Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

What a day! The girls have looked forward to this particular holiday with a little more fervor than I would have expected from them. They certainly looked the part...trick-or-treating, here we come!

Ellie wanted to be a cowgirl. Thanks to my talented mother-in-law, we had these authentic chaps and matching vest to make the costume perfect. 

Originally Lindy had requested a zookeeper costume. (She's been telling us for the last year that she wants to work in a zoo when she grows up.) Luckily she changed her mind in time for me to get her a fun witch costume. She was especially excited because we painted her fingernails green and put a little green eye shadow on. She's getting so old!

Curtis, of course, didn't necessarily care about his little costume. I just looked for something that was warm. And he did great. He happily strolled around with us as we hit the neighbors doors and loaded up on candy.

Here's a shot of all three getting ready to head out and hit the streets.

Ian wasn't with us this Halloween. I locked up the house for a little while and took the kids around the block. Luckily, for Lindy, Marci offered to help me out and continue the trick-or-treating fun with my oldest while I took the youngest two home and manned the candy bucket. (Thanks Marci!) When Lindy got home she informed me that she had "oodles of candy" and she is willing to "share with everyone". We'll see how it goes. Some of that candy might have to disappear while she is sleeping. Hmmm...

Happy Halloween from our house to yours!

Just Can't Get Enough

Sorry, I just can't help posting pictures of my little boy. Maybe it's the camera. Maybe it's the kid. Either way, I can't get enough of him.


Thursday, October 30, 2008

And Today I'm Thankful For

My older brother. 

Cause he said so.

(Love ya, Wader!)

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Barney Stinks

That darn purple dinosaur! Ellie loves to watch his show and, even though the television aficionado in me throws up a little each time it's on, I usually cave in because I feel like he might actually be teaching my toddler a little something useful. Like cleaning up.


Today, however, when faced with a clean-up duty (putting back all the DVD's she pulled off of the shelf), my three year old did a little more than just balk. She ignored me. I turned off the TV. She ignored me. I coaxed, cajoled, then threatened. I was ignored with more pomp. Finally I buckled and sang that stupid "Clean Up" song that Barney touts each and every day! She didn't budge. So I finally issued the ultimatum, "You will sit here until this mess is cleaned up!" and left her to herself. After about 30 minutes the crying ceased and I went back in to see how well she was progressing...and found this:

She is NOT cleaning, but artfully arranging aforementioned DVD's in a line on the floor while yelling out the color of the case. Apparently my child has learned nothing from me, or Barney, about the joys of cleaning up ones' messes.

Buh-bye Barney.

More Pumpkin Fun

Thanks to some amazingly beautiful fall weather, we were able to take some fun family pictures outside today. The kids were so excited to show off their pumpkins. 

I love this one...it looks like Curtis is wondering what's happening to that poor little baby pumpkin:





I sure do love my family. I am so blessed.