a HAPPY halloween

Carter's Pumpkin, Alana's, and Addison's.  Expertly done this year.  Way to go!

Steve helps them choose the design of their jack-o-lantern by showing them different shape options for their eyes, nose and mouth...a funny story that happened because of this was at about 10:00, the night we carved the pumpkins when we assumed all kids were tucked in soundly, Addison comes bounding down the stairs and excitedly exclaims,

"Mom!!  I have a triangle nose!  SEE?  Long line, long line, and short across!" 

I loved it! 

 Our Power Ranger, Sonic the Hedghog (thanks to finding that wig at Party City, the rest of the costume was a cinch to put together and made his wildest dreams come true!), and our Princess Bride.

This year the kids chose to donate MOST of their candy to the Candy Witch in exchange the for a favorite treat and small present.  When they were done trick-or-treating, they all immediately dumped out their loot and immediately started selecting the 20 pieces they wanted to keep. 

 

NONE of them complained or anything about giving up the rest! I was so impressed.  We enjoyed this note from Carter:

"Dear Candy Witch,  I know you give presents for candy bars.  I would like a KING SIZE Hershey Bar."
 

I don't think it crossed his mind he would get BOTH.  He was so excited for that King Size Special Dark Hershey Bar that he almost didn't see the Angry Birds puzzle next to it!  Both Addison and Alana received King Size Kit Kats, while Addison also received a foam disc shooter, and Alana loved her playdough.

Thank you, Candy Witch, for solving our candy-hoarding problems of the Halloweens-past!

Thank you, Vets

I do love Veterans Day.  I do love having a flag in our yard (thank you, Boy Scouts!).  I do love stopping to be grateful for those that protect our freedom, both past and present.

Grandpa Gunn, US Navy, USS McClellan

So I felt the reverent tenderness as I passed this city hill and saw it COVERED with over 1500 flags.  We had no choice but to get out and observe. 

It was beautiful, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring.

How boys Rake Leaves

Somehow this never crossed my mind as a little girl.

 And I thought jumping in the pile was enough!

Thanks for your help, boys!

Chicken Pox Party

Yes, I know.  You are just as surprised as I am.  So what does Chicken Pox look like in a kid that's been vaccinated?  Mostly like this:

 And some more of this.

And field trips to see the leaves like this:

 And throw in a surprise 6 1/2 birthday cake, just for variety:

Basically, Carter was quarantined from school for being contagious, but wasn't bothered at all by the pox.  Mild case...definitely!  A little stir crazy from being trapped at home for 10 days?  Undoubtedly! (Or was that just me?)

So if you wanted your kids to be exposed to Chicken Pox, October would have been a really good time to come over and play!

The difference between Cats and Dogs

We just got home from a GREAT trip visiting Cheri and Braden for Thanksgiving dinner and spending a few days with Shaun and Susan to play play play! While we were at Shaun and Susan's house (FUN!) Alana became infatuated with their black kitty, Sally.  She was always aware of the whereabouts of the cat, and was thrilled to find her and watch her.  

One morning she came down and told Mommy, "I found Sally!"  
Trying to match her excitement, Kerri said, "Where WAS she?"  
"At the computer," Alana replied.  
Kerri asked, "Was Sally playing gmaes on PBSkids?"  
Knowing Mommy was just being silly, Alana insisted, "Nooooo."  
Kerri continued, "Was she reading stories on the computer?" 
 To which Alana oh so intelligently replied, 

"No, only DOGS can do THAT!"

Need an uplift???

See why my friends at church are awesome??  Skip to 1:08 to skip the talking and go straight to the music video :)

 Katie A. envisioned this whole thing, and it totally rocks -- has become a soundtrack of sorts in our home :)

Our conversation 10 seconds ago.

Alana: "Do you miss Grandpa Gunn, Mom?" Me: "Yes." Alana: "Ahhhh" and she gave me a great hug. Addison: "I don't miss him, because I know he is in heaven." Bless him. Bless us all!