2010 Lookback: Halloween

Fall is my favorite season and Halloween has grown to be one of our family's favorite holidays!



We decorate like crazy (both outside and inside) and batten down the hatches for what seems like MILLIONS of trick-or-treaters! It is CRAZY! People literally drop off van loads of kids (big and small) and it is like an endurance test to see which house can last the longest with the candy supply (which is gauged by looking down the street at the number of porch lights still on). I am proud to say that Big Al and his quick thinking (chips and fruit snacks from the pantry) kept us going strong and we were the last house standing!

Side note: We did just stumble on an extra bag of candy in the basement that I must have "organized away". Oops.

For the past several years we've celebrated with our neighborhood friends, Colson and Redding, who have braved the mobs with us to collect their candy.



We have reached the age where...
The kids pick their own costumes. Like "Scary Fashion Model"...


...and "Not-so-grim-reaper".


And the kids like handing out candy...


...and running around outside all hyped in anticipation of chocolate (which is better than running around inside).



Until we all pass out from the excitement and sugar and old Mr. Pumpkin is left guarding us in the night.

Coming Soon...

A 2010 Halloween Flashback

My man...

...turned another year (in October).

One of our family traditions is to surprise the birthday boy/girl with a "Birthday Breakfast Table" complete with some colorful place settings, balloons (which means I'm typically in the basement blowing up helium balloons --yes, we have a helium tank in our basement-- at midnight the night before), cards, and a gift or two.

Here are a couple of snaps of the kids presenting their personalized cards. (Actually I just got Maclaren and of course no photos of the festive birthday table...what was wrong with me?)




Did you spy Peanut swaddled in the background?

Unfortunately I can't remember anything more about the big day (no cake?)...I guess that is what happens when you are months behind in your blog!!!

Bloggers note: I am posting SOC photos until I get caught up AND get a chance to figure out my new editing software. I am finding it to be a teensy bit overwhelming...

Soccer

Angus loves playing soccer. More specifically, he loves PRACTICING soccer.



He is not a fan when it gets competitive...including games, scrimmages or any other type of drill that is competitive.




So we changed it up and instead of playing in a league this fall, he participated in a weekly clinic in the park near our home.



What I love about Angus and soccer is that ever since he joined a league and was handed his uniform, he always wears it!! Every practice, he suits up in his uniform...full on!!



Lookin' good, Angus!

Who would have guessed?

That this boy would love salad?

2010 Lookback: The Birthday Boy

What could be better than turning 5?

We celebrated on the actual day (in August) beginning with the traditional Montessori birthday ritual.

The kids gather in a circle. Cards representing each month of the year are placed in a circle with a lighted candle in the middle to represent the sun. The birthday celebrant carries the earth around the circle for each year of their life which represents the earth traveling around the sun each year.


The kids call out each month as the birthday celebrant passes. At the end of each trip/year around the "sun", the teacher leads a discussion about the types of skills, activities, or events occurring at each age.

I love the tradition and how it focuses on a child's birthday in such a meaningful way. Its actually a pretty long ritual and amazingly all of the kids are quiet and engaged throughout.

And of course it ends with a heartfelt chorus of the Birthday song!

Special requests for Birthday #5? Transformer theme and...

..."JUST COLSON". So we had to gently specify the invitation would NOT include Colson's sister Redding, mom, or dad who we would typically celebrate with. Yes. It was a little awkward.


So we celebrated that night with family and Angus' FOC (Friend of Choice), Colson.

And it ended up being a very nice, chill party (as you can tell from the present opening position he assumed on the couch).

Summer Trip to Michigan

August is the BEST time to visit Michigan (and Grandpa). Beautiful blue skies, the freshest vegetables, and warm lakes to swim in. And apparently it's a good time to...





Learn to shoot a bb gun?


And spy on the neighbors?




And head to the lake...






to splash around!







Bloggers note: Finally have my new software installed and am SLOWLY figuring it out. So the first batch of shots are SOC, the second and third I enhanced in Lightroom and the last are a Lightroom preset that I tried (I liked the old-school look for these since they reminded me of my childhood on the lake but don't think it is my go-to look for all). LOTS to learn...