Dennis told the kids they could sketch the faces they wanted on their pumpkins, so Abby helped Tyler ... asking him what shape he wanted for each feature. And, I must say, Dennis did a pretty good job making it look like their drawings.
Opening the pumpkin is always fascinating ... for little kids (and big ones ... I hung around for that part, then headed back inside.)
Abby is kind of a clean hand gal. But she, at least, put her hands in the pumpkin. Tyler wouldn't even do that!
The finished products. Abby's is the first one.
We had it a lunchtime, right after preschool, and aside from bringing a few party goods, there really weren't any preparations. Now, that's if you DON'T count the super-cute capes I decided "we" could make for all of Tyler's friends. Who knew EVERY SINGLE classmate would come ... as well as eight of their older siblings who also go to school at Advent. 
Fortunately, we only (!) made 16 capes ... which were personalized with each of Tyler's friends' first initial. Nanny did the prep work (sewing the hem and prepping the shield), Mom sewed the shield on and threaded the cording, and I was the monogrammer (iron-on only I might add ... I do NOT sew, yet!) The capes were the perfect thank you gifts for Tyler's friends. 
They all had such a fun time running and jumping, and little Miss Abby enjoyed herself too with all of the big brothers/sisters in attendance! Let's have another birthday! Just kidding, I'm all birthday'ed out. 
The capes are hanging in the playroom ... ready for the next adventure!
We even had time for presents from Grandma and Grandpa. They know what he likes! 
Happy Birthday little guy ... now stop growing, okay!? Every night at bedtime, I ask him to do me this one little favor and he always says, "Mommy, I have to grow. I want to match Daddy!" So cute.
Here's Tyler in waiting mode ... right after a haircut (doesn't he look dapper?)
When we come home, it's off to nap for Tyler ... and Abby and I "do snack" and catch up about her day. I usually get all of the good stories in the afternoon, so I take mental notes for Dennis and stack up the treasures and projects she brings home for "show and tell" during dinner. One day, she came home with this "anatomy apron." 
Would you believe, they've been learning about every part of the body. This girl knows the technical names for all parts of the brain, our bones (she can name ones like the "clavicle" and "scapula"), etc., etc. Dennis has to comment regularly that he doesn't think he even knew how to write his name at this age ... I think he's remembering wrong, but Kindergarten is pretty cool now. Funny story about the anatomy apron. Abby was so excited to show it off when it came out of the backpack, but there was a slight problem with her brain ... it wasn't hers! 
I really tried not to lose it, but I couldn't help but chuckle when she kept saying (over and over) "This is not my brain. I lost my brain!" (Hey, Abby - I lose my mind every day!) Apparently, Ricky's brain made it's way into Abby's cubby at backpack-stuffing time. Serious problem for a 5-year old, I know! I'll try to keep it together from now on. She might cut me off on the details of her day!
Fast forward to 2008. At Abby's elementary school, every Friday is Spirit Day. Well, we bought the Roberts t-shirt, but she had already wore it to the Zoinks event and something else. "Why wear it again?" I asked Abby on the first Friday of school. "I sincerely doubt everyone will be wearing the school colors ... let's just put another cute dress on you," I said. Well, AGAIN I was wrong. When we pulled up at car drop off, EVERYONE was wearing green. Oops! Sorry Abby! I've learned my lesson. Rest assured, we do put the green t-shirt on her every Friday now.
Who doesn't like to be entertained on the potty! And Abby, well she was pretending to be a ghost ... in ONE leg of my white capri jeans! My whole daughter in one leg of my jeans ... that makes me want to hit the gym in a major way!
One more note: the kids were having such a good time out back that day ... and they really wanted Dennis to join them on the trampoline, so I stepped in and helped by continuing the tree trimming he was working on. A nice wife, right!? Well - Dennis, always the smartie, told the kids ... "Take a good look guys, this is one of the few times you'll see Mommy working in the yard!" Not nice, but TRUE, I just don't have a green thumb!
Before the Wake Forest game, Abby and her friend Anabelle attended a cheerleading clinic, organized by the FSU cheerleaders themselves. 
They were pumped to learn cheers and jump ... which they showed off at the end of the clinic during a giant pep rally! 
I think this might have been from the second home game, but it was cute ... so I had to post it. Tyler and I had been talking about Seminole warpaint at some point the week before the game, so when we were at the stadium that Saturday, he knew he MUST have his face painted by a Lady Spirithunter. But, wouldn't you know, we couldn't find one! After searching high and low, we happened across a nice young lady who made Tyler look like a true Seminole fan! 
One of the main reasons we organized the tailgate was to wish Aaron's good friend, Hardee Bass, well with his upcoming marriage (Aaron participated in Hardee's bachelor weekend!), our tailgate was attended by a lot of little kids. And they were big fans of the the pinata from the party the night before.
Tyler is all about trains, but the other big request this year was for a fire truck. Aaron gave him a big truck that knocked his socks off, and Grammy and Grandan outfitted Ty with the firefighter getup. Both are still favorites, but the fire truck is seriously wearing a track in our carpet. Every night around dinnertime (because that's when we're the most cool, calm and collected and are not trying to accomplish ANYTHING right!) he starts his "laps!" Tonight, I think he made 20 or so, until I told him he HAD to stop. On the carpet is fine, but when the truck rounds the bend onto the kitchen tile, the racket is so loud I can't hear myself think!
Meredith sent these yummy kid treats up with Aaron. Story goes she attempted to write Tyler's name with some kind of syrup, but it didn't survive the trip, so Aaron made it work with Skittles!
Fun with Uncle A in the H2O! 
Anyone remember Tyler's antics at Abby's 4th birthday party? Well, Abby wasn't really sneaking here, but she tried to get him back by "tasting" HIS cake!
