Preschool birthday parties

At Union Preschool each child gets to have a parent come to preschool for a special birthday day at school. I was able to observe preschool in action. Story time in the Jungle Room.

To add to the excitement, Lauren was line leader for the day.

Bikes in the gym are one of Annika's favorite things.

Fall at the Garden

It was the last day the Children's Garden was open for the season so they had face painting.

A rare smile from Lauren!

Karl took this photo - hence, the artistic nature of it.

This is one of my favorite spots in the fall.

Halloween Fun

We bundled up the bee and puppy for a short trick or treat around the neighborhood. Everyone had a good time until one of the neighborhood teens jumped out to scare Annika - now why would you try to scare a 4 year old girl? Thankfully, she recovered enough to ask him for candy - that girl will do anything for some candy.

Audrey had a balance issue. . .I guess I would too if I had a doggie head on top of my head.

Photo complete with hand support for Audrey.

The two princesses - thanks to Allyn for their trick or treat bags.

Annika and Lauren had a Halloween parade at preschool. This is the first time EVER that Annika stayed with her class during a presentation instead of running to me. Way to go, Annika!

Vacation to Columbus

Due to our bought with the flu, we ended up spending 3 days in Columbus instead of the week we had planned. We still had a great time at Grandpa and Grandma's house. We found this caterpillar on a hike. Lauren wanted to hold it . . .Annika just wanted to look at it. We celebrated Lauren's 3rd birthday - complete with new orange bike.

Annika was in a tree climbing mood, but there were no branches to climb so she didn't get very far.

Audrey and Samantha were able to enjoy (eat) the fall leaves.

Fun with Uncle Eric.

Quick - take the picture before our arms fall off.

I love fall.

Piling up leaves for a jump party.

Annika taking a hike with Uncle Eric.

Giant spider! Uncle Eric identified it as the Banded Garden Spider.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Uncle Eric and Aunt Lesley gave the kids some really cool musical instruments.

First time in the bath tub together.

Audrey and Sami met Great-Grandma Hall for the first time.

One of Lauren's favorite birthday presents - a Hello Kitty umbrella.

Nothing says 3 year old birthday party more than artificially colored Elmo cupcakes.

Joker?!

Grandma was a big help feeding the babies.

oink oink

We're pretty sure we got the "swine" flu. I've been wondering what it would be like if all of the kids were sick at the same time. Now I know what it's like with all of the kids AND me sick at the same time. Thankfully, everyone is mostly better now. Unfortunately, it delayed our vacation to Ohio by a few days. Here's the Pollack pharmacy. I ended up taking the 4 kids to the doctor only to discover that they all had ear infections.

This is Annika during one of her "I think I'm feeling better, can I please go to preschool?" moments.

Audrey was only miserable for a couple of days. She was a trooper.

Lauren got it the worse. She was down and out for a week.

Do NOT enlarge this photo - poor Sami had trouble breathing through that stuffed up nose of hers.

Karl was the only one who didn't get it. If you ask him he'll go off on his "dominant male antibody" theory. I was just thankful there was someone well enough to take care of all of us sickos. Isn't that kind of Lauren to share her contaminated eggs with Daddy?

October Happenings

Aunt Lesley came for another visit! We ventured out to the Garden for their annual fall festival. Aunt Lesley did a great job entertaining the babies while A and L enjoyed the activities.

Hard at work coloring seed packets.

It was Annika's turn and . . .she changed her mind. Better watch out cow - there's always next year.

To her credit, however, she did dare feed the llamas.

"Maybe I should have milked that cow. . ."

Lauren was very focused while making her hat. Note to self: do not bring a glue/glitter decorated hat into the house.

Karl's high school friend Rich and his family stopped by for a quick fun visit on their way from Omaha to their home in North Carolina.

A trip with Aunt Lesley to the zoo. I'm pretty sure she is lifting Lauren up to see the Giant Anteater.

I snapped this photo on picture day at preschool. Why? you might ask. Well, she didn't want the photographer to take her picture . . .and when Lauren doesn't want something, it more than likely isn't going to happen.

Lauren claims she didn't stick her tongue in the nutella container and try to lick it out. The circular evidence around her face disagrees.

Sister shots

Thanks for the skirts, Mandy! Now all they need are some rackets. . .

Watch out, here they come!

Nothing says "Pollack" more than. . . a princess outfit?!

I snuck in and took a picture of Annika and Lauren sleeping last night. Yes, they have separate beds. However, ever since watching "Little House" the girls want to be just like Mary and Laura and sleep in the same bed. It's so cute. . .but based on their crankiness lately quality of sleep may be an issue.