Halloween

Alena started out the day with a Halloween parade at preschool.  The kids had some great costumes, but no one had a wig quite like Alena!  We went trick-or-treating with Grandma Dee and Grandpa Ed while Grandma Diane handed out candy.  Grandma Diane made Alena's cool Annie dress, and even made a red fleece jacket to wear when it got cold.  The weather was a little chilly but pleasant.  Nora really got into the feel of everything and carried her candy bag the entire time.  No one was allowed to touch Nora's candy!  She did a great job of saying "thank you" and waving goodbye to everyone.

Pumpkins

We carved our pumpkins last night.  The previous night, Alena and Daddy worked on face designs for her pumpkin.  She wanted triangle eyes and nose with a scary mouth.  Alena is an old pro at gutting pumpkins as they did it last week in preschool.  She does not quit until all of the seeds are out.  She is excited to roast the seeds and eat them.  I carved a Cinderella face which Alena thought turned out pretty well.  Nora played with Legos during the carving because we didn't think she was quite old enough to use a knife.

Birthday party

Alena had a great party with the family.  Check out the enthusiasm for receiving these gifts (Alena's preschool teacher said that they were having the kids express different emotions last week and Alena's faces were cracking her up.)

Cinderella Barbie from Tillie.  She has always wanted this!

Cupcakes with Mrs. Potts and Chip!

 Iron Man!  I really wanted this!  A surprise gift from "Batman."
Isn't that convenient for Daddy that Alena really wanted an
action figure?

Nora claimed Alena's new shoes and her Ken doll

The whole group

Alena's rainbow cake, as requested

Alena is four

Can you believe it has been four years?  Alena has been living it up for her birthday.  Yesterday at preschool she got to wear the birthday crown and everyone sang to her.  For supper Brielle and Kaelyn met us at Godfatherss where Alena enjoyed her favorite, pepperoni pizza, with frosting pizza for dessert.  And tomorrow she is having a party.  She should be birthdayed out after all of this excitement.

Alena was an enthusiastic present opener.  She loved her new Barbie.  When I asked her what she would name her, she replied, "Love Barbie, because I love her."  She apparently will fit into the Barbie family well.  According to Alena, she will be Rapunzel's big sister, Maribelle will be the littlest sister, and Kylie the mermaid will be the mommy.  She was also excited to get the Annie book.  When Daddy bought it off the internet he didn't realize that it was the entire movie written out.  It might take two hours to read, but the pictures all come from the movie so I think it will be a success.

Bloomsbury farm

It was cold on Saturday, but we still had a great time at Bloomsbury Farm!  There were many things to see and do.  Here are a few highlights.

Friendly goats

Franken-nora

Pillow jumping with Grandma and Tillie

Spider girls

Alena's favorite activity: the "train"