The Archer Family: October 2009

October 22, 2009

Pumpkin Patch, Imagination Movers!!!

One of my favorite things about the fall is taking the kids to a pumpkin patch. Last year I think my Mom and I took Henry to at least five. Even though the weather has not been nearly as cooperative this year, we did visit a really great one in Alpha, IL. Henry's class has a field trip there next week and I thought we should preview it, especially since I am chaperoning. It was darling!!! Henry had a great time running through the corn maze - even though it was a really big, extremely difficult corn maze, playing in the playground, and enjoying all of the country fun. Bea had a great time as well, there were plenty of kids to look at. We look forward to going again next week, and the best part is we will be riding a school bus!!!

Last night we took Henry to see the Imagination Movers. Henry had so much fun! He sang, danced in the isles and ate popcorn. He even got to shake Mover Rich's hand, what a thrill. I think John and I enjoyed it more than Henry, it was so great to see him sing and dance, I should have brought a video camera. Bea had a great girls' night with Nana.

My Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch

Another Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch, did I mention it was super cold and windy that day?

Mover Rich!!

Henry and Mommy before the show.

Imagination Movers

October 7, 2009

Busy Busy Busy

The past few weeks have been busy at the Archer house. It is funny, when people ask John and me what we miss about Germany, we always answer, "the lifestyle". People in the U.S. are busy busy busy, almost frantic. Anyway, we have managed to fit in some fun activities during the few weeks.

First, we continued birthday celebrations. Bea turned 6 months old on the 24th, so we had a little party for her and even though she couldn't indulge in her "birthday cookie", she had fun!! Next, Carolyn had another party. Her birthday has gone on for weeks, as it should when you turn 9. Henry is so excited that his birthday is next!!

Last week, we surprised Henry with a visit to the Bettendorf Police and Fire Department!! He got to meet firefighters, police officers, dispatchers and tour the entire department. The highlight of the visit was sitting in the vehicles and making the lights and sirens work. Everyone was so sweet to Henry, he enjoyed the tour so much. Bea was a little less impressed, although she did enjoy the light show Henry put on while sitting in the police car and fire truck.

And last, but certainly not least, we have been enjoying the awesome fall weather!! We were putting out our fall decorations this weekend and Henry asked me, "Mom, are we making Halloween?".

As always, my Dad planted corn, pumpkins and gourds for the kids to pick. Most were ready to harvest this weekend, so the kids went to it!! They got a entire wagon full of fun gourds and pumpkins.

When you ask Henry what he wants to be when he grows up, he says, "a firefighter, farmer, and train guy", I think we have fit all of those things in the last month. Hopefully he won't decide to be something crazy in the future, like a snake charmer - not even this Mom will fulfill that wish.