs
7:30 am- Breakfast
....cartoons are on until 8:30 am
8:30-time to get out of Jammie's
9-10 am- we play with play do
10-10:15 am: snack
10:00-10:30 am we make our way to the library
10:30-noon-story time and crafts at the library
noon-1 pm-lunch and time with dad
1pm-3 pm Ian naps
3-3:15 pm: snack
1-2 pm- I read to Sophie and we talk
2-3 pm- Sophie watches dvd (12 Dancing Princess's) and colors in her princess coloring book
3-5:30 pm: We go for a walk, play at the local playground, roll down hills, play soccer, play with neighborhood friends
5:30 pm- Ian and Sophie watch cartoons with a drink and fruit
6:45 pm Dinner (usually 6 pm but too much outdoor fun today)
.....until 7:45 pm Sophie and Ian play
7:45 pm -Bath time
8:30 pm- Bed time

.....no wonder I'm so tired come 9 pm! :-)