Halloween 2011

So it turns out we are getting really bad about not taking a lot of pictures.  Thank God we got at least one of the girls as they were going out trick or treating.  They dressed up as Tasha and Uniqua from the Backyardigans.  This was an extra special Halloween because it's the first time Juliana actually gets to go.  For the last two years she has been sick, either with fever or throwing up.  And before that, we just thought she was too young.  But this year, Thank God, both girls went out and had a great time!

8th Annual Brook' Pumpkin Carving Show Down

Since 2003, The Brooks' have been proud to host the Pumpkin Carving Championship.  What started off as four of us carving a pumpkin has grown into quite the competitive event.  Unfortunately last year we canceled because life was very hectic and crazy and we thought there would be no time for something as fun as this.  Well, this year we came to the realization that, that is our life.  It will always be hectic and crazy and you have to schedule some fun things in order to keep yourself going.  So we were happy to announce that the competition was back, and will be for years to come! 

Some yummy pumpkin cupcakes!

 Pumpkin rice crispy treats.  Funny thing about these things is that I saw them on pinterest and thought they were so cute.  So I decided we would make some.  So I told Roger to be ready, and once the marshmallows melt drop the food color in for me.  He asked how many drops and I said not alot.  So he followed my directions and what we managed to do is die the marshmallows the exact same color as a rice crispy.  So the first batch came out nude.  Then the second batch came out slightly more orange, but not really.  Moral of the story, don't be afraid of food coloring.

 Kevin and Kristen hard at work!

 Marisa at the painting table!

 Juliana getting her paint on!

 Angelina painting her pumpkin smurf

 Zelma the Artist

 Olivia the Artist

 And of course Marisa!

 Becky and Mindy working so hard they couldn't stop for a picture. . . .

 Okay, fine - we'll pose.  Hope it doesn't cost us the win!

 And the awards go to . . . . .

For Most Awesome 2 Year Old. . . . . . . Evan!

 For Craziest Pumpkin. . . . . Juliana!!!  I know, she is in shock!

 For Cutest Pumpkin . . . . . Angelina!

 For Spookiest Pumpkin . . . . Olivia!!!

 For Scariest Pumpkin. . . . Karley!

 Also for Scariest Pumpkin. . . . Faith!!!!

 In the adult categories. . . . .

For Best Effort  . . . . .  . . . Kevin!!!!!  Don't worry people.  This is his first go at the title.  I foresee great things from him next year!

 For Jacked-Up Jack-O. . . . . . . Kevin.  Sorry Kevin, it was a great idea, just didn't work out:(

 For Silliest Pumpkin. . . . . . Kolton for his Angry Birds Pumpkin

 For Spookiest Pumpkin Ron!

 The Craftsmanship Award. . . . . . Goes to Becky!!!

 And this years Pumpkin Carving Master Award goes to . . . . . Mindy!!!!!

Too bad we didn't take any pictures of the actual lit pumpkins outside, but they were awesome!

Chili's Give Back Day

On Friday, October 21st Chili's hosted a Give Back Night in honor of Rett Syndrome Awarenss Month!  Thank you so much to all the Dream Teamers' that made this night such a HUGE success but especially to Ronda, Linda, Julie G. & Gale that ROCK'D THE HOUSE!!!!!  Love you guys so much!

 A Garden of Hope - These were all "planted" that day!

 The "Chip In" Jars were a huge hit!

 This is from Courtney's big brother - so sweet!

This awesome lady is Jen - we met her there that night and was so moved by Girl Power 2 Cure that we made her a new member of Dream Team.  Jen DEFINITELY has Girl Power!  Thanks Jen so much for helping us spread awareness that night!

 Pint size Girl Power (and yes some Boy Power too!)

 Juliana's AWESOME Speech Therapist Lily - she rocks!

 Go Pacheco's!  Always there for our Juliana!

And you may be wondering how much we made that night, well, drum roll please. . . . . . .. . . . . we made $320 through the "Chip In" jars and Garden of Hope and $620 from the Give Back night for a grand total of . . . . . $940 to Girl Power 2 Cure!  Go TEAM!

Back in Glasses

Juliana has had a long time battle with her eyes.  At a little over 1 year of age, her eyes started to cross.  In an effort to build strength in her eyes, the doctor recommended glasses.  Here is an adorable picture of her in her glasses at 17 months in her adorable little glasses.

Unfortunately the glasses didn't do what they were intended to do, so we had the first of 2 strabismus surgeries, and fortunately following surgeries she didn't require glasses anymore.  This was awesome because at that age it was so hard to get her to keep them on her face. 

Well fast forward 3 years from that and we start to notice her eyes pulling out a little.  So we take her to the eye doctor for a check up, thinking he might say she may need another surgery or something, when low and behold he discovers she has a pretty substantial astigmatism in both eyes requiring a pretty hefty prescription. So back into glasses we go!  Good thing she looks absolutely adorable in glasses!

Pumpkin Patch

I love fall!  This year Olivia's school field trip was to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch.  So glad I was able to go!

 Olivia & Jack

 Coming out of the haystack maze!

 Two of our favorites - Baby E and Pablo!

 The good ole gang - Jack, Evan, Liv & Faith.  The only ones missing were Lexi & Sonaya.

 Now time for the hay ride

 Picking out our pumpkins

 Now the jumping tent

 Then my fearless Olivia climbed up this huge sort of inflatable without batting an eye.

 And then slid all the way down.  She is a dare devil for sure!

 A little bit more jumping

 Riding the tractor

 With the Clifford gang

 And then the jail birds ended up back in the slammer!

I think she fell asleep before we even got out of the parking lot.