Halloween Surprise

After we returned from our vaccination party this afternoon we found a Halloween package in the mail from Pops and Sparky. Chandler said "oh, a present". Once i got the package open, she dug right in.

"You want me to do what!?" This look was after i asked her to model the bag for me.

Here's my new bag, Mommy!

All the goodies inside! I love the bag. We can't wait to put it to good use at our Halloween party in the morning.

Pops and Sparky this video is for you!!

Thank you for the Halloween surprise Pops and Sparky. We love it!

Chocolate makes it all better

Today our county was having an open clinic for the H1N1 vaccination. After much discussion Jeremy and I decided to get Chandler vaccinated. The clinic was from noon to 6:00pm. We arrived at 10:30 to get in line. There were probably already a few hundred people there. We got in line, outside. It was very cold and windy. I had Chandler in her stroller. She was really snug with her blanket. Her whole body was covered. The only thing peeking out of the blanket was her head. I had forgotten her hat, but luckily she had a hoodie to keep her somewhat warm. I was bit worried how I would entertain her for 2 hrs in line. But I had brought along the portable DVD player that Jeremy bought recently. So she contently sat in her stroller and watched Veggie Tales and Cinderella. It also helped that I had plenty of snacks for her. At 12:15 they finally opened the doors and let us in. After that it was easy. By 1:00pm we were back in the car. Chandler was so well behaved. I don't know many 2 yr olds that would sit still for that long and not fuss. She screamed when she got the shot. But was quickly rewarded with a Reese peanut butter cup after. After all, we all know that chocolate makes everything better!

What a pretty pumpkin!

Warning: This post is a picture overload.

This morning we met one of our new neighbor friends Michelle and her daughter Maryn at the library for a Halloween parade. When i was getting Chandler dressed this morning she kept saying "i don't want to" when i was trying to put on her costume and do her hair. But nothing like watching a little Mickey to settle her down.


When we got to the library there were a ton of kids. Probably close to 75. It was so cute to see all the different outfits.

Being patient and waiting for the parade to start.


Curious George even made a surprise appearance. Chandler had to go over and talk to him.

Doing such a good job walking in the parade.

Curious George led the way and all the kids walked through the whole library, both floors. Whenever we would pass people we kept hearing "what a pretty pumpkin" over and over. Chandler in her costume was a huge hit!

The parade ended downstairs in the story time room. We heard a few stories and sang a few songs. Before we left Chandler had to go check out the pumpkins.

"Look Mommy, pumpkins!"

After story time we headed back upstairs so i could check out some new videos for Chandler. She was a good girl and played while i looked.

It was a good time and she wore herself out. We have a few more Halloween parties to attend. We look forward to more dressing up in her costume.

Chandler's Pumpkins

On Sunday afternoon we went back to the Rader pumpkin farm to so that Daddy could enjoy the pumpkins with Chandler too. Jeremy's good friend up here joined us too. Mr. Brad is very good with kids and Chandler took to him right away.

Mr. Brad carrying Chandler across all the mud puddles.

Chandler was so excited to show all the farm animals to Daddy. Afterwards we picked out some pumpkins to take home. Chandler was having so much fun she didn't want to leave. Daddy had to carry her out!

We decided it was too much work to carve pumpkins with Chandler this yr, so we let her decorate them instead. Here are her pumpkins.

She did a 3rd pumpkin too but blogger is not letting me upload for some reason. And I am too tired to figure it out. So seeing 2 out of 3 of her pumpkins will have to do.

We're not in Kansas anymore

Or maybe that should title should say we're not in Tennessee anymore. I have to accept that we are now living in IL. And it is much different from TN. First off, the weather here is crazy. One day last week it was in the 70's and then next it was in the 40's. That is just not right. And what really makes the weather hard to deal with is the wind! It is so windy here. Another big difference is the landscape. There are no hills or mountains. All the roads are flat. There are tons of corn fields wherever you go. The people are different too. I have come to the sad realization that i am not in the south anymore. People aren't necessarily rude, they just don't have that southern hospitality and friendliness. That has been one of the hardest adjustments for me. But I have joined a moms group and a MOPS group so hopefully we will make some friends through that. The difference that is driving me the craziest is the lack of some of my favorite establishments. They have no Chic-fil-a, no sonic( I know, gasp!), no children's consignment stores and no indoor play area at the mall! Now I know to some of you may be thinking what's the big deal? Well I LOVE all of those places. Chandler and I ate at Chic-fil-a once a week, visited the mall once a week to just play (not shop) and checked out the consignment stores a few times a month for bargains. Lastly I visited Sonic a few times a week for my happy hour drink. Oh how will I survive?! (Clicking heels and repeating: there's no place like home.)

Trunk or Treating

Tonight we attended a Fall Festival at the church of one of my MOPS moms. They had food, face painting, music and more. But it was quite chilly and we only stayed long enough to let Chandler go trunk or treating. For those of you unfamiliar with that, it is usually done by churches. Everyone decorates their car trunk on some theme and they have a game and then candy and prizes. We took Chandler so she could get the hang of this trick or treating thing before the big day.

My cute little sheep. The hat stayed on for 1 minute and then never went back on.

Daddy and Chandler attempting to shoot the bulls eye.

Chandler helping Daddy make a hole in one. She liked this game a lot and played it over and over.

Trying to warm up inside.

My little sheep's rear. I love the tail.

We have a lot more Halloween parties and playdates to attend. Hopefully by next Saturday she will be an expert and be able to get her Mommy lots & lots of candy!

Wordless Wednesday

Chandler's house guest

Today was another beautiful day. I think it even made it into the 70's. After Chandler's nap we took advantage of the weather. We took Jake on a walk and then played in the backyard. Chandler loves, loves, loves her playhouse!!







Today she had her first house geust visit her. We saw this prayamantis on the side of our house yesterday, so she had seen him before. We had told her not to touch him or hurt him b/c he eats all the yucky bugs that we don't like.

Pretty impressive isn't he? She was upset that he was in her house. And she kept telling him to get out. I got a video of that too. Pretty cute.

Backyard Fun

Yesterday and today the weather has been gorgeous. Yesterday it was in the 50's and today it hit 66! And it was very sunny too. We took advantage of the pretty fall day and played in our new backyard. Chandler loved playing in her playhouse. She spent some time decorating the floors with her chalk.


After that we played chase in the grass. She loved it.We still don't have our fence and Jake has some serious cabin fever. I tied him up outside yesterday so he could enjoy the sunshine too. If all goes as planned we should have our new fence up by this weekend!

Happy Package

I went to get our mail today and found a package on the doorstep. I thought it was something Jeremy ordered off ebay. When I picked it up I saw the return name of Andy Johnson in TN. I thought maybe it was some of the clothes I lent to Karyn for Tegan. So what a happy surprise I got when I saw all the goodies inside. Karyn and the rest of the Johnsons (no relation!) sent us a happy package.

All the goodies for Chandler. Plus a picture that Hailey drew for Cha Cha (not pictured). I think someone knows Cha Cha loves Mickey!

There were even some goodies for me!!!

One of those items is a return address stamper. I did not take a photo of it b/c it had our address on it, but it has the cutest photo of Chandler on the stamp. All of those Johnsons are so creative! Thank you so much for our package!! It sure made me happy and smile. And Chandler will too as soon as she wakes up from her nap to see it. You all are the BEST!!

Lolipop, Lolipop

Chandler had her first lolipop over the weekend. I had tried to give her one before but she had no interest in them. She loved being able to hold it herself and she did pretty well about not getting it all over her hands.

Even though her eyes are closed i thought it captured her enjoyment of the lolipop.

So Sweet

Grandad & Uncle Jim visit

Last weekend Jeremy had to go to a wedding in VA, so my dad & Uncle Jim came to visit us for the weekend. It was a pretty chilly weekend so we spent most of the time indoors. When Grandad arrived Chandler ran right to him and jumped in his arms. But Chandler had never met Uncle Jim before and she was acting shy towards him.

Warming up to Uncle Jim with the help of a Mickey book.

We of course had to make a visit to Chuckee Cheese.

I opened up some new advanced puzzles for Chandler. She is concentrating.


One afternoon Grandad took a nap and Uncle Jim and Chandler had some fun with playdoh.

And of course we had to make time to read with Grandad.

We had a lazy, cozy visit. We are thankful that they came and kept us company while Daddy was away.

Children's Discovery Museum

Last week Chandler, Sparky and I checked out the children's museum in downtown Bloomington. I had heard wonderful things about it. And we were not disappointed. The place was 3 stories and had lots of interactive activities for all ages. After a quick stop at the huge doll house Chandler headed to the big lake to check out the ducks and turtles.


She would have played there all evening if we let her. But Sparky and I were anxious to check out more. There was a cool market she played in for a bit and then we headed over to the pizza making kitchen. No pizza would be ready without the garlic. Good thinking Chandler.


After making pizzas we headed to the 3rd floor. This was my favorite and i think Chandler's too. They had a art room where you could paint on the walls. Chandler had never painted before. But she did great. She didn't get any on her clothes and she just jumped right in.

The artist hard at work.

Sparky was showing her how to paint with her fingers and hand.


Her proud work of art. Now if i could just take it home and frame it...

We had so much fun that we bought a membership. They also have interactive classes for children. We are going to go to the toddler one on Friday night. We can't wait to play there again.