Spooky Saturdays

Elizabeth, Zachary and I headed to Thanksgiving Point today to attend a Spooky Saturday event. We have never been, so we were not sure of what to expect....it ended up being really fun! As soon as we walked in the door, we were greeted by pirates, goblins and mummies asking if we wanted to play some games and participate in some spooky activities. Elizabeth was so excited when she saw all of the fun things to do!


She started off by coloring a ghost magnet.


Next, we were off to create a springy, pumpkin headband. Elizabeth got to color, cut, and glue her masterpiece.


Elizabeth was a little timid to try the "Touch-and-Feel" game. There were a bunch of bowls with slimy, sticky, and smelly things inside. The point of the game was to stick your hand inside the bowl, without peeking, and try to guess what was inside. Elizabeth stuck her hand in the first bowl, felt something slimy, and that was the end of that! She had fun watching all of the other kids try to guess though.


Zachary is such an easy-going, laid back, guy. He just sat in his stroller, watching all of the fun going on around him. Elizabeth did a great job of showing him all of the things that she made and telling him about all of the activities. Zachary is such an amazing little boy. He is always so happy and loves to just observe everything that is happening. It will be so fun next year, when he'll be able to participate in all of the fun!


Elizabeth's favorite activity was the face-painting. She waited so patiently in the line, and immediately asked for a pumpkin to be painted on her face.


Yes...you are seeing this correctly...Elizabeth played in the sand-and-water area. I knew that I would have to get pictures because no one would believe me otherwise.


As soon as we approached the sand-and-water area, Elizabeth asked for an apron so she could go play. This surprised me because we have been to this area at least ten times, and I can never get her to go near the sand. I got her an apron and expected the fun to last all of three seconds before she would realize that it was "dirty" and be done. She played for at least 45 minutes...yes, you read that right. Elizabeth played in the sand-and-water area for at least 45 minutes!


Look at that big smile! Elizabeth has her hands in mud...with a smile on her face. My little girl is growing up!


I am so grateful for my little munchkins. I had such a fun day today. We are so blessed to be able to attend fun events and to make lasting memories together. I am one happy mommy!

Tyler Bowman Freebairn

Our newest nephew has arrived!

Tyler Bowman Freebairn was born today after a scheduled C-Section. He weighed in at a whopping 10 pounds 8 ounces and was 22 inches long. We are happy to say that both mom and baby are doing great!

Congratulations Adam and Tifani!

Going On A Witch Hunt!

Today, we decided to go on a witch hunt. Elizabeth, Zachary, Matthew, and I headed over to Gardner Village for the Witches Scavenger Hunt. We walked the grounds of the village looking for all of the spooky, scary witches.


Elizabeth was great at finding each of the witches. She would yell "a witch" and get so excited whenever she turned a corner and discovered one.


One of our favorite witches is the "Can you hear me now?" witch. We lovingly refer to her as the Verizon witch. Each year we have fun searching the village to see where she is displayed.


The owners of Gardner Village always do such a good job decorating for the different seasons and holidays. I have to admit though, I think that the Halloween decorations are the best. I love walking the grounds to look at all of the pumpkins, hay bales, and witches. It is so fun!


As we walked the grounds, I came across the cutest witch I had ever seen. I thought witches were suppose to be scary....not stinkin' adorable!


Zachary seemed to enjoy himself as we walked around. I held him most of the time because I wanted him to be able to get a good look at all of the witches and decorations. Most of the afternoon, he had a huge smile on his face.


Elizabeth had so much fun, walking the grounds, picking up rocks and leaves, and finding pumpkins. It was so nice to get out and enjoy the fresh, Fall air together.


Elizabeth loves these pumpkins that were carved out of wood. She thought they were so cool and asked if she could sit on one. We thought "why not for one quick photograph"...especially if it will keep her sitting down for more than five seconds!


Every visit to Gardner Village, Elizabeth has to dance when we cross the bridge over the duck pond. The bridge is wired with speakers, so there is always music playing. People passing by probably get a good laugh watching Elizabeth and me dance but I don't care. It is a memory that I will always treasure of my little sweetheart.


I am so glad that Zachary has joined our family and can participate in our fun traditions. He is an absolute doll and has been an amazing addition to our family.


I had such a good time walking the grounds with my little family. Elizabeth is at a fun age where everything is exciting and magical.


It's hard to believe that our little Zachary will be running around during our witch hunt next year. Heaven help me when I have two little ones to chase!


Our trip to Gardner Village would not be complete without a stop at Sweet Afton's Candy Shop.


Once we had some Tootsie Rolls for Elizabeth, Nibs for me, and a chocolate candy bar for Matt, we were on our way home. What an amazing day with my darling little family.

Barnyard Boo

For the past couple of years, we have attended the Barnyard Boo at Thanksgiving Point. It is something that I look forward to each year because it is such fun. I was especially excited for the event this year because Elizabeth has been looking forward to it...and it was Zachary's first time attending!


Once we purchased our punch cards, we were off! Elizabeth was so excited to create a mummy sucker. She wrapped him up and stuck the eyes on just right. She did such a great job!


Next, Elizabeth and Zachary got their faces painted. Elizabeth thought it was so great that Zachary would be able to get his face painted too. I was a little nervous but he did great. Both Elizabeth and Zachary sat very still while the lady painted their faces!


Elizabeth picked out a witch's hat for herself and a candy corn for Zachary. Aren't they so cute?


Elizabeth was so excited about the ponies...and really wanted Zachary to go on a ride with her. She offered to hold him "real tight" during the ride. She was a little disappointed when I still said no, but all was good when I suggested that she go on two rides...one for herself and one for Zachary!


One of the cutest activities that we attended was Story Time with a Witch. Elizabeth was absolutely enthralled with everything that the witch had to say. The witch told stories, sang some songs, and even taught us some new dance moves.


Elizabeth was selected as the "honorary witch" and got to help teach the songs and dance moves to everyone.


Zachary is the sweetest little boy. He is so fun-loving and easy-going. He just sat in his stroller the whole night and watched everything around him. He didn't cry or fuss...just sat and smiled at everyone we passed. He is such a good little baby boy!


The Barnyard Boo was filled with fun games to play. Elizabeth was able to go bowling.


She also participated in a ring toss, a bean bag throw, and a game of pin the wart on the witches nose!


Elizabeth had fun creating a witches mask. She did a great job with cutting, coloring and gluing all of the pieces together to create her masterpiece.


As soon as her mask was done, she ran to Zachary to show him. She is such a good big sister!


Elizabeth was able to frost a sugar cookie, make a ghost sucker, and get a Halloween tattoo. They had so many fun activities to choose from...it was hard deciding what to do!


I am seriously the luckiest mommy in the world. I have two adorable children that I absolutely adore. Elizabeth and Zachary warm my heart and fill my life with joy. Words cannot express how much I love my little munchkins. I am so grateful for these fun times with them!