TOT 2014

Last night our locality held Beggar's Night (or what I grew up calling Trick or Treat, though nobody else appears to use that term).  I've been hearing from friends all over that it is very odd not to celebrate Halloween on the 31st, but again, I've never know anything different.  We had fairly nice weather, and the kids had an absolute blast.

Let me tell you about Daniel, though.  Daniel dressed as the "Itsy Bitsy Spider," which is one of his favorite things in the world.  A lot of stores this year used spiders as themes for their Halloween area, and now each time we go into a store, he yells for the Itsy Bitsy Spider.  Kroger had enormous inflatables - and as a result is now his favorite store.  I'm wondering how long it will take him to realize the spiders are hibernating until next year.  Anyway, we walked down to one of our neighbor's houses to start.  The other kids run ahead, TOT!, and come back.  The adults are encouraging Daniel to come and get some candy.  He walks halfway up the driveway, and when I tell him to go ahead and get candy, he takes his plastic pumpkin and hurls it at them.  I was mortified!  Daniel is a very happy, calm, friendly kid, but boy, that temper flares up when I am least expecting it.  I am sad to see my kids growing up, but I will be glad to be out of this toddler stage for many reasons.

The other kids had an absolute blast.  We saw so many neighbors and I got to meet a few of the kid's classmates and their parents.  I could take or leave Halloween - it's not something I even really think about much, but it is such a great way to connect with the neighborhood.

Here are a few pictures for you:

The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Captain America, a minion, and a ballerina.  

My "fire pumpkin" as Daniel calls it.  You can't tell, but this
pumpkin is huge!  The lady at the local nursery still had some
as of yesterday at noon, which is when I got around to buying
one.  It was carved at 4:30 and on the porch just in time.  

2014-2015 School Pictures

Opening up a packet of school pictures is a little like opening - well, I really can't explain it.  The element of surprise is definitely there, along with the expectation of nothing amazing.  I hope for eyes open (all the way!).  Bonus for a smile.   Sophie came home from Kindergarten today and told me there was an envelope with 4 of her heads on it for me in her backpack.  The moment of truth.  She is a very photogenic kid, so I wasn't expecting it to be too bad.  Eli's will be the true test, but he isn't home yet.

Here is Sophie:

Update: As predicted, Eli's are pretty bad.  We will be doing a retake for him.  I'll update when I get the second round back.  Thankfully we are doing family pictures soon, and I know those will be great!