October 31, 2007

H a l l o w e e n



The Adorable Kitty Cat



The Serious Anakin Skywalker



The Happy Astronaut


Halloween was a blast this year. We were finally able to go as a family to pick out our pumpkins this year. Everyone got to pick their own pumpkin....yes, we had five pumpkins this year. We only carved one though. The boys decided to paint their little pumpkins, which was just fine by us. My favorite part of Halloween this year was seeing how happy the kids were to be exactly what they wanted. There was no persuasion to be something. The night before Halloween we carved our pumpkin. While the boys hated the smell of the inside of the pumpkin, Emma was so fascinated by it all. She even helped me clean up all the seeds so we could cook them. As for me, I love the smell of pumpkin. YUM YUM! On Halloween we had a fun Halloween dinner and then we were off to go trick or treating. Emma had so much fun saying "Trick or Treat" and then running to the next house. Who would have thought that an almost 2 year old would love it and not be afraid. I could tell her nose and fingers were cold and asked her if she wanted to go home. Her response was, "No, Emma hold bag." All she wanted to do was hold her bag and go to the next house, cold and all. So, we were successful with just enough candy to make us happy but not enough to be overwhelming. When we got home, our bowl that we set out for our trick or treaters was empty. We got a few more visitors and the boys were happy to give our guests some candy from their bowl. They had just as much fun giving candy away as they did in getting candy. I love that about my boys. Successfull Halloween--I would say so! Check it out:

October 14, 2007

The Museum of Flight



"Look mom, this plane has real missiles!!!" This was the first thing Andrew and Peter said when we got out of our car and walked across the street to view this huge fighter jet just outside the Museum of Flight. We finally made it to the coolest museum ever.



The kids were amazed to be able to see and touch the big planes. Andrew and Peter were actually able to sit in and steer a little blue plane and tilt it from side to side. Emma was a little jealous. There were other planes that the kids could sit in and touch the buttons.



The funniest thing that happened while we were there was when Peter was in one of the little planes. All of a sudden the plane started making noise as if it were going to take off. Mike looked at Peter and said, "Pete, you are about to take off." With BIG eyes Peter replied, "Dad, I don't know how to stop it." Poor kid actually thought it was taking off.



Of course, one of the main attractions was the Space Exhibit. What kid doesn't find astronauts and space just amazing? Peter has told us that now he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up and insists that he is going to be an astronaut for Halloween. Wish me luck with the costume!

October 7, 2007

A Favorite Spot



For the past two years we have enjoyed swinging on a tire swing hidden in a grove of oak trees near our house. On Sundays, rain or shine, we will go for a walk as a family. More often than not, we end up passing by the swing. Underneath it is a well worn patch of earth from the countless feet getting ready for a ride. Our favorite time to swing is now, when the wind is easing through the trees and leaves fall lazily through the air around you. It's just the right temperature for a sweater but not cold enough that your nose gets red. You can smile, lean back and glide through the brisk air. Then, of course, you have to let the kids have a turn.






October 5, 2007

A Beautiful Fall Day



In an effort to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather on a day with no rain, we decided to venture over to Steilacoom and take a walk around the lake near Ft. Steilacoom park. There were many people out there enjoying the beautiful F A L L day. After throwing some rocks in the lake and enjoying the ducks, we headed back. On the way back the sun was setting a bit and the kids enjoyed running in the tall wheat grass. These are the moments we live for. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best--"We find a delight in the beauty and happiness of children, that makes the heart too big for the body."