tales from a far-land

Madilyn had her second Musical Theater Showcase at Valley Youth Theater in mid-November.  This performance was a way to showcase what her class had been learning for the past eight Tuesday nights.  This time around Madilyn learned songs from the musical, Peter Pan .  She did great!  She knew the words and the choreography much better this time than the last time she took the class.  We were super proud of her. However, although she sings all over the house and everywhere she goes, she has decided, for now, that she doesn't want to do "drama" again in the spring as there is too much singing.  She is such a character.  We will see if she decides later to return back to the stage ... "I Won't Grow Up" "I Gotta Crow"

Halloween was a little non-traditional this year for the Farrell-Landers.  Being that it was someone's BIG 40th birthday and that person might have had a big party to celebrate, our traditional Halloween festivities may not have occurred.  However, this does not mean that fun was not had by all.  The kids still went Trick or Treating in Grandma and Papa Farrell's neighborhood which resulted in two big bags full of candy and a guaranteed sleepover at Grandma's.  Normal festivities will resume next year.. Ballerina Cat and Anakin Skywalker Halloween PJ Time!

One of our cherished family fall traditions is our annual trip to a pumpkin patch.  This year we opted to visit  McDonald's Ranch  pumpkin patch in North Scottsdale.  We were already fairly close by as Aiden's soccer games are played in North Scottsdale.  So, after Aiden's game, we headed over to McDonald's Ranch.  We had anticipated that the pumpkin patch would have been much more crowded than we found it.  There were many activities for the kids -- lasso throwing, go cart driving, petting zoo, hay maze, potato sack races, a train ride out to the pumpkin patch and much, much more.  The day was perfect; slightly overcast with a chance of rain.  It made the whole experience feel very fall-like.  Plus, we did exactly what was intended by visiting a pumpkin patch.  We left with not only one large pumpkin for the entire family, but two "baby" pumpkins for each kid to enjoy as well.  I'd call that a successful family outing! At the pumpkin patch entrance

To continue the month long birthday celebration, Josh and I were lucky enough to have a special date night at the Garth Brook's concert in mid-October.  He is an amazing performer!  We loved that we were able to sing and dance along with Garth the entire concert.  It was one of the best concerts we have ever attended. 

The second week of October was Madilyn's Fall Break at BASIS.  Sadly, we were not able to go anywhere exciting this year, but we did manage to have some fun family moments. Wednesday was spent at our local amusement park, Castles~n~Coasters .  We played miniature golf and enjoyed all of the amusement rides like the roller coasters, go karts, bumper cars, and the carousel. Miniature Golf Mr. Golfer Madi and Aiden Daddy and the kids Madilyn enjoying one of the rides Selfie on the Carousel Roller Coaster Selfie And to conclude Madi's first fall break, on Friday, Mommy and the kids drove out to the  Wildlife World Zoo . Although, I love the Phoenix Zoo, the Wildlife World Zoo has a special place in my heart.  I love how close the animals are to their spectators.  I also love the aquarium that is attached to the zoo.  The kids and I were able to go watch the sea lion show at Shipwreck Cove and visit my favorite animal of all-time, the penguin