Dino pit and Nature walk

A couple weekends ago we took the kids to the city to visit the Dino pit at Zilker park again, now that its not 100 degrees out.

This time we stopped at the Austin Nature and Science center on the way to look at some fossils, minerals, animal bones, etc.

Lily checking out a turtle shell. I was quite surprised at how uninterested Corbin was with it since he is in a turtle phase right now.

Corbin investigating some insects.

After, we stopped for some frozen yogurt. I bought a Groupon for $1 that got all of us a bowl, with still almost $3.00 left to spend! Now that's a deal.

The next day we a discovered a nature trail and playground. We walked for a good 1/2 miles with no end in sight. We would have gone further but also had to keep in mind we had to walk that back. We walked for a good hour though stopping to explore things on the way.

We were very shocked when we saw Longhorns and a Donkey!

We also saw a crazy caterpillar with spikes! Neither of us have seen this before.

Another fuzzy caterpillar

Three of them playing nicely with their animals.

Halloween in Texas

OK, I'm a little late on this post. This year we had our first trick or treating in Texas. It was a nice change from the bitter cold trick or treating up north. Rowen was a skeleton, Corbin was Batman, and Lily was Minnie Mouse. Most every house thought Lily was the cutest thing.

Getting the goop out of the pumpkin.

Slimy!

Happy 5th Birthday to my sweet baby, Rowen!

Today by baby boy turned 5!!! How can that be? Doesn't seem like that long ago I met him for the first time. I am so proud of the little man he has become. So sweet, caring, nice and happy. As you know he has been very into the Lego Harry Potter game, and most anything Harry Potter. So naturally he wanted the Hogwarts Castle for a cake!

Viola!

He wanted to help in making the cake batter as well. This was the first time I made the cake from scratch as opposed to a boxed. Its was yummy.

Adding the eggs, 5 to be exact, coincidence? Haha.

Ready to bake!

Seeing the finished cake when he woke-up.

Complete with Dementors and all!

My favorite part was the owls.

The base was rice krispie treats since its firmer to hold the massive cake. Also more cost effective. This was my first time incorporating it into a cake.

Pumpkin, wrestling, and big girl bed

We have had some very nice weather here in Texas. Though it is going to be warm again starting tomorrow, gradually getting to the mid 80's by Monday. But we have been taking full advantage of getting outside. Corbin has been in a total turtle obsession I would say the past couple weeks. So we walked down to the pond around the corner to look at the turtles swimming around.

The boys wrestling. Next MMA stars, right here.

Lily climbing at the playground.

I roasted my first pumpkins a couple weeks ago to make pumpkin puree. I made many things with it including a pie that Rowen helped with. It was the BEST pumpkin pie I have ever had. I also made a homemade pumpkin granola cereal, cookies, and pancakes.

Watching the mixer, while the 2 balance on a chair.
Rowen mixing, he really like to help cook.
The puree. After I baked it, I let it sit in a strainer for a good 6hrs lined with coffee filters to get out the excess liquid to have the think puree consistency.

The fabulous pie!

Corbin's turtle kick includes drawing them. He got a couple books for reference which was very funny. He did a great job!

We also finally moved Lily into a big girl bed a few weeks ago. She is the smallest one and has the biggest bed, a queen. We decided it was time because, well, she's almost 3. She wasn't trying to get out of her crib or anything and was sleeping great. Not so much anymore. I don't know if its cause she has the freedom to get out or not. She goes to bed fine. But she likes to get up super early (like 4am if not earlier) come in our bed, which she has never done, and then doesn't like to go back to sleep. Some night she stays in her bed all night. But a majority of the time, she's up super early and then miserable the rest of the day. She also seems to be in a total mommy phase that might be contributing. Hopefully it gets better soon. She loves her bed though. Especially since its has circles, her favorite.