Elmo, or Melmo?

Last night we had our traditional Friday night family outing...dinner out followed by a trip to Barnes & Noble. Grace's newest love is books, so she typically gets one new per week. It's an inexpensive and educational "toy" that I don't mind providing! As we were walking through B&N last night, much to our surprise Grace ran up to a Sesame Street book and yelled "Melmo"! We had no idea she even knew who Elmo was.

I never really watched Sesame Street as a child, so I've never encouraged her to jump on the Sesame Street bandwagon. I suppose she's learned at school though, because this morning we turned it on and she went crazy. All morning she's been screaming "Melmo"!!!! So, I suppose Elmo has a new name and Gracie has a new love. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse....move on over!!! A new favorite character is in town!

Where's Waldo?

I think this is the funniest picture! Gracie's Aunt Vic captured it on Sunday and I just laugh everytime I look at it. Enjoy!

Pick a Pumpkin, Any Pumpkin!!

Well the Kidder family survived another week of Trustees!!! It was a VERY long week, but after most days lasting from 5:30 a.m. until midnight, we made it through!! After an awful game on Saturday, we enjoyed the end of the week with a family outing to Papa Tuff and Grandma Alys's. It was the perfect fall day...we took a hayride, bobbed for apples, enjoyed wonderful fall food (yum...apple crisp!), and carved lots of pumpkins! Gracie had a great time playing with her cousins too. She was a little tired (and cranky!) upon our arrival (hence the group photo of the kids in their costumes), but warmed up within a few minutes. She LOVED the swing and had lots of fun with Lauren, Drew, Kessie, Britney, Elizabeth and Ty!

The next evening we decorated several more pumpkins and gourds...all straight from Papa Tuff's garden! Gracie really got a kick out of the faces, and laughed at every funny eye, ear, nose, mustache and hat!

Here are several pictures from our fun day at Papa Tuff's!

Poor Baby!

This face pretty much sums up our week. Poor Gracie was very sick this week...Dr. Meyer confirmed on Thursday that Gracie had a viral infection. She seems much better today, but it was a really difficult week for her (and us!). Although I must admit that I loved all the snuggling!! I really miss those days and it was fun to snuggle and tend to her this week.

On to other topics...it's a big day in the football arena! While I'm not sure the Irish can pull out another victory, we are pulling for the Hoosiers to qualify for a bowl today against the Spartans. Anyone ready to keep our promise and join us at a bowl game if IU qualifies? Fun times!!

Pumpkin Anyone?

I'm sorry it's been so long since our last post. We have had a rough couple of weeks...not that things are slowing down anytime soon but I will attempt to do better at posting! Since our last post we have had lots of fun times...Scott's 31st birthday, the Bears/Cowboys game at Soldier Field, Niles Apple Festival, and the Pumpkin Patch with the Ditty's. I'll post photos of all the events, but thought we would dedicate this posting to our Fall outing!!

Grace and Lillie had a great time playing together last Sunday. Shortly upon our arrival at the Pumpkin Patch and corn maze, we ventured into the "Storybook Maze." This involved finding various letters written by our favorite storybook characters! Although it was sweltering hot in the corn maze (no wind), we had a great time finding our way through!

The girls then enjoyed the cow hayride, followed by a pony ride. Grace didn't really like the pony ride, but Lillie LOVED it!!! She just giggled and giggled!

We ended our visit with a hayride to the pumpkin patch! Grace, Lillie, Scott and Shane thought it would be fun to throw the smaller pumpkins. Finally we redirected their attention to finding the perfect one.

It was such a fun day...ending with dinner at the Oaken Bucket and watching the Colts score another victory! The cutest thing was that little Emma just slept through most everything. She was such a great baby...extremely cute and very good natured.

Like I've said before, Fall is definitely my favorite season...especially when we spend the days with wonderful friends. Here are more pictures of our fun Fall day! Thanks for spending the day with us Lillie - we can't wait to see you soon!