Carving Pumpkins & Vince Gill

Last night, Grammie and Grampa came over for pumpkin carving for Halloween. Each of the girls drew their jack-o-lantern faces all by themselves. This year was only the first or second time that Emma Jo was willing to get her hands dirty and reach inside the pumpkin to scoop out the guts. Grace wasn't up for that adventure and requested gloves. We didn't have any gloves so she recruited Daddy and Grampa to help her.

Cooper was more interested in trying to eat his pumpkin.

After pumpkin carving was over, Jason and I went to see Vince Gill perform an acoustical concert. Although it was a long, late night, we had a great time. He gave a great performance with lots of stories about his family and his songs. Many thanks to Grammie and Grampa who came and watched the kids while we had a night out.

Soccer

About 5 minutes after this play, Emma Jo had the best play of her soccer career. She didn't score, but she controlled the ball and brought it all the way down the field even using her body to shield the ball from the defenders.

This isn't the best clip, but it is all I have. We thought Grandma Bette would especially like watching Emma Jo play. Emma is number 13.

More pictures

Grace Louise posing at the soccer game.

Cooper getting into mischief on his wagon at the soccer game. Notice that he has his team shirt on supporting the Cool Cats.

Cooper John in the new sink at Grammie & Grampa's little guest house. Daddy has been working on building all new cabinets for the renovated kitchen.

Another Great Weekend

We just finished another great weekend. Emma Jo had three soccer games, 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Gracie and I missed the game on Saturday since we had a memorial service to go to, but Jason reported that the Cool Cats played very well. They came together and really played like a cohesive team. Sunday morning we played really well but it was obvious it was the end of a long weekend of soccer and our girls were tuckered out. Next weekend is our last game of the season and the end-of-season party.

Cooper worked this weekend to perfect his cheesy grin. I'll post a picture when I get a good one. He flashes smile with all eight teeth showing then tilts his chin back and almost laughs. He usually breaks it out when he knows he is doing something wrong as if he is saying "can you really be mad at a face like this?"

This week we are gearing up for Halloween. Grace is going to be Minnie Mouse, Cooper is a lion and Emma Jo is going to be a gumball machine. The girls are having special parties at school to celebrate the occasion. Grace's preschool is having a Pajama party for "P" week and Emma Jo's school is having a Harvest Party where the kids can dress up has farmers.

Silver Pass Weekend - Piña Napa Valley

Piña Napa Valley announced yesterday that they are again participating in the Silver Pass Weekend with the Silverado Trail Wineries Association. The event happens every year over the Veteran's Day holiday weekend. It is always a great event with lots of wine and food. Usually guests can talk one of the brothers, or winemaker Anna, into barrel samples and even older vintages. I've heard rumors that Jason will be making his famous Paella again. The event happens on both Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th. The kids and I will probably only attend one day, not sure yet which.

Check it out!

Ranndy has started a new blog. It is all about the wine industry and growing up in the Napa Valley. You can find it at http://www.pinanapavalley.blogspot.com/ There is also a link in my "favorite blogs" to the right.

Knock on Wood

He did it! For the first time in over a week, Cooper slept through the night last night. I'm not sure what has been going on lately, but it sure hasn't been sleep. Lately he has been waking up once or twice a night. Friday night was the worst when Jason and Cooper had a few hours of bonding time in the La-Z-Boy chair. Last night Cooper went to sleep around 6:30pm, woke up around 8:30pm and then slept through until 5:30am. I sure do feel better after a good nights rest!