Vadajo

(She’s kissing Barbie, in case you can’t tell.)

Vada’s friends Mak and Zak were here for the weekend, and they all dressed up for the zoo’s Pumpkin Prowl on Saturday night.  They loved it!

Yeah, I’m the lame mom that made her kid use an Easter basket for her goodie bag!  Vada picked out her costume this time.  It’s great that we have several events lined up, so she’ll get to wear the Red Fairy costume next…

Vada is thrilled – Chris seems a little bored. 

This is a picture from Chris’ phone – what a cool pumpkin!  It was at the entrance to the haunted house.

And finally, the wishing well at the end of the haunted house. 

Oh, happy day!  A care package from Uncle Michael!!  

She loves everything – thanks so much Uncle Michael!!

After dinner, Vada helped daddy prime the fireplace…

And she helped mommy with some sewing…

And then she had a fun bath with her new letters (check out the video!). 

What a banner day!

We had a great time!  Get ready for lots of pictures!

Playing on the play structure in Mike & Lisa’s back yard…

Josie LOVED having another girl in the house!  Vada was not so sure about all the attention…

Hey, someone took a picture with me in it!

We went to Josie and Zeke’s school carnival on Saturday night.  Vada ate cotton candy, got her face painted, played a bunch of games, and won a cake in the cake walk!   Woohoo!

And then she had a coughing fit and threw up on herself.      Time for a bath (with Gabe) when we got home…

Another favorite activity was watching shows (as usual)…

The highlight was a trip to the pumpkin patch.  For some reason, Vada decided to wear this caterpillar costume, and bring a stuffed horse.  Why not?

Hey look, a tractor!  Luke was enthralled…

And so was Vada!

I like to think of this picture as “calm in the center of chaos”.   Vada was just sitting there posing like a statue, while Mike and Lisa got the kids into position (not an easy feat!).

Success!  (well, mostly…)  This is the best picture that doesn’t have Ike crying. 

Vada really loved picking up the mini pumpkins…

And the “eggs” (gourds)…

Thanks, guys!  We had an awesome time!!

Vada and I are heading to Iowa tomorrow for a little vacation to visit some of my old work buddies.  We’ll be back next Tuesday, and hopefully I’ll have some pictures to show soon thereafter.    Chris is taking advantage of our absence – he’s flying down to LA to visit with some of his friends!

Sometimes when it’s hard to nap in your own bed, what you need is a change of scenery…