Last week I took Ashley on a surprise Mommy-daughter date to the Disney's Princess on Ice-Dare to Dream starring the new Princess Rapunzel. I told Ash to get dressed up like any princess (Ariel was chosen-her fav) and still no idea where we were going. We got to the Patriot Center and walked in and once Ash saw the ice angels dancing SHE SCREAMED! SCREAMED of pure elation! It was a great moment to see her surprise and happiness and gratitude. We enjoyed the show thoroughly. At the end of the Princess pandemonium, we had another date at Zinga. Then, of course a girl slumber party. Just mom and daughter. She smiled that night and said, "Thank you so much for taking me to the show mom." It's so nice to have your kids express thankfulness! In the morning, my little princess woke up and smiled her little smile only a few inches from my face. She said, "Mom-remember last night? It was magical." And that's when it was magical for me too.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Disney Princess on Ice
Hershey Park
Over the weekend of October 15, we went for the 3rd time to Hershey Park After Dark in Hershey, PA. The kids love to trick or treat at each of the rides. This year was super special because we met up with my brother Aaron and Reghan and sweet Belle. Family makes fun times even more fun! One of the best parts of the trip was getting the S'mores there. Picture this (I think I pictured one above) a Smore's made out of 2 huge soft, warm, chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers, with 3 toasted melted marshmallows in the middle and 2 Reese's peanut butter cups! Hershey-licious.
Mega Tooth!
Austin's front tooth never came in after his baby was lost. After a year of no front tooth, x rays showed his front tooth up there, but it never descended. So an oral surgeon saw s something bigger and better. An extra big tooth clear up at his nasal floor bottom! So we went to Prince William Hospital to get this double fused front tooth removed. Once this extra monster tooth is removed, his other teeth can they descend. He was a trooper and the huge tooth is quite a cool oddity to show people. (Yes, I asked to keep it). Tooth Fairy gave the man some extra love-hospital extractions get more $$.
End of season
This was the last week of Grizzlies football. Last week the team had the opportunity to play at the High School Stonewall JAckson during the half time. Their team played a scrimmage and had so much fun playing with some real stands and some real fans! They loved the applause and to be on a HS field! Go Grizzlies!
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Austin for VP
Austin was sooo excited one day he came home and said that he was going to run for President of his school! After looking over Student Council materials, realized only a 5th grader could become President. So quickly, "Then I'll run for VP". Why do you want to be the VP of your school Austin? His answer was so quick and so clear. " I want to help the school. I want to put the POW into fundraisers. I want to help lead the school." Alright. Then let's make our posters! He thought we would try something catchy, something that would attract the age group of his kids that are voting for him. So he wanted a whole Diary of a Wimpy Kid theme. "Greg Heffley's voting for me, are you?" The posters looked great on the walls of Mountain View. Austin had a high chin all week long. They gave their speeches towards the end of the week. There was a lot of finger crossing going on. All the while, I was so impressed my little man actually was excited to do this and that he thinks he might win. At the end of the week, the winners were read and he was not one. He came home off the bus with a his head held down, and in my head I was thinking well he is only in 3rd grade, first time he's run for student senate, etc, kinda shocked he was so down. But it made me so happy to know he really put his ALL into this. He really wanted it and so he campaigned, and really tried hard.
We had a celebratory (win or lose) date at Cupcake Heaven and had a family pow-wow. We talked about what a great experience this was for him to run. That most of life it's, the EXPERIENCE of doing things like this. Getting your name out there. And most importantly, not doing anything just average. When you do something, do it all the way. Like you did Austin! I explained to them that mediocre doesn't count. Mediocricity is not in the Toler home. If you try for something, TRY HARD. Even if you stink at it, TRY HARD.
Then it really doesn't matter if you win or lose.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Wacky Hair Day
Mountain View Elementary does a spirit week. It's so fun! Jersey Day, Red white and blue day, inside out, pajama day and wacky hair day. The kiddos LOVED the wacky hair day the best!
The Plains-Bull Run Mountain
My buds Nicole and Courtney and I hiked Bull Run Mountain. What an awesome hike. Afterwards, we dined at Forlanos in the Plains. What a wonderful afternoon with great friends.
Kabul, Afghanistan
In Kabul, Afghanistan, only 2 weeks after Duane got there, there was a massive Taliban attack on the Embassy. I have saved his written personal account of what he had journaled during/after the attack in another journal. He is being awarded a medal from the Department of State for his heroic efforts and some things he did during the situation. My hubby is my rock star, my American hero. I love you.
Cox Farm
WE LOVE COX FARM! Apple cider, slides, corn maze and the infamous hayride with the alien coming out.
