Welcome To Our Zoo

Happy Halloween from the McIntire Zoo!

Welcome to our zoo... our little monkey and giraffe had a very busy week!

Tuesday we had some special 4-legged trick-or-treaters. We then went for an early trick-or-treating at Gram & Papa's house since they are going out of town.

Wednesday evening we went to the fall "Trunk-or-Treat" carnival at our church. They had bounce houses,

fun friends,

hay rides, and games.

Thursday night Blake and I made pumpkin muffins.

We had a fun time preparing what would be our special Halloween breakfast.

Friday morning Blake enjoyed his traditional Halloween breakfast. He ate our special pumpkin muffins and got a new book.

Friday night...

Barrett's 1st Halloween

We went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.

And then returned home to pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters. Blake took his job of passing out candy very seriously. Some of the things he said, "Have fun guys", "Happy Halloween", "He didn't say thank you", "You're very welcome".

After standing at the door for two hours passing out candy and greeting the trick-or-treaters, this is what our monkey looked like. He passed out our last piece of candy, we turned off the porch light, and headed to bed.

Happy Halloween 2008

Curious George Visits the Library

Gram joined Blake and I as we went to a special story time at the library tonight. The kids got to dress up like their favorite story book character.

It was an easy pick for Blake because he loves Curious George. We have been checking out Curious George books each week to bring home and read over and over! How fitting that our little Curious George got to visit the library!

After the librarian read a book, they got treat bags and went on a parade around the library trick-or-treating.

The Cat in the Hat was there to visit and pass out candy.

This was one happy monkey!

Gram and I enjoyed doing something so special with our little Curious George.

Pear Picking

This morning the boys and I went pear picking. My mom & dad have a pear tree that is overflowing with pears.

Some were low and some were high...

He tried to pick big ones, little ones, high ones, and low ones.

Only a couple of small scratches from where the branch would swing up and get his face after he had picked the pear off.

You might wonder how many pears one can possibly pick...

This many!

Blake had such a good time. I have a feeling we will go pear picking again soon.

6 Month Pics

I took Barrett for his "6 month" pictures... and the proofs are in. Yes he is almost 8 months, so I was a little late getting them done... better late than never was my motto this time!

http://hugsandhissyfitsphotography.com/proofs/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=1615

Playground Playdate

Tara and I met at the playground this morning for playground fun and picnicking! Blake and Lana ran and played until they were worn out. They ate a picnic lunch together in the beautiful sunshine... and then ran and played some more!

Barrett and Lydia played on the sidelines. Look at Barrett checking out Lydia and her fun toy.

Lots of fun climbing, sliding, and crawling!

There is no where we would rather be than spending a beautiful autumn day with some of our favorite friends!

Special Visitor

This morning at the library there was to be a very special visitor. Robert took the boys for the special story time to see the fireman and his firetruck.

Blake was a little unsure about getting into the firetruck, but decided to give it a try.

The fireman read the book Stop, Drop, and Roll

Barrett was being silly and making all kinds of noises and faces!

When they left the library Blake said to Robert, " I wish we were firemen so we could drive that firetruck. But we're not, we are police men and we drive our police cars". I love how much Blake looks up to his daddy! They dress alike, have the same hobbies and interests, and apparently both already have the same profession.

Party Time

Saturday we celebrated our friend Jackson's 2nd birthday. He had a Cars themed party, which Blake loved! There was a fun Cars bounce house that Blake and his friends jumped and acted silly in.

Blake really wanted to haul something in the back of this truck. Looks like his friend Presley will do just fine!

Cake time! There were lots of blue smiles after the kids had their share of cake.

Even Barrett got to play with his friend Cannon.

Fun with friends for both my boys (and their Mommy!)... a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Backyard Picnic

The mornings have been so beautiful. The nice crisp autumn air has been wonderful. Today I decided that we needed to have a backyard picnic lunch. There was a nice breeze, birds flying over, planes to see in the sky, autumn leaves on the ground around us, and not a cloud in the sky.

Blake told me that he was having so much fun at our picnic.

Barrett liked looking at the leaves blowing on the trees, the birds flying over us, and picking the grass when he could get his hands on it.

We are going to try to have as many more backyard picnics as we can before the weather changes from pleasant to chilly!

Car Seat Swap

We finally made the swap! Barrett is now riding in a big boy car seat (Blake's old seat). Blake is riding in an even bigger boy booster seat. They both love their new seats (especially Blake)!

The "Exerciser"

The other night I was walking on the treadmill while Robert was bathing Blake. Blake came to see me on the "exerciser" as soon as he got out of the tub. He walked into the room with his tennis shoes in hand saying he wanted to walk...

(Robert is standing at the end of the treadmill. He took a step back for the picture. We didn't let our child walk by himself due to safety.)

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

Pumpkin patch day had arrived! We all awoke excited about our outing. We were so thankful for the beautiful weather. I took a cute pumpkin patch book to read on our way. It was the perfect book for our day!

The McIntires 2008

Barrett's first pumpkin patch trip.

Blake and Barrett

Our first stop was the hayride. Blake could not relax until we had taken a ride on it!

Both boys loved the hayride!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, & more pumpkins!

We saw our fun friends the Johnson's while we were waiting in line for the train. What a treat!

Blake's other favorite part of the day was riding the train. I rode with him and had to pry him out of it when our turn was over.

We ate our lunch at a shaded picnic table near the horse stable. It was fun to watch the horses as we ate.

Yummy pumpkin cookies!!

Our little pumpkins

Oh little Barrett... how badly I wanted a picture of his face! He would have none of that as long as hay was near.

Who knew hay could be so entertaining?!

Trying to load up the chosen pumpkin... it was a little heavier than he had anticipated!

Blake was a pro at this little hay maze. He went in and found a couple of different routes he could take to get out. He did it over and over and over! Each time he came out excited that he "did it!".

Blake did not want his face painted at first, but decided he wanted a pumpkin right before we left.

With our pumpkins loaded, we were ready to head back home.

We had a wonderful day at the pumpkin patch today! New memories were made, old ones remembered, and thoughts for next year already looked forward to!