First "finally felt like Fall" weekend

This past Friday was Joe's birthday. We celebrated with the kids giving Dad a gift, a Lego helicopter that he had wanted. Of course the kids both helped put together the set and played with it afterwards.

Jadyn also baked Joe's favorite, chocolate cupcakes (2nd only to his Grandma's chocolate cake). Jadyn did everything but frost the cupcakes. I love watching her excitement when it comes to cooking and baking. She certainly didn't get that from me!

We finished off the evening by having some friends over for dinner. Of course, Joe being the chef in the family cooked for everyone but he enjoys every minute of it and don't let him tell you otherwise.

Saturday both the kids had soccer games and GrandBob and Grannie Annie came out to see the kids in action. Jadyn had an awesome game playing defense (after a VERY rough game the week before, which we won't go into details about) and Jake played a fairly solid game, although his team suffered a pretty big loss. After lunch and a nice visit with Grandpa and Grandma Funny Nose, we proceeded to spend the rest of Saturday relaxing, opting for an Avenger themed marathon including Captain America, Thor and Avengers of which no one made it through the whole movie. Jadyn still has yet to see the movie the whole way through.

Sunday we woke up bright and early and went out to breakfast at Carrow's. Jake had earned a free breakfast after receiving the handwriting award in his class (two years in a row now).

We then went to the Gem and Mineral Show in neighboring Joshua Tree. We discovered this show last year when Jake's 2nd grade class visited there on a field trip and Jake FELL in love with all the different stones. He has built up quite a collection. We walked around, purchased a few treasures and ran into Jake's teacher from last year and Jadyn's current teacher this year. Of course, the kids got a kick out of it.

We came home and Jadyn completed her fire truck from the Home Depot kids workshop. Joe had been able to take Jake Saturday morning during the beginning of Jadyn's game and they were nice enough to give us a kit for Jadyn too. The kids have continued to enjoy these monthly projects. Jadyn especially enjoys painting them.

As the weather (finally, sort of) starts to cool down, I have to say this past weekend was of my favorite variety. We packed a lot in but still had plenty of time for friends, family and relaxation. And as we sit down to complete our Fall bucket list, I look forward to special outings AND weekends just like this one.

PS - Sunday night we watched the Avengers from where Jadyn fell asleep Saturday night and she finally saw the end. So we can all rest easy now.