Sometimes this kid just reminds us how awesome he is.  First out of the gate he won his outstanding achievement in reading award.  Given he's in First Grade and is currently reading at Fourth Grade level it's no surprise, however, since he seems like he's in outer space most times, and we constantly ride him about manners, picking up, etc., it's a nice acknowledgement for him and a little encouragement to keep reading those bigger books.

Leave it up to him though, the social butterfly he is, to stand at the exit after the awards ceremony and high five all of his classmates on their walk back to class.

Fall break began the next day and Nonnie and Auntie Jen Jen flew in to spend the week with the kids and oh what a break.  The first night the girls took it upon themselves to style both of their hair and do their makeup.

It drove Nonnie a little nutty.

Heath had a sleepover with his friend Ace and the next morning the kids got to decide on breakfast.  Orange pancakes with a side of popcorn and watermelon.

Their pj's didn't slow down the girls from pulling out the boxing gloves and having a round.

Another morning had them cleaning out pumpkins for pumpkin pie.

With a little help from Ashlyn's best friend Taylor.

Auntie Jen Jen and Heath made up some very child friendly hotdog kabobs.

Steven's birthday was the first birthday celebration of the week with the evening full of balloons, cards, and presents.

In there we had grown up mom and girl time with a trip to go Zip Lining.  

They had many park visits.

They each came up with their superhero names and powers along the way.

A visit to Noah's Arc at the Skirball Center was a highlight.  They're still talking about it.

They really liked the talented story time teller.

Then the big undertaking of making Heath his requested birthday "cake" of a Rice Crispy Death Star.  Auntie Jen Jen took on the challenge.

In an effort to quicken the Millennium Falcon, X-Wing fighters, etc. they tried a number of things, even brought out the rubber mallet but in the end turned to free handing them.  All this on his birthday which, by request, was a dedicated pj day.

It was a neighborhood effort to help out with the peripheral planets while Auntie Jen Jen continued to work on the Death Star.

Once they realized they wanted to play with friends, the pj's came off and day clothes came on.  These boys should feel lucky.  They got a show personally created for the birthday boy by his sisters and neighbors Liana and Taylor.

Then the big moment.  The Death Star landed with licorice laser beams, floating planets, and flying fighter jets to name a few.  Auntie Jen Jen pulled it off.

Followed by the destruction of it in minutes.

Not too long afterwards gifts.

The last day they headed to Six Flags Great America which was full of monsters and Halloween haunts.

The day began in the little kids Bugs Bunny Land but quickly moved into the larger park once it was discovered that our little kids aren't so little anymore and can ride the bigger rides.

While Reghan and Aunti Jen Jen were on the massive Green Lantern ride, Ashlyn, was giving us her best, I'm a damsel in distress, act in the jail nearby.

Heath freaked out while his Auntie tried to stuff him in the trash.

And they got wet from Splash Mountain.

We pretty much walked onto each of the rides with minimal wait.  The longest was for Superman - Escape from Krypton.  It certainly got Reghan's heart beating but afterwards she felt the rush of "owning it".  If you can't see the video below, click on the following link.  Reghan's Superman Oct 16

Just couldn't get enough of the water rides.

The wrap of the weekend was all of them being invited to our neighbors house to go swimming.  (Ursula/Justin, they do love your pool.) But not before we had a quick tea and lemonade stand.  It's safe to say that Fall Break this year was a success.

The superheros of the week were definitely Nonnie and Auntie Jen Jen for making a fantastical fall break.