Pumpkin Patch

We have a really amazing pumpkin patch about seven minutes from our house.  It's the kind of place that everyone goes on field trips, everyone talks about, and on most days you're parking half a mile away from the entrance! Jovan and Lainey went to Vala's last year on a field trip, but I had never been until this year.  I really wasn't sure what to expect, but this place is insane!  We had an absolute blast the first time we went this season!  We bought a season pass because it's just like a zoo membership...you make it up after like 2 visits.

At Vala's we went on train rides, watched pig races, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, played glow in the dark mini golf, watched shows, jumped on giant pumpkin "pillows", and so much more. 

Can't wait to get a picture of the girls in this chair every year!

Getting so tall!

Not getting so tall, ha!

Vala's has THE BEST kettle corn

Cousins with kettle corn :)

I can't wait to go back next year!!!

Lainey is 5!

Holy crap!  When did my baby girl get to be five. years. old?!?  These past five years have flown by, but boy have they been fun!  We have watched our spunky little baby grow into an extrememly intelligent, big-hearted, fun-loving girl!

Questions about our five year old:

1. What is your favorite color? Rainbow

2. What is your favorite toy? Minnie Mouse

3. What is your favorite fruit? Oranges

4. What is your favorite tv show? Project Runway :)

5. What is your favorite movie? Barbie Princess and the Pop Star

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? my Barbie Pop Star dress

7. What is your favorite animal? Polar bear

8. What is your favorite song? Never a Doubt from Princess and the Pop Star ( seeing a theme?!?)

9. What is your favorite book? Princess Baby by Karen Katz

10. Who is your best friend? Maggie, Alexis, and Taylor

11. What is your favorite snack? strawberries

12. What is your favorite drink? juice

13. What is your favorite breakfast? Dinosaur eggs oatmeal

14. What is your favorite lunch? Mac and cheese, oranges, tacos

15. What is your favorite dinner? Poppyseed chicken

16. What is your favorite game? Princess Memory
17. What is your favorite thing to play outside? on my swingset

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. What do you sleep with at night? Minnie Mouse
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a superhero!

On her birthday we had a nice little dinner at home with just the four of us on our upper deck.  I made Lainey's favorite, poppyseed chicken with green bean casserole.  We then celebrated with cake and ice cream.  Lainey then opened her gifts from us.  You may see a theme...

Lainey got an American Girl doll for her birthday.  We bought the Lanie doll in 2010 in Chicago when she was the Girl of the Year doll.  We have been hiding her away, just waiting for the right birthday to give it to her.  My mom, sister-in-law, Lainey and Lilly went to Kansas City a few weeks ago and took Lainey to the American Girl doll store there.  We talked up Lanie and how they didn't have her anymore and how maybe someday she would get a doll.  Mean family?  Yes! :) 

Needless to say, she was absolutely shocked when she opened this gift and saw the beloved doll that looks just like her and shares her name!

We're so blessed to have her, and I can honestly say I am loving every minute of her personality right now!  Love you, baby girl!

Lainey with two gifts she got from friends--a microphone and Hello Kitty pjs

Calling All Superheroes!

Lainey's on a superhero kick lately, so it really came as no surprise when she requested to have a superhero party for her birthday.  Seeing as life has been CRAZY busy, I started planning this party way too late!  Luckily it all came together, and the birthday girl and her friends had a blast!

We set up the backyard with all sorts of superhero activities like Superhero Training Camp, Diffuse the Bomb, Strike Out the Villain, X-Ray Vision, Test Your Superhero Strength, and a photo booth.  Lainey invited about 15 friends to come join her as superheroes.  When the guests arrived, they were trandformed into superheroes with capes and masks.  They first had to sign the birthday book.  I am so glad I started this tradition at her first birthday, and can't wait to continue it until she's like 21. :)

The girls made superhero paper dolls as we waited for all the girls to arrive.  Jovan was the king of this station.  I'm not sure who had more fun--him or the girls?!

Once they all arrived we headed outside for activities.  Everyone seemed to have a great time!

I have a million more pictures of that, but figured I wouldn't post them all!  After the activities, we sat down for some refreshments like Catwoman Claws (Bugles), Crusader Crunch (popcorn), Super Vision Sticks (carrots), Energy Bursts (cupcakes), and Joker Juice. 

Lainey then got to open her presents with the "help" of many of her friends!  Throughout the day everyone who attended was asked to take a picture in the photo booth.  Here's a few:

My personal fave

My sweet friends being good sports...and an upset Olivia! :)

Lilly and her boyfriend, Crosley

Family picture

This party definitely goes down as the most exhausting, but the most fun party I've planned yet!  Can't believe I'll be planning a First Birthday soon!