Halloween fun in Mountain Home

We decided to spend our fall break in Mountain Home this year. With COVID still raging every where, we didn't want to travel too far. But we had a great time with Nanny and Papa and the cousins. 

We enjoyed lots of family time and we even got to make Grandpa Bill's caramel popcorn balls. 

These popcorn balls are so nostalgic for me. I remember making these with my Grandpa Bill when I was little. It was fun to make them with the kids.

We watched a semi scary movie called "Nightbooks" and the kids loved it. 

The next night we carved a jack-o-lantern with Papa. 

Papa is the true pro. 

Papa and Benson worked the longest on cleaning the pumpkin out. 

I sure love this cutie boy. 

The kids wanted to take the jack-o-lantern outside as soon as we finished carving so they could see it lit up. 

And Benson really wanted this pumpkin head picture. Lol. 

On our last night, the kids and Papa got to play laser tag. 

And we finished the night off with "Papa Shakes" but these were special ones that we dyed orange for Halloween. 

We had a great visit and as usual, it was hard to leave. We always have fun in Mtn. Home. 
We feel so lucky to have such  wonderful grandparents.

 

Bailey the Cheerleader

I can hardly believe the cheer season is over. It's been a lot of fun. 
Bailey asked to join cheer and I agreed. But then when I went to the parent meeting I discovered they didn't have enough coaches. Bailey's team needed a coach and the woman in charge basically begged me. I agreed without knowing much about it and without any experience and it has been a ride.

We practiced twice a week a first and then went down to once a week.
I did get a volunteer from Bentonville West Hight School to come help and teach the girls.

This was a huge help since I literally knew nothing. 
The girls learned quickly and by our first game they were looking pretty great in their cute uniforms and perky high ponytails. 

The weather wasn't always great, but the girls were troopers. Sometimes they cuddled together under blankets in between cheers to keep warm but they still kept their spirits up. 

They learned some ground stunts and they were so cute cheering together!

Sometimes after practice we would wait in my van until all the parents arrived. The girls loved rocking out to music while we waited. I enjoyed getting to see my girl in her element with her friends. 

One week it poured on us halfway into our game and the game was eventually called for weather, but the girls were still smiling, even in their ponchos. 

One night we got together and took team and individual pictures. I love how they turned out and so does Bailey. She loves wearing her costume and she loves cheering. 

 

Our team consisted of 5 girls, 
Ariana, Bailey, Alivia, Avery & Chloe. 
These girls became close friends and I consider the season a success. 

We had our Championship game last week and we won so the "TIGERS" were the 5th grade champions and we were proud to cheer them on all season!

We will have our end of Season party in a few weeks but I would say Bailey is pretty smitten with cheer and I can definitely see her wanting to do it again next year. Whether I will coach again, I don't know, but I will support her if she would like to cheer again. 
I sure love my girl!

A Spooky and Ooky Cousin's Halloween party

We had our annual cousin's Halloween party. 

This year I put together an Addam's family themed party. I really love the striped balloons and the bats. So fun! 
There was a new animated "Addams family " movie that had just released so I rented that for the kids to watch. 

I put together a popcorn bar with lots of toppings. 

We also had eyeball cupcakes 

I always love watching the kids dig into the treats. 
Each kid got a little cauldron to fill with popcorn and then they added their toppings, grabbed cupcakes and a bottle of soda. 

Aren't they so cute? I love them. 

Then we settled in to watch "The Addams Family" movie. 

It was just as weird as you may think, but the kids enjoyed it. 
I love this tradition. It's always fun to find reasons to get these cutie cousins together!

 

Benson's first day of Pre-K

This cutie boy started pre-k today. I can hardly believe it. How is my baby old enough for pre-kindergarten? It makes me both a little sad and a little excited. He's growing up so much and it's so fun to see it. He's getting to be such a fun age. 

Seriously- how cute is this boy? I love him. 

He had a great time at preschool and can't wait to go back. He walked in without too much hesitation and was thrilled to see me afterwards. His teachers said he did great and I was relieved to hear that. After spending so much time at home with me last year, due to Covid, I was worried how this transition would go. But, Benson was a rock star and did great!

We celebrated his first day of pre-K with ice cream at Spark Cafe. 
He loved this so much. We threw some coins in the fountain and ate ice cream and he was so happy to have the one on one time with me. 

Happy first day sweet boy! 

 

Labor Day Fun

After I got back from Las Vegas, I spent Labor day with my family. It was a nice relaxing day. 
We decided to watch "Jungle Cruise" and the kids helped me put together just jungle themed snacks. 
The also brought out their tigers that Nanny and Papa got them in Branson. 
We had a great time watching the movie, although it was definitely scarier than I thought it would be. 
Luckily no one had nightmares. 

I sure missed these cute faces while I was in Vegas. I'm glad to be home with them again.

We all got plates of treats and then snuggled up on the couch together to watch.
I sure love this family of mine. I am glad we had one day together from the long weekend. 

Happy Labor day!