Hogle Zoo

 Van turns two tomorrow. I had a free pass for each of my kids to get into the zoo, so we went there today. I thought Van would love it, so it was a mini party for his birthday. We had so much fun! All of my kids enjoyed it. Claire was a little scared of a few of the animals if you lifted her up because she felt too close, she mostly liked the pretend animals you climb on. Van loved it all. He pretty much walked the whole thing and wanted to do whatever everyone else was doing. Corbin liked it as much as the littles too. He took photos and videos of all the animals we saw and wants to make a documentary now.

The Major

 The Major, the biggest free flying flag in the United States always hangs from Coldwater Canyon the week of Veterans Day. Every year I think I am going to hike to it, but I have never actually done it. The other day I was driving home from taking Claire to preschool and saw it. I called Shannon and we met at the trailhead ten minutes later. I realized I didn't have a carrier for Van so we took turns carrying him the whole way. He did pretty good. It took just under two hours. I really enjoyed finally seeing it from the trail instead of just looking up at it from the road. Van had fun too. He kept saying "hike flag" for a while after.

I was super glad we hiked it that morning. It ended up being snowy and cold the rest of the time it was up. I wouldn't have been able to do it without getting a babysitter, which means I wouldn't have done it, just like every other year.

Halloween

 There was no school on Halloween this year, which I really liked. We had all day to do whatever and get ready. We went with my parents and Shannon and her boys to a new corn maze in Plain City. If you dressed up it was only $3. So I hurried and came up with a costume for me and Corbin. Claire was a butterfly for her school Halloween party and for the corn maze. She had a lot of options this year. 

The corn maze was super fun because we mostly played in the courtyard. The maze itself had sign pointing the way through it so the kids could trick or treat at each station and make it out quickly. Claire wanted to get lost so she was a little disappointed. The boys and Maggie went through to get lost for a while. 

I took Van and Claire home after the corn maze so Van could nap. My older kids went over to my parents to help pick grapes and put together Halloween bags. While Van was sleeping Claire decided she wanted to be a scarecrow for trick or treating. She looked darling! It was a good choice. 

We went to Marianne's for chili and scones and then I took Maggie and Corbin home to meet up with friends. Matt kept the other three out in Plain City for a while to trick or treat with cousins.

It was a school night so I made Maggie and Corbin be home by 9:30 which was a source of contention, but overall, the night was a success.

Corn Maze

 Claire had a field trip at Black Island Farms a few weeks ago. She was so excited to go to the corn maze. We don't actually do the maze though. This year we started with a hay ride and we each got to pick a pumpkin. That was fun. The kids just played in the courtyard the rest of the time. Claire enjoyed being in the corn pit with her friend, Nora and she loved the big slides. Van liked the pig races, but that only lasted a few minutes. Then he just wanted to be in the bouncy house the whole time and it was a mad house. They both had a fun morning!

Halloween Party

 The day before Halloween was Sunday dinner with the Davis'. Abby and Grace put together a little Halloween party for the kids. The best part was the mummy contest. We didn't have to hurry to be the first ones, it was supposed to be the best. Maggie, Abby, Claire, Kael, and I were on a team. We wrapped and decorated Abby. I didn't think Claire would be able to hold still. Then she felt left out so Grandma wrapped her. 

They had a Halloween twister that was fun because apparently my kids haven't played twister much in their lives. There were a few other games that the kids played too. Claire thought it was super fun. Van was given Mater truck and he was loving the whole night.