Halloween Who-zit?

So I just found this old disc.
Here are some Halloween pics back from when I took pictures of people who weren't my children.
See if you can guess who everyone is... that is if you can get past these fabulous disguises!

The Energizer Grandma

Because she keeps going and going and going...

Our sweet grandma can play trains all day long
...when refreshed with frequent stops of tea parties...
...and lots of snuggle time...
We think the secret to her energy lies in her fabulous home made sugar cookies
That must be why she can read the same book over and over and over without a single suggestion for a change (although she may flip things on their head)

In the week that she was here she didn't spend a second without a grandbaby in arms
We were just refueling ourselves. Time spent away from Grandma is time that should just be spent with Grandma. It is torture being so far away.

SEVEN!

This kid just exudes sweetness.
He gave me a squeeze the day before his birthday and relishing the moment I said, "Wow, this could be one of my last 6 year old hugs!" Superkid was quick to assure me that I would have plenty of 6 year old hugs to hold me over until Abz turned 6. He spent the rest of the day sneaking up on me and giving me hugs. Oh how I LOVE this big guy. He has a talent for affection.

Here to help celebrate the big birthday is our fabulous Grandma Sherrie (more on her visit to come). She spoiled Superkid with an RC helicopter which he has been talking non-stop about for months.

And what birthday would be complete without a rocket launch?
AND Superkid's lifelong dream has come true! We finally have award winning footage to send in to AFV of Dad face-planting after gingerly placing the rocket down and tearing off backwards only to tumble over Abizella's bike. No dignity, but hopefully $10,000 will make Pops feel better.

The birthday cake.
We went for a "Man on the Moon" motif this year. I stole the idea off the internet, Grandma made the cake and the dreamy Oreo frosting, and Abz took care of the flourishes on the top. Abz really put herself to the task of getting all the decorations ready for the party. From the big banner, to the cake toppers, to 2 birthday cards, she did a fabulous job making the day special for big bro.

Superkid putting on his thinking cap to come up with the BEST birthday wish EVER!
What was the wish you ask...
"To come up with an equation to decide how much fuel will be needed to launch a rocket."

Then we dined on birthday cake lit by the soft glow of Lego-Man's feet strapped to Superkid's head miner style. What more could a 7 year old ask for?

10/10/10

Mathletes, this one is for you.
...actually, whether you are one of the ones who gets excited about funky number patterns (like when the clock reads 12:34 a.m.-and you HAVE to wake your sister up to SHOW her), or have re-occuring nightmares that you won't graduate form high school because you can't pass geometry...
Everyone can appreciate
The Power of Ten.
Because TEN is beautiful. Even an infant can appreciate the perfection of TEN functional fingers.

There is nothing yummier than munching on these TEN tender toes (corn on cob style).

Now go find TEN of something to love.

Warming up...

Halloween is Pretty. Serious. Business.
Nothing you jump into without taking a few ideas for a spin.

How about Tadpole the T-Rex?

The Wicked Wolf

Skunk Buns

Something even stinkier... a Republican

Bumblebee

Unique Unicorn

Black Cat Shaking All That

Rock Lobster!

Ducky Toes

how about Mother of the Year?

A Well Deserved Day of Rest (and Gorging)

Ohhh, how we love conference Sunday.
We have a strict PJ only rule around here. Other than that it is up to each individual if they want to sit in perfect harmony and and listen with baited breath to the sage words of our prophet... (Okay, Shaun the Sheep)

drift in and out of consciousness,

Or just take in a few quiet introspective moments reflecting on the beauty of sweet baking cinnamon rolls...

We *ALL* did a little snacking on something to sustain ourselves...

We *ALL* approved...

Bathing was optional for most, but mandatory for first-timers...

Tap To School Night

Ever since Abizella started her dance class she has spent every non-school moment in her leotard. Imagine her thrill when we allowed her to go to "Back to School" night in style! She shared her fantasy with me of showing up and having her whole class be her audience as she thrilled them with her fancy new moves. We actually did take the whole production down a notch by insisting that the tap shoes stay at home. ...didn't matter, she twirled her way around the kindergarten room as she presented every element. We even made an encore appearance after visiting Superkid's classroom. I'm not sure where she gets her natural showmanship from. I remember when I took tap classes when I was about her same age. Glama wanted me to go into Bampa's office in my "Fireman's Cha Cha" tap costume to be oodled by the office ladies. I refused and sat in the car. Kinda feel like I should fly Abz out to Glama's office to make it up to her.
Superkid was a bit more humble about his classroom tour, but we were happy to see where he goes ALL DAY EVER DAY. He made a puzzle for us to put together and read a book to me.
And so a school year begins. We are actually into full swing. Even though life is busy these days, we have managed to fit 1 fun activity in for each of the big kids. Not sure how we are going to handle it when the little guys get older. Maybe Superkid can start driving when he is 10? Anyway, Abz is taking a ballet and tap class with her buddy Jordan. As I mentioned, she is getting in lots of practice time...
And Superkid is putting in another season of soccer...
And here is the cheering section...
WHAT???! Turkeys at soccer? I guess that is why the Pilgrims had turkey at their big feast. Easy pickings in these parts.