In Other News...

Paige:
When I picked up Paige from preschool last week, the speech teacher told me that Paige had been especially silly that day, spending the entire speech session talking about dating. What?! I couldn't imagine where Paige had even learned about dating -- maybe her brothers or Disney Channel?! I wanted to see what she knew for myself, so I asked Paige a few questions later that night. Between laughs, I decided to tape her answers for posterity's sake. We've got to have something to show her future Prom date, right?!

Bryce:

Bryce hosted his first sleepover this weekend. Mom and Dad are still recovering. It was a fun time -- but exhausting and expensive. They packed tons of activities into a 20 hour period: swimming at the community center, lunch at McDonald's, an on demand movie, bowling, pizza, and a trip to the park. Whew! It was a little much for us parents and almost too much for the kids. Next time, we'll plan something a little more low key.

Matt:

Bryce's community choral group helped provide the music during a mass at the Basilica of St. Mary's in Minneapolis. Since Matt is such a turkey about all things related to church, I insisted he attend the mass with me. Matt enjoyed walking around the Basilica and looking at the artwork and icons. Surprisingly, Matt was on excellent behavior throughout the service. Not surprisingly, he didn't enjoy the mass at all.

Lynlie:

Lynlie recently decided that Paige's true name is Manny. It cracks me up every time I hear her say it. Lynlie constantly asks questions like, "Where's Manny?" and "Go Manny?" Yesterday, Paige was broken hearted about missing a board game question and started sobbing. Lynlie looked over at her and said, "Quiet, Manny." Not the nicest sentiment, but it made everyone laugh -- including Manny.

Halloween 2009

It was a dark and chilly night...but that didn't stop the boys from setting out on a full night of trick-or-treat fun. Paige and Lynlie, on the other hand, hit a couple of houses before deciding that watching a Barbie movie with candy and popcorn might be more fun than braving the cold weather and scary decorations. Everyone had a great night -- a spooky time was had by all! Cinderella (Paige), Transformer Bumblebee (Bryce) Spiderman Venom (Matt), Pink Princess (Lynlie).

Apraxia Walk

This weekend, we had the opportunity to participate in a walk for Apraxia. Expertly organized by my friends Jessica and Michelle, the walk helped raise almost $5,500 for the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America (CASANA), the largest non profit organization dedicated to research and support of Apraxia. We had a great time, though everyone was a little tired by the end of the day. With four little kids, we're only semi-portable, so participating in a walk that was an hour's drive from our house was a big endeavor -- but totally worth the effort. It was great to see so many people at the walk supporting kids with Apraxia and Paige was thrilled to be one of the guests of honor.
The day's VIPs -- all the kids with a diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech.

Just before the walk, there was a little time to play at the park. It was fun, but also cold with temps in the low 40's.
The park had a war display area complete with a real cannon. Bryce and Matt thought they were hilarious posing with the weapon! Ouch, Bryce!

Matt also had to surrender to the power of the cannon!

Jessica, one of the organizers, gave a speech inviting those who support a child with Apraxia to blow bubbles at one point in the day. I didn't successfully capture it on film, but the entire park was engulfed with tiny bubbles. The boys were more than happy to lend some of their hot air.

A group of walkers heading down the Main Street.

We were escorted by Waconia's Fire Department -- a benefit of holding the walk in a small town.

Paige playing a game at one of the vendor booths. She scored a spooky spider ring! Good job, Paige!!

Team Paige, minus team captain Mom who was behind the camera snapping the photos. It was a fun day and it was especially nice to do something in support of Paige. She works so hard and her speech is improving every day. She is the best little girl ever! Way to go, Paige! We love you!!

For The Grandparents:

Bryce had a great Fall piano recital. Check it out:

More Snow Business

Dear Arizona:

We miss you so. Minnesota is a cruel state. The average highs for this time of year usually hover around the 60-degree mark, however this October is apparently very, very far from average. We got MORE SNOW yesterday and more is expected before the week is through. Where is our beautiful fall sunshine? Where are our balmy afternoons and crisp nights? I think it's safe to say we are in for seven very long months of winter. We hope to come home soon.

Love Always,
The Ferrins

October Snow

We woke up to our first snow of the year this morning. This is the earliest I've seen snow since moving to MN. Unfortunately, I'm sure there's more -- much, much more -- to follow.

The Plague

We couldn't last three weeks into the new school year without contracting the latest flu virus. So far, four of us are infected. Two of the kids also have ear infections....and to add that special finishing touch, Lynlie has a case of pink eye to boot. Beware! The plague is running full-force at the Ferrin house. Thank goodness for Tylenol and Motrin. And a husband who's avoided this bug. Here's hoping for a quick recovery!