Halloween in PA and FL

Happy Halloween, Jack!

Lordy, Lordy! Look Who's...39?

Jeff's family has a tradition of throwing surprise parties whenever someone reaches a landmark birthday. To catch little brother off guard, they decided to throw Jeff's "40th" surprise party a little early...like a year early. I was responsible for getting him there in covert fashion. I'm not usually very sneaky, so it was really stressful! 

Since Jeff was child of the '80s, Debbie found a retro arcade in Sherwood with all the old-school classics: Frogger, Qbert, Donkey Kong, pinball, and of course Pac-Man (both Mr. and Ms.) The kids and grown-ups alike really got into it.

Thanks to our terrific families and wonderful friends who celebrated with us. We love you all!!!

This Is Why I Drive a Tank

To haul the crazy kids and their friends around! Today was the Brownie field trip to the Arts Center. Last meeting, they painted landscapes, and this time--to finish earning their art patches--they had to visit a museum. My bunch was pretty crazy! I lost track of how many times I said "Shhhh!" and "Don't touch anything!"

You probably aren't supposed to take pictures inside, but I snapped a few. Ashley is in the green shirt on the far left in the group pic.

Too. Many. Dots.

Hi. My name is Racheal, and I'm addicted to my iPhone calendar app. Seriously. If it doesn't get on my calendar (with a day before and an hour before reminder), it doesn't get done. October is always SO busy for us, and this one is no exception. I have a "dot" on every day but 3 this month. 

Some of this week's dots were what to dress the kids as for Red Ribbon Week. Here's a couple of my favorite pics from the week:

Nate on "Our School Rocks" Day

Ashley on "Give Drugs the Boot" Day

Speaking of Minecraft

I have to post these pics of Micah's Minecraft birthday party that Renee sent me. Looks fun! #wishwewerethere #seeyounextmonth

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday!

Nathan turns 11 today! LRSD decided to celebrate it by giving us a 4-day weekend (a.k.a Staff Development and Teacher Conferences, but we'll take it!)  Since there was no school today, we a had a few friends over last night for a sleepover.  Right now they are still into Minecraft and a newer multiplayer game called Clash of Clans, Nerf guns, and Duck Dynasty. We decided to do a full-blown Duck Dynasty birthday party complete with costumes that they wore to the fall carnival at school last night. 

Willie, Jase, Uncle Si, and Jep

They look homeless in this pic.

I thought he said "cake"!

On Monday we made our annual pilgrimage to the Arkansas State Fair. We got there a little earlier than usual, and it was already crowded! Luckily, we seemed to be just a little bit ahead of the long lines, so we saw and rode everything we wanted while still making it home by 8:30. Ash was tall enough for everything but the roller coaster this year! 

The funniest line of the night happened outside the National Guard booth. They were offering superhero capes to anyone who could do 10 push-ups. Nathan easily did 10, so Ash joined in.  When the army guy got out the red capes, Ashley disappointedly said, "I thought he said cake!" LOL! That's my girl. They loved the capes though and wore them the rest of the night. We of course did have a cake (of the funnel cake variety) on the way out.

Highlight of the night was easily the bungee jump thing. I made them bring their own money for any "extra" things like this. They easily forked over $7 bucks and wished they had brought more so they could do it again! I wish I could get the video to post on here, but I haven't been able to do that lately. They were both flipping and having a blast! Ashley looked like she was trying out for Cirque du Soleil. 

One last pic on the way out. I know these times of walking around the fair and wearing a matching cape with his little sister will soon be over. It makes me a little sad, but we will enjoy it while it lasts.

October Birthdays

I'm sure that I've mentioned it before, but October is THE month for birthdays in the Fischer family. Amanda, Micah, Jeff, Brandon, Nathan, and Josh are all October babies. 

Last weekend, Jeff and Tyler celebrated their 39th birthdays. We had a rare, kid-free night in Fayetteville, so as usual, we partied hard! ;) The actual itinerary included a good meal and some late-night card playing. Unfortunately, that was followed the next day by a pathetic loss to SCar. 

We made it to Petit Jean to pick up these two just in time to catch the sunset at the Lodge.

Is it fall yet?

The warm days and green leaves do not match my visions of what mid-October should be like. Other than watching the Hogs struggle to win a few games, we have managed to work in a few other activities so far this "fall". 

Last Saturday, we got a little wet as we checked out the Little Rock Food Truck Festival. There was a good turnout in spite of the weather. And then on Sunday, Mom and I enjoyed seeing "Wicked" at Robinson. I almost took Ashley, but I think it was too long for her to sit still. She would have loved the singing and costume changes. Next time, maybe she'll be old enough.