Festival of Trees 2012

The children's hospital in Des Moines (Blanks' Children) raises money every year through an event called Festival of Trees.  Companies (who choose to) donate trees and decorate them.  Other companies then purchase them for their lobbies to donate funds.  There is a silent auction as well and one company goes away with bragging rights for a year.  It's really a great cause and there are fun crafts for kids to do while viewing the trees.  Isaiah's favorite tree was a lego tree (though, he was pretty excited about the Woody Toy Story tree), mine is a peacock tree (stunning) and Kevin liked a god/red teddy-bear tree.  There was an awesome Hispanic Heritage one that we took a picture for my dad (haha!)  We took some great pictures, but unfortunately you will have to wait until Christmas cards to see some!

I also included a family photo from Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Cheers

The Rain's Family (in Iowa) wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Don't worry it was non-alcoholic...all around!

1st day of Preschool

Sorry for the delay.  As you all are aware, our family has been keeping the OR's busy here in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Anyways, here are some pictures from Zae's first day of school.  I wasn't there, but I hear he had a GREAT time.  At his most recent teacher-parent conference she told me Isaiah loves to socialize and tell stories (most are pretty fabricated).  Isaiah says he loves his friends and loves the dramatic play center.    He has learned how to write his name, all the letters in the alphabet (sometimes mixed up), and how to count to 30!!!  We are praising God everyday for his eagerness and excitement for learning.

Did you see that monkey's butt?

Unfortunately our trip down south didn't work so we made a day trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE.  We had so much fun!  Isaiah says his favorite was the tigers, but later said he really liked the monkeys...and boy were there a lot of them!  He woke up from his car-nap talking about a particular behind of one monkey breed that had us laughing so hard.  Absolutely going to have to take another trip there....preferably when it isn't 90 degrees!

Also, Isaiah wasn't too fond of taking pictures, but I did get some done....not a family one (boo).

Trick-or-Treat, Smell my Feet!

Earlier this month we went to this fabulous pumpkin patch where we actually clipped the pumpkin from the vine. Isaiah LOVED it! They also had a zip-line for people to do, but we decided Isaiah was a bit too young. He did, however, shoot tennis balls from a air gun out onto their lake. You were to try and hit these floating things on the lake to win stuff. We didn't win anything, but sheer giggles.

Isaiah's costume was an Iron Man this year. He's got like 3-4 action figures. Kevin took him trick-or-treating around my parent's house. He actually said, "Trick or Treat, Smell my feet!!" Nathan dressed up as a huge lion too!....too funny! The night before beggar's night, Kevin let Isaiah carve his own pumpkin....what a hoot!