First Recital

Miles had his first piano recital tonight. It was Halloween themed, so Miles got to wear his Mad Hatter costume. His teacher set it up like a show, she called it "So You Think You Can Be My Halloween Entertainment" the kids were auditioning to be her Halloween entertainment for a party she was throwing. The "judges" were three pumpkins. Miles was 6th to play and he did AWESOME! Ten kids performed, most of them had been playing for a year or more, Miles has only been playing two months and he went up on that stage like an old pro. He played his piece without any mistakes, you could tell by the look on his face he was so proud of himself. He didn't win the piano contest, but he did win Best Costume! It was a wonderful night enjoyed by all!

Mortia Addams and the Mad Hatter
(Teacher Ellyn and Miles) 

Checking in with the "judges"

Miles won Best Costume

Carving Time...

Usually we carve pumpkins on Halloween before we go out trick-or-treating, it was too much. So this year we carved them a few days before and it was much nicer not being so rushed. Maisy loved digging the seeds and yuck out of the pumpkin. No, Maisy does not have a black eye... she attempted to put mascara on. Miles designed and cut his out all by himself, he was very proud. Now we can enjoy Halloween without all the rush!

Trying to put the pumpkin on his head. 

Final product

Tradition...

 Every year I like to take the kids to the Avila Barn pumpkin Patch. It seems like for the past couple of years, David has not been able to come with us because of work, but it seems like Auntie Jody has been able to come with us. We were excited to have her with us again this year. We got there early and were able to get on the hay ride right away. The kids searched for the perfect pumpkin and then we were off to feed the animals. The place was packed by then, so we decided to head out to Arroyo Grande for lunch. It was a gorgeous day and fun was had by all.

WELCOME...

Evan Michael Kanode...
My beautiful new nephew.
Congrats, Stephen, Amanda and Big Brother Aidan

Another Treat Bag...

My nephew Aidan is going to be a pirate for Halloween so I decided to make him a treat bag to match his costume... 

New Hobby...

 Miles loves skateboarding, but he loves riding his bike too. He's always trying to make jumps and do tricks. I found out about Santa Maria BMX, and Miles tried it for the first time on Monday. Of course he LOVED it. Now I need to start saving my pennies to buy all the "stuff" that goes along with BMX 

racing. As you can see by the pictures, Maisy had to get in on the fun too. I guess I should start saving for her too, I'm sure she'll be on the track soon.

Thank you Mr.Jobs

Because of you I had a computer lab to go to when I was in 4th grade.  You have changed the world and the way we navigate our way around it. Thank you.

A New Year...

I wasn't sure if Miles' teacher this year would want to do the yearbooks I did with his class last year. When I went in to ask her about it, before I could even get the first word out, she said, "I am so glad you are in my class. I hear you do a memory book with the kids..." We were on! I've already taken our first set of pictures and did our first writing. I am WAY more organized this year, so I think it will be much easier putting it together this year than last.

Halloween...

For the past few years, I have let Miles pick his costume, a skeleton, Darth Vadar, Boba Fett, Commander Fox. As you can see he REALLY likes Star Wars. So, I told Miles this year I am picking his costume, and it is going to be something that matches with his Maisy's costume. He wasn't too happy about it, but I told him if he did it this year, I wouldn't ask him to do it again. He went for it.

Now for the costumes, I am not big into reinventing the wheel, so if I can find cute, well made costumes online for a reasonable price, I am buying them... Plus, I don't know how to follow a pattern and I can't sew. It seems like a lot of work for something they will probably wear once. I found the costumes and they are cute. Miles LOOOVES his (to my great relief).
The thing I do make each year (thanks to Jojo) are the kids treat bags. I love coming up with ideas that go along with the kids costumes. This year I love the way Miles' came out, not thrilled with Maisy's but cute enough. Below are the pictures, can you tell what he kids are going to be this year?

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