Food For The Party

For the kids, we served cute crown shaped chicken nuggets, shell shaped mac n' cheese, pink applesauce and juice boxes. The adults had chili, cornbread, sandwiches and salad. Pirate's grog/ale was available for the adults. I made tiara cookies for the girls and pirate ship cookies for the boys; and put each child's name on their cookie.

Decorations For The Party

Here are some pictures of decorations at the party. One room was designated the Princess Room and one the Pirate Room.
Greg made the pirate ship and the castle for the kids to play and take pictures with.

The Treasure Map Greg and I made

Pirate ship and castleDress up stuff for kids

Treasure chests

Kids' tables

Three Years Old

Two three year olds-AHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(So, I tried to upload pictures onto Smilebox as I usually do, but can't get it going again. I have decided to break down the kids' b-day party into different posts. So make sure you scroll down to read the 5 or so posts regarding the kids' birthday.)

We celebrated Evan and Leah turning three years old at the beginning of November. Can't believe it! We had a Pirate and Princess themed party; which turned out to be so much fun to decorate for! Some of the kids dressed up in their pirate and princess attire, as well as my dad (what a good sport) and I was excited to have an excuse to wear my tiara from my wedding again;).
I stressed about this party for months and months and in the end, I think it turned out great. The icing on the cake was Leah telling me the following day, "Mommy, I had so much fun at my birthday party!"

I need to throw a huge shout-out to my parents who helped decorate, clean, order and pick up the food and watch the kids a couple of times so Greg and I could get some things done for the party. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!

Soccer

Greg and I signed the kids up for co-ed soccer sessions with some of our good friends. We play every Saturday (indoors) and I have to say, Leah is pretty good. Evan would much rather be the goalie as he loves to pounce on the ball and use his hands. They are usually ready to be done with the session halfway into it and would rather go play the video games in the lobby area.

Leah-My Prima Ballerina

We signed Leah up for her first dance class with her third cousins-Mia and Maddy. They had their first class a couple of weeks ago. I got a little teary-eyed putting her leotard and tights on-thinking back to my dance days. I started dance class when I was about 4 years old and continued (minored in dance) through college. I always said no matter what, when and if I ever had a daughter, she would have to take dance at least once.
Both of my kids were overly tired that afternoon and fell asleep on the way there (about 6:00 pm). Luckily, my cousin, Keith, helped me carry Evan in-who was dead weight and I scurried Leah into class. She did a fantastic job listening and copying the teacher. I was so proud of her!! She had a blast and when asked afterwards what she thought of it all, she said she loved it. She showed me how they did a posse (touching her foot to her knee). Then she said they did a move; which she has called "stinky feet." (putting the soles of your feet together while sitting down and then bending over and putting your nose to your feet.) Too funny.

Picky Eaters

(oral motor exercises)

Playing with and trying pepperoni

Evan will eat close to anything you put in front of him. However; Leah is a way more picky eater and will sometimes run around the kitchen crying that her vegetable is "NASTY!" So, I decided to sign the kids up for a class through Parkway School District again titled, "Picky Eaters."
They have both tried some new foods for the duration of this class; which is the point of the whole class. After a couple of activities/games, the kids all come to the table to do some oral motor exercises first. They are then handed different types of foods to try (if they would like to-not forced to). So, the instructor first talks about the color, smell, feel of each food and then the kids can play "teacher" and decide what everyone does with their food -i.e.- cut the piece of food, "stamp" with the piece of food on paper, stir, etc. Basically- play with their food; which I am not so fond of because they now do that at home sometimes.

I have learned that Leah likes pepperoni, they both liked bologna, pitas and most of the other foods, they have tried before at home. However; they still refuse to eat a raw carrot (even with Ranch dressing), Leah still won't eat a pear, and I can't think of some of the other foods right now. Not really sure if this class was worth the money (or the drive to Ballwin), but it was a chance to get out and try some new foods.

Happy Halloween

With Papa Billington

With their "cousin"-Wrangler
With Grandma Sandy R.

Evan making his "scary" face (like the "Scream" mask)

Evan dressed up like a Pirate & Leah was a princess for Halloween. My talented Mother-in-law made the dress for Leah and she was absolutely adorable! Evan tried his eye patch on for one picture, but didn't want to wear it.

We got some awesome goodies (other than candy)- little Halloween Beanie Babies, glow sticks, Halloween cups and Hostess yummies!
First house that had a person with a scary mask and Leah commented she was done (this was only our second house?!) We ended up talking her into going to more. We started the night out at Greg's parents and then headed on over to my parents. Leah made it down my parents' street and called it quits. One house scared the crap out of her and that helped confirmed that Trick or Treating was over for her. I would be done with it too if I was her age after looking at this thing! When you walk in front of it, it springs up at you. Poor baby!

Evan was a trooper and continued on with Greg and I (Leah stayed back with Papa and Nonni at their house and passed out candy). Evan asked to walk up to several really scary houses; which surprised Greg and I.
I enjoyed seeing the kids have fun and look so cute and wonder what they will request to be next year. I know my time of telling them- "this is what you are going to be"- is probably over!