Pumpkin is 5!

My pumpkin turned 5 last Friday. I have been wrestling with the idea of her turning 5 for quite awhile. For some reason this feels like a big birthday. I think it is because so much more independence happens at 5. I kept joking with her that I wanted her to turn back to 3 instead of turning 5. In her sweet, independent, all-knowing way...she would reply "Don't worry I am still your little girl I am just going to be 5". Here is so much about her I am proud about...

~ She genuinely cares about those she loves

~ she loves school and learning

~ she is my princess tomboy...loves her new princess shoes and dresses while wanting to run around the house and jumping on furniture

~ She is my adventurous spirit, loving to figure out the world

~ She thrives on learning new things and questions EVERYTHING!

~ She sweet smile will heal any wound I may have

~ She is a STRONG, independent thing who will fight for her beliefs...while this drives me nuts now it will pay off big time when she is older

~ She still lets me cuddle her...just not in front of school friends

~ Her belly laugh is contagious

~ Her best friend is her brother and she will protect him against anything

~ She made me a mom and I would not change her one bit

Pumpkin has grown up to be such an amazing person. Even though she and I battle it out often...I know it is because she is a fierce spirit who needs to know why choices are made. She is so proud to tell people she is now 5...you can just see the twinkle in her eye when she says it.

It was a tough week for us here which is why I was quiet for awhile. Even though I wanted her to stay young...she sort of listened. She developed an acute double ear infection...just like when she was little. (Plus Critter got one as well! ) So..we have been chilling and spending some quiet family time together. I am enjoying it since I know it will go away sooner than I am ready for it to.

I love you my baby girl. I can not believe you are 5, it seems like yesterday you were born. I am so proud of the person you are growing into becoming. Enjoy this amazing year!

The Pumpkin Patch with my boy

I had an emotional time at the Pumpkin Patch last week with Critter. It was the first time in 5 years I have not taken Pumpkin to this Pumpkin Patch. She had school..... I actually asked her if she wanted to come with us or go to school and she choose school! I was surprised, but I could not discourage it.

So...it was just me and my boy. It was a really nice time. He was really funny picking out a pumpkin for Pumpkin. He kept picking them up and saying "no" until he found the right one. It just so happened the right one for her was without a stem...just like she likes. He then was very particular picking his out as well.

I love the fall traditions we have in our family. October is such a crazy month with activities, friends' birthdays and Pumpkins birthday...but it is all worth it in the end. Such a wonderful time with family and friends!

This is the one he decided on for Pumpkin, she loved it and thought it was the perfect Pumpkin. She has liked to re-tell the story about how he found it too! :)

Luckily Critter did not spend too much time in the hay maze. He has some fall allergies and the dust and hay did not help things. The poor guy last year was miserable...but this year was a little better. He is still cute though :)

They have a bunch of animals and Critter just loved them. He got to feed the goats and got a huge kick out of it. He would not stop laughing, except when he was studying them and trying to figure them out.

He kept grabbing Pumpkin's pumpkin and sitting on it. He could not sit on his due to the stem...it was just really cute!

Right before we left he finally decided to decorate the pumpkin. It was very serious work....

It was such a nice time with Critter. We have been spending a lot more time with just the two of us this year since Pumpkin has been in school 3 x a week. I am glad that she is independent and likes to hear about what we do and tell us about her day as well. Happy Fall! :)

Updates...

Life has been crazy around here...surprise, surprise! I forgot how busy October is for our family. We have had multiple birthdays and events each weekend. There has not been much time for just "being". Just wanted to share some of the cute pictures of the kids from the past week or so. I have not even taken my camera out a ton lately, that needs to change! :)

I can out from getting dressed the other day and found Critter like this....he got himself up there and tucked in and was watching a show. It was so cute. Those that know me know that I love blankets. Especially in the summer...I know I am strange but I come from a mom who loves hot soup in the middle of summer too!
We had a very serious time figuring out a costume this year. The verdict...Belle! She looks beautiful and too grown up. I usually splurge a little on Halloween for her since she will wear it as dress up for the next year! It is fun. I love Critter's face behind her too...

They wanted to match in their Mickey shirts the other day. How could I pass up this picture. I look at this and can not believe how quick they are both growing...

This has to be one of my favorite pictures of Critter...ever! He was showing off his new boots and was just being cute. He loves his boots! I know his buddy W will love them too when Critter grows out of them :)

My girl in her new boots too...

My boy is growing up. They have both grown up so much over these past few months. It makes me a little sad, but I realize I love the people my children are. I hope that makes sense. I love the way they make me smile, laugh and love them more each day. We just won't talk about the crazy days! :) Even though this month is crazy, I need to stop and cherish these guys. Days are going by too quickly and they are growing up too fast!