Pumpkins!

The day we came back from our trip, we decided to make our annual pilgramage to the Pumpkin Patch. It was 90 degrees and not feeling like fall, but we knew we were going to be busy for the next few weekends. So we headed out, and did all the must dos!

Like, the Cow Train! We were able to squeeze 2 boys in one cow.


The big train. And a wheelbarrow ride, of course.

Then I had to cajole them into their costumes since I wanted some pictures. LT loves his costume and wore it all the way home. DT loves his, too, but not in 90 degrees!

The Ninja and the Gingerbread Man

They'll both be wearing their costumes tomorrow for school parties! Happy Halloween!

Fall Break, Part Two: Seattle

We also visited in Seattle for a few days with Grandma & Grandpa. Somehow they didn't seem to show up in too many of these pictures.
Oops! Next time.

We went to the Pacific Science Center. LT remembered it from our visit 2 years ago and couldn't wait to go back. The butterflies loved TT!



There is a beautiful fountain outside in Seattle Center that we loved.



The fountain stopped spraying and some people got adventurous! Here's Grandpa after touching the sphere:

Oh, look, here goes LT! Notice that girl in blue coming next...

Oops, got her!

Beautiful day!

The next day was not so beautiful. We took some ferries...

and played in the rain


Then it was time to head home. LT & DT agreed that Grandma & Grandpa were their favorite part of the trip! I'm sure they would like to see them again soon.

Fall break, Part One: Canada

Two weeks ago, LT's school district took a week off. It's a "furlough" week due to budget cuts, so they'll be going 175 days instead of 180 this year. It seemed that most of the school headed South to Disneyland. We went the opposite direction and flew up to Seattle. We drove up to Vancouver the next morning with our friends in a rented minivan. It was my first time to Canada, so very exciting!

The Peace Arch in no-man's land between US & Canada

Vancouver shoreline, family picture attempt one:

And Vancouver shoreline, family picture attempt two:

Boy and mom, pensive

Afternoon break in hotel room. Kids are enjoying Silly Bandz, the craze finally hit here. They are rubber bands in shapes that you can wear as bracelets.

Brother horsey

King of the hill Big tree you can stand in? I'm sure it has a name

3 cold & happy boys

It was fun to see some of Vancouver. I tried poutine, we took a pedestrian ferry, had the best scone ever (white chocolate berry), saw the Olympic torch, had some delicious Shanghainese food... all in all, pretty successful. Tiring to be a tourist on the go with two kids, though.

Outdoor Kitchen, done, almost

Our outdoor kitchen is just about completed. When we came back from our trip (that's the next post), we found all the appliances had been installed. All that's left is hooking up the electricals.

Backyard project!

Over the last 3 1/2 weeks, our backyard project, an outdoor BBQ/kitchen, has been in full swing. We were told it will be finished tomorrow. I'm a little skeptical but optimistic. Here's a look at what these guys have done over the last 3 1/2 weeks.

Day 1: Chalk drawing
Day 6: Finished the patio, brick work, plumbing, started to construct the concrete "cabinet."
Day 8: Finished the cabinet, vents, electrical outlets. Pour the concrete countertop.
Day 10: Stucco, priming, started to paint
Day 14 (today): Built a pergola, almost finished tiling the counter top.
So, in theory, tomorrow they will finish tiling, grout the tiles, install the grill, access door, fridge, sink, faucet, and hook up gas, water and the low voltage lights on the face of the patio.

It feels like a huge improvement. We are very excited about it!