Lantern Walk

Madeline's school, ChildRoots, holds four big events each year: Drum March (Spring), A Day at the Lake (Summer), Lantern Walk (Autumn) and Winter Fare (Winter). 

On Friday, October 25, 2013, we had the Lantern Walk! The children prepare for the Lantern Walk by decorating lanterns (Mason Jars) with paint, string and beads. At Maddy's age the decorating consists of painting the jars and she informed us that hers was blue! The children do not paint/decorate their own lanterns, rather they all decorate lanterns together and then they choose the lantern they want at the walk. 

Maddy's classmate Carson's mom (Malena) invited everyone in Maddy's class over to their home for dinner before the walk, as they live just a few blocks from Fernhill Park where the Lantern Walk is held. Malena made macaroni and cheese for all and it was nice to hang out with Maddy's classmates and the other parents. Maddy's teacher, Krystal, also joined us for dinner and the walk.

After dinner the kids put on their Halloween costumes and we trekked to the park.  The lanterns lay waiting at the track. Maddy and her friends picked out their lanterns and we headed to the path through the woods guided by luminaries (and some ChildRoots teachers).

Along the path, ChildRoots staff were posted at intervals, handing out treasures (such as a button, a leaf, decorated paper, a feather) placing them in the child's lantern (lit via LED light). Some teachers played instruments as well. It was a magical walk in the dark, something the children rarely get to do! At the end of the trek, fire dancers put on a show that mesmerized the sleepy little ones. 

Underwear!

Dora Underwear!!!

Yesterday (October 10, 2013) Madeline's teacher Krystal sent me a message letting me know that Madeline saw a pair of Dora underwear in the "Lost and Found" (note here: the Toddler specialist and Madeline's classroom teachers put together a "Lost and Found" box filled with extra underwear - clean of course - to have on hand during the potty training phase) and DEMANDED to wear them.  Threw a little temper tantrum, in fact.  And so it begins!!  We are THRILLED that Maddy is showing interest in underwear.  If I would have known the effect Dora underwear would have, I'd have bought some awhile ago...but really, there's no rush.  And this phase is going to be interesting - lots of "do you have to go potty? or poop?" and accidents will happen, I know.  Today I took Maddy to a public restroom at the grocery store for the first time.  Luckily she didn't really have to go, because I was NOT the quickest on the draw since I insisted on covering that toilet seat well before setting my little one on top.  She was so proud at the store...she picked out her own Dora underwear and she is very excited to wear them. Hooray! Wish us luck!

Bella Organic Farm: October 6, 2013

In the Pumpkin Patch

For quite some time now I have wanted to visit a farm during autumn to enjoy the festivities and I finally got my chance!  It was all I'd hoped for, and more. The weather was beautiful and Madeline, Steve and I took full advantage of everything Bella Organic Farm had to offer.  We went on the Cow Train, the Grain Train and checked out the Hay Maze.  We had snacks, and even had a beer (well, Steve and I did) with our friends Eric and Melissa and their family.  I went into the big corn maze but unfortunately did not have time to venture far, as Maddy's nap time was approaching.  I'll need to do that next time.  So much fun - I definitely want to do it again!

Hay Maze

On a hay ride!

On the Grain Train

You guessed it: The Cow Train

I love the cow train!

The Fausts and the G's

Melissa, Eric and Althea

Dora the Explorer and School Friends at the Children's Museum

A happy girl

October 5, 2013 we headed to Portland's Children's Museum with some of Maddy's classmates.  Maddy's teacher Krystal organized the weekend outing but she unfortunately was unable to make it.  Those of us who went enjoyed ourselves immensely - especially little Maddy, who is quite fond of Dora the Explorer, who happened to be the Star of the day at the Children's Museum.  Even though Madeline already saw the Dora exhibit this summer in Minnesota, she was stoked to see it again, along with her friends from school!  It was nice for me and Steve to have some time to hang out with the other parents, too.

Henry, Kai and Daniel in the Water Play Area

Maddy, Finley and Kai

Kai and Maddy in Tico's Car

Swiper, NO SWIPING!!

Kai and Henry

Maddy and Henry (one of her best buds)

Henry, Kai, Maddy and Daniel in the "Dig Pit"

A Good, Good Man

Last night when I was putting Madeline to bed, right before I was going to make my exit, we had the following exchange:

Maddy: Oh! My baby stroller is downstairs!

Me: It's okay. You can bring it up tomorrow.

Maddy: Ok. I'll push it up the stairs?

Me: No, Daddy can carry it up for you. 

Maddy: I'll carry it up in one hand?

Me: No, honey. Daddy can help you.

Maddy: He's a good, good man.

Me: What? 

Maddy:  Daddy. He's a good, good man for carrying my baby stroller up the stairs.

Kids do say the darnedest things.

Jon and Jenny Flanagan Visit (Weekend of September 20)

Our good friends Jon and Jenny came to visit from Colorado and we had a wonderful weekend.  We are so excited for them as they are expecting, and we look forward to welcoming their daughter to this big world sometime this fall/early winter.  On Friday, Steve and I took the day off and while Maddy was at school, and we joined Jon, Jenny and Eric Skaar on a fantastic hike at Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls.  It was a nice four mile hike and the weather was perfect.  It was nice to be outdoors. I have to say that I was happy Madeline was not on this hike, as some areas had such steep drop offs, I was a bit nervous.  If Maddy would have been there, I'd have been terrified!  It is an incredibly beautiful hike, though, as long as you take it slow.  After our hike we stopped at Double Mountain in Hood River, OR for a pint and some very yummy pizza. 

Saturday Maddy and I had Swimming Lessons, the first of a six week session this fall.  We had lots of fun in the pool, and she's learning to become much more comfortable in the water.  It seems to be helping with washing her hair at bath time, too (quite a relief).  That evening we invited friends to our house for a BBQ, which is always a fun time. 

Then came Sunday, which of course means FOOTBALL at the Faust House, more friends and more good food (breakfast goodies, since football starts at 10:00 a.m.).  It was Jon and Jenny's last day visiting and everyone had a great time.

Maddy just loved Jon (aka Floopy-doopy) and Jenny (aka Jenny-wenny) and will be talking about their visit for a long time.  Come back and visit again soon, Jon and Jenny!  You are welcome any time!!

Eagle Creek Hiking Crew

 

Jon and Jenny (+ Baby Girl Flanagan!)

Double Mountain (Jason joined us, too!)

Maddy showing "Dado" to Luella

Melissa and Baby Althea

Andy, Luella and Christy

Maddy and Christy

Eric and Madeline

Football!

More football, and kiddos having fun

Maddy, Luella and Jon's jam session

Jenny and Maddy

Mommy/daughter weekend

This past weekend, Steve went on his "Dudes Backpacking Trip.". Our friend, Andy Madigan, flew in from Minneapolis to join the crew, and they headed out to the Mount St. Helen's area on Friday for a weekend of camping, hiking and camaraderie.  This gave me and Little Miss Maddy lots of bonding time.  : ) 

Friday night was pretty laid back, but we did eat dinner outside on the patio, which is always a special treat.  There were a few "I miss Daddy!" and "I want Daddy!" outbursts but it was to be expected. The girl loves her daddy!

Saturday morning we headed to the local library, both very excited for Story Time! Much to our dismay, Story Time was on break for 2 weeks. We still enjoyed our time there, playing with toys and puzzles and picking out new books! 

We headed home and very soon thereafter, Christy and Luella came over for a play date! Andy was backpacking as well, so it was girl's weekend all around.  We played ball in the family room and had a fun time together.

 

And then it was nap time for Maddy which has turned into a struggle at the Faust House....I can get Maddy to lay down but once I leave there is no guaranty she'll stay in bed. She has the habit now of getting up, grabbing a book and "reading" in bed. I suppose there could be worse things, but Maddy's afternoon mood really is so much better if  she naps.  This nap time proved the same, only when I went in to check on her, I discovered a poop-tastrophy. I don't think anything more needs to be said about that.

After I cleaned up, Maddy and I took out the stroller and headed to the "Big Playground" about a mile away. There was a little kid birthday party in progress so lots of activity at the playground. Maddy had fun running around and playing on the swings.  

After dinner Maddy and I watched one "Dora" (her absolute fav!) and called it a day. 

Sunday morning we motivated early (I still don't know how Steve gets himself and Maddy ready and out the door with such efficiency every morning- I'm terrible at it!)  and headed out to run errands. When we got back, Steve and Andy had returned, and Maddy was one happy girl.