Greetings! We've had a very busy two months - preschool started, Michael traveled 75% of October, planning and executing Halloween festivities . . .
You've also missed 2 months of the girls growing up. Especially Rachelle. She has really blossomed into a little girl. She talks up a storm, she's more independent, and as cute as a button. She attends school with her sister and the big kids, and really holds her own in there. Michael says, "How can we have a baby when we already have a baby?" But Rachelle really isn't a baby anymore. And while I miss her being a snuggly infant, I absolutely love this stage of discovery. Especially with an easy-going, obedient toddler - a concept that still blows my mind sometimes.
And a piece of sad news that has happened over the last 2 months - our camera has all but died. It still takes video and pictures without the flash. But if you've ever spent more than 5 seconds with my kids, you know that unless you're outside on the sunniest of days, you need a FLASH to catch the streak that is them as it passes you by. As a result, all of our pictures lately have been out of focus - complete blurs in some cases.
Yes, even our Halloween pics have suffered. So here's what I could salvage. We're Angelina Ballerina characters: Shaelyn starring as Angelina herself, Rachelle as her best friend Alice, Mommy as Miss Lilly (who I interpret to be a bit of a gypsy), and Daddy as Mr. Mouseling, Angelina's father and reporter for the Mouseland Gazette.
Since the pictures didn't give you the full effect of the kiddos' costumes, here's a video of them running around like crazy. (And this is pre-candy!) You can see their tails, tutus, and bows here.
NOT THIS YEAR!!! I had our costumes finished hours in advance, and even had enough time to submit a chili to the annual chili cook-off! Can you believe it?!? I was going for "most unique" with a pumpkin chili. (I LOVE PUMPKIN!!) I didn't win, didn't even come close to winning, but I was proud nonetheless. Not only for having the time to complete it, but making a chili that my husband ate and actually liked.
Yesterday we went trick-or-treating at Michael's office, came home to cook chili, and headed to the church party for trunk-or-treating. The kids stayed in their costumes all day and got TONS of candy. It was all sitting a pile on the kitchen table this morning (stupid parenting decision, yes...), so what children would want to eat a breakfast of toast and banana slices when there's candy sitting right in front of them?!
HaPpY hAlLoWeEn!
Oh, yeah, and I'm 18 weeks pregnant. (And very excited about it, too!)
So you've missed first day of school pics, family bowling night, apple picking, Daddy-daughter dates, Halloween decorating . . .
You've also missed 2 months of the girls growing up. Especially Rachelle. She has really blossomed into a little girl. She talks up a storm, she's more independent, and as cute as a button. She attends school with her sister and the big kids, and really holds her own in there. Michael says, "How can we have a baby when we already have a baby?" But Rachelle really isn't a baby anymore. And while I miss her being a snuggly infant, I absolutely love this stage of discovery. Especially with an easy-going, obedient toddler - a concept that still blows my mind sometimes.
And a piece of sad news that has happened over the last 2 months - our camera has all but died. It still takes video and pictures without the flash. But if you've ever spent more than 5 seconds with my kids, you know that unless you're outside on the sunniest of days, you need a FLASH to catch the streak that is them as it passes you by. As a result, all of our pictures lately have been out of focus - complete blurs in some cases.
Yes, even our Halloween pics have suffered. So here's what I could salvage. We're Angelina Ballerina characters: Shaelyn starring as Angelina herself, Rachelle as her best friend Alice, Mommy as Miss Lilly (who I interpret to be a bit of a gypsy), and Daddy as Mr. Mouseling, Angelina's father and reporter for the Mouseland Gazette.
Shaelyn loves Michael's eyebrows in the second picture. They make her giggle every time she sees them. I love having a husband who is willing to go along with my crazy costume ideas, even if he might be less than enthusiastic.
Since the pictures didn't give you the full effect of the kiddos' costumes, here's a video of them running around like crazy. (And this is pre-candy!) You can see their tails, tutus, and bows here.
And I must say, I was very proud of myself this year. We had our annual Halloween Festival at church last night, the one where I am always scrambling last minute and sweating and sewing 5 minutes past the very last leaving point. I stress the whole drive there, trying to dress and sew in the car. Every year I swear to myself that I will NOT repeat this fiasco, and every year I inevitably fall into the same pattern of scramble and stress.
NOT THIS YEAR!!! I had our costumes finished hours in advance, and even had enough time to submit a chili to the annual chili cook-off! Can you believe it?!? I was going for "most unique" with a pumpkin chili. (I LOVE PUMPKIN!!) I didn't win, didn't even come close to winning, but I was proud nonetheless. Not only for having the time to complete it, but making a chili that my husband ate and actually liked.
Yesterday we went trick-or-treating at Michael's office, came home to cook chili, and headed to the church party for trunk-or-treating. The kids stayed in their costumes all day and got TONS of candy. It was all sitting a pile on the kitchen table this morning (stupid parenting decision, yes...), so what children would want to eat a breakfast of toast and banana slices when there's candy sitting right in front of them?!
I loved the girls sheer delight at their new breakfast options. That and the remnants of their pink noses and whiskers on their faces.
I also love that I have passed along a love for Halloween to my kiddos. Here's Rachelle really excited over a pumpkin card that Grandma and Grandpa sent us this morning:
HaPpY hAlLoWeEn!
Bonus pics of picking pumpkins:
