tales from a far-land

On Sunday this past weekend, the Farrell-Landers clan visited Tolmachoff Farms.  Every fall, traditionally, we visit a pumpkin patch.  This year, we really wanted to go up north to visit our pumpkin patch, but due to crazy schedules and fall house projects, that did not occur.  So, instead, we visited one of Glendale's local farms.  There were so many things to do ... a corn maze, pony rides, a bounce house, a pumpkin patch, a train ride, and much more.  We had so much fun! Measuring the kids Waiting for the pony ride -- it was a long line Aiden and his pony Madi and her pony Photo Time ... Aiden in the corn maze Train time ... The pumpkin patch

Our kids' preschool had their Halloween party this past Friday night.  It is always fun to see all of the kids in their costumes running around and playing while occasionally indulging cookies and punch. Nothing like giving already crazy toddlers candy and sugar to make them more hyper.  Since we didn't want to ruin our *actual* Halloween costumes, our kids riffled through their pretend costume box and decided to be Superman and Minnie Mouse for the party.  They still looked pretty cute. Aiden as Batman  Madi as Minnie Mouse  Aiden and Lauren enjoying a cupcake  Madi, Aiden & Mrs. Adrianna Bryce, Brayden, Landon, Aiden, Anna, Kaitlyn

This past September, I was invited to attend my twentieth high school class reunion.  I cannot believe that I graduated from high school twenty years ago.  No way!  I seems like just yesterday I was walking down the halls of Cactus High School in Glendale, Arizona.  And yet, there are so many things that have happened in my life since graduation.  Marriage, children, house purchases, career changes, the loss of friends and family, and so much more. When I received the invitation for the reunion party, I was hesitant about attending.  Through social media, I had discovered that many of my old, closer friends would not be in attendance.  I thought, "Why go then?" But after more thought, I decided to go and I was really glad that I did.  It was a good time and although I had not seen many of these people in twenty years, it was just like we were back in high school.  We all look very much the same and most of us have not moved out of the Phoen...

Recently, Aiden has been infatuated about a little girl in his class, Lauren.  He wants her to come over to play at his house.  He wants to go play with her at the park.  He constantly talks about her. They are really adorable. He has even started to request to do things at preschool just because of Lauren.  Here is the note that was sent home with Aiden yesterday ... I am already worried about how many hearts, including his, will get broken as he grows older.

Aiden really enjoyed soccer camp this past summer, so we enrolled him on a soccer team this fall through the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation.  His team consists of eight three and four year old kids.  They practice once a week with their games on Saturdays.  Aiden is, by far, the *smallest* kid on the team.  But he seems to be holding his own and learning a little more about the game each time he plays. I forgot how much I love watching kids play soccer at this age.  It is total bunch ball with lots of pushing, falling and crying.  What a fun chapter in our lives.  Love it! All Ready to Play -- Go Stingrays! The smallest player on the team Serious about the game An orange slice smile Waiting to kick the ball Aiden in action

The kids had one of their six month dental check-ups in September.  This was Madilyn's third check-up and Aiden's second.  All of the visits to the dentist previously resulted in tears. Aiden's 1st Visit  This time, though, both kids were really good.  No tears at all!  They sat in their respective dentist's chairs and had their teeth checked, cleaned, flossed and fluoride treated.  The dental hygienist even thought that since they were acting so good that she would take x-rays of their teeth.  They both stayed really still and did exactly what they were asked.  They received a good report and Dr. Meyers was so impressed with them that he rewarded them generously with balloons, stickers, a good bag and two prizes out of the Treasure Chest.  The kids were so excited.  We were so proud of them! In the dentists' chairs    With their cool sunglasses Being examined by Dr. Meyers  Teeth cleaning...

About a month ago, Madilyn started an Intro to Dance Class at  Dance Theater West  in Phoenix.  All summer she would ask, "When am I going to start ballet?"  So, this fall, we decided to see if her enthusiasm would last for an entire semester.  So far it has.  Every Saturday morning, she is so excited to put on her dance outfit as soon as she wakes up.  Each dancer at the studio has to wear the same outfit -- pink stirrup tights and a long sleeve navy blue leotard.  What a great concept.  None of the kids compare themselves to the other kids.  And they all look so adorable and matchy-matchy. The other thing that I really love is that they use a live pianist during class.  It really makes the class flow really well and the kids love the live music.  Madilyn seems to really enjoy the class.  In fact, she spends the entire week in-between classes dancing and twirling around showing off her dance moves.  I cannot wait to...

After our week in Coronado, California, the Farrell-Landers family took a road trip up north to visit Grandma and Grandpa Landers in Santa Cruz, California.  It had been a couple of years since our last visit, so we decided to spend Labor Day weekend at a northern California beach town. Our our way up to Santa Cruz, we had a couple of issues.  Both Aiden and Madilyn decided to throw up in the car.  We are not sure if they had a little bug or if they were carsick, but, nonetheless, it was not a fun start to our trip.  However, I was getting to be a smarter Mom at this point in our trip, so as soon as I heard either of them start to vomit, I would reach for the "throw-up cup", as it would be later named. This minimized the clean up and keep both of the kids relatively vomit free.   Aiden with his "throw-up cup" We enjoyed three full days in Santa Cruz which we filled with fun excursions and activities.  Here are just some of the things that fill...

The kids had a special field trip yesterday.  They visited Karate Dave's new studio in Peoria.  Karate Dave is the karate instructor at the kids' preschool. All-Star Karate was featured on Channel 10 news during the segment called Cory's Corner.  Cory McCloskey interviewed not only Karate Dave, but Madilyn and Aiden.  Unlike their last television appearance, our kids did wonderful.  No tears at all. They answered Cory's questions and smiled into the camera.  Karate Dave holds a special place in the Farrell-Landers' house.  Not only has he taught our kids some invaluable life lessons through the karate lessons he has provided at APA, but he has also become a good client for Josh.  Josh assisted Karate Dave with the lease of this new studio.  We are excited for All-Star Karate's grand opening this weekend and wish Karate Dave much success with his new venture. Here is the link to check out the kids' interview today:   FOX 10 News | fox...

As a last hurrah of the summer, we decided to spend the last week of August in Coronado, California. We enjoyed our time last year in Coronado so much that we wanted to return again this year.  We rented a cute three bedroom house on Avenue E and spent the week lounging on the beach, enjoying time with friends and taking time to relax and unwind.  Our rental home was only a couple of blocks from the beach so this became a daily destination for our family.  The kids never tired of playing in the sand, combing the beach for seashells or wading in the water. Halfway through our trip, we joined Andrea and her kids for a day at  LEGOLAND .  It was our first amusement park adventure with our kids.  The day started off rocky.  On our drive up to Carlsbad that morning, Aiden threw-up all over himself and his car seat.  We had to stop near La Jolla to get everything cleaned up and to get him some Tylenol.  We continued on our way not knowing if Aide...

This is one of those moments that a picture is worth a thousand words.  And I just had to share. Lately, Madilyn has been obsessed with putting decorations in her hair -- bows, flowers, headbands, etc.  Whatever she can find and as many as she can fit in her hair, she does.  So, this is how my daughter presented herself to me on Sunday morning as I was sitting on the couch enjoying a cup of coffee while Aiden watched a morning cartoon. Someday I know I will miss these moments ... This is why I had to share now. Princess Madilyn  Aiden wanted in on the camera action too ...

It had been a while since we had visited Josh's grandparents (GG & GP) in Laguna Woods, so we decided to head over for a quick weekend visit to help them celebrate their anniversary.  We were very lucky that our trip coordinated with Dione, Becky and Katz who were visiting from Israel. We had a great weekend. Here are some of the highlights: Enjoyed a wonderful family Shabbat with authentic Israeli food.  Thank you, Aunt Dione! Took GP on his *first* ever ride on a ferris wheel at the age of eighty-six. Spent the entire weekend shopping and talking with one of my dearest girlfriends, Kathleen. GG and GP took the kids to The 99 Cent Store  so they could pick out some toys and Halloween decorations. Celebrated GG and GP's 21st wedding anniversary with a fabulous Italian dinner out. We are already looking forward to our next visit.  Hopefully it will be sooner than later!

Here is Madilyn's latest artistic creation.  I love her attention to detail and the colorful dress she gave her princess!

As you know, Aiden is obsessed with super heroes right now.  He couldn't decide what kind of party he wanted.  One day his answer would be Batman.  The next day would be Spider-Man.  Then, he would want a Superman party.  Finally, after three days of getting the same, consistent answer, Aiden decided on a Spider-Man birthday party.  For weeks, Aiden talked about his Spider-Man party. However, what Aiden didn't know was that a "real" Spider-Man would be visiting his party.  Spider-Man was awesome!  He played games with the kids.  He created balloon animals or swords for the kid.  He posed in photos with the kids.  And he even sword fought with the kids.  Most of the kids were pretty excited to interact with Spider-Man.  For days after the party, Aiden continued to ask if Spider-Man was going to come back to our house. We are guessing that means he enjoyed the party.

August always seems to be a very hectic month for the Farrell-Landers family.  There are vacations, work obligations, end of the summer get-togethers and, of course, Aiden's birthday!  He turned three. What an incredible little boy he is becoming.  We are so proud of him.  Here are some of the things that make me smile everyday about my son: He loves all super heroes.  Batman, Spider-Man and Superman are his favorite!  You will often hear him say, "I am Batman."  Or "Superman to the rescue!"   His favorite foods include chicken nuggets, bananas, and Nilla Wafers or aka "cookies".   His favorite beverage is milk! His shoes are constantly filled with sand because his favorite preschool activity is playing outside. He is becoming quite the conversationalist.  He loves to ask questions and tell you stories. Our little boy has quite the temper.  There are often times that his temper tantrums will go ...