Happy Halloween!

I loved Ella and Gracie's costumes this year. El was a darling Dorothy and Gracie was the cutest Munchkin you've ever seen! Gracie's costume this year sort of dictated the direction I went with the whole "theme" because when I saw it online I DIED!! She was the perfect size and height to pull it off. Ella loved her ruby slippers and wears them around the house now all day. We started off by visiting grandma at work so she could see them in all their glory! Later we had a little Halloween dinner at our house with the other grandma and grandpa, and grandma Gigi too... the best part however was of course the trick-or-treating with Tate!

I wish she could be this again next year too! It was hilarious!

I told her pose. This is what I got. She's probably plotting a way to get back at me somehow down the road!

Which way to Oz again?

All the girls together at last...

Hope your night was equally amusing!

Happy Birthday Tyler!

My little brother is now 25 years old. So weird. Makes me feel even older. I feel like it was only yesterday when we were playing in the backyard together or riding bikes... I remember the sometimes brutal fights and antagonizing too! Nowadays though he is one of my best friends. There are very few people I laugh harder with! Tyler, I love you! I hope this year brings you everything you wish! -Your Sis

p.s. Don't ask me why I failed to take no other pictures but the cake. Hmmm.

Halloween is almost here...

We took the girls to Wheeler Farm for a little pre-Halloween gathering. This was the first official outting with Miss Tate and Chels since their return to the states! The girls had a blast! It was such a charming/fun little setting and made Ella and Gracie that much more excited for Halloween...

Grace and her prized Halloween egg?

In the hay stack maze...

Hooray! More pumpkins to bring home!

Ella and her beloved eye patch prize. Arrrrr!

Chels-I love this picture. The best part for me though was at Cafe Rio afterwards when you said in line, "Oh my gosh! I've been waiting for this! My mouth is literally watering!" So funny... Love you girls! Thanks for a fun day!

I'm no Martha...

Let's just be honest. I don't bake. In fact, I'm so terrible that I'm probably one of the only people on this planet that can't even produce a chocolate chip cookie that isn't flat and burned to a crisp. So...we do things the quick, cheap, and dirty way in the Frandsen household (at least when it comes to baking!) Here's a little re-cap of our Halloween cupcake making tonight...

The girls thought it was cool to line the pans. Look at that concentration!

Are they done yet?

The box says 10 more minutes. Sorry Grace.

Now the fun part! Decorating with sprinkles!

Not my child. She eats all the frosting and no cake!

Yum. Look at that mountain of sugar.

Thanks buddy! Couldn't have done it without ya!

Pumpkin Patch

We took our first trip to a pumpkin patch last week. The air was crisp, the sun was setting, and I fell in love with Fall. Again. This little outing had it all- hayrides, donuts, cider. Did I mention that the pumpkins were $2 a piece? Won't be buying one from the grocery store ever again. I absolutely love creating new traditions! Walking through this dusty, dirty, farm had us all glowing (no pun intended) and I can't wait to do it again next year!

My immediate thought-"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!"

Ella and her "punkin"

Picking the first one they could get their hands on... who knew it could be so simple?

If she looks filthy, she is. The weight of her pumpkin literally tipped her over face first! Hilarious!

Tasting the pumpkin??

Looks like she's getting away with this one!

Happy Fall!

Sisters

I think any woman with a sister should consider herself very lucky. Even though I never had one of my own growing up, I feel privileged to be able to witness this special bond everyday through Ella and Grace. It makes me really happy to know that they'll always have each other... through thick & thin, good & bad. My hope for them is that they cherish this relationship for the rest of their lives. Never take it for granted. I'm sure there will be plenty of times when they'll pretend to not know each other, fight, argue. I know as well that they'll make hilarious memories and be best friends. I know this because I'm blessed to be witnessing it everyday...and it's even better than I ever imagined it could be.

Dance parties in the living room- pretty much a nightly ritual

Gracie has been like a real-life baby doll for Ella. I love when I hear her "mothering" Grace. Every morning she goes into Gracie's nursery and their conversation usually goes a little something like this- Ella: "Hi, Gracie sister! Hi, Hon! Did you have a good nap? Need your bah (what Gracie calls her binkie) hon?" Gracie: "Hi I-ya (Ella)! Hi! (starts laughing or giggling) I yuv yo!" Ry and I just listen to their little dialog from our bed and it always starts our day with a smile.

The good times! Sharing yummy treats together!

Some not-so-good-times...

Who knew bathtime could be so entertaining? I love how they are both so little they can enjoy it together with plenty of room to play. Sometimes I wish they'd stay this size...

Funny to see Gracie finally getting the upper hand on Ella!

So do me a favor... tell that sister of yours you love her.