TRICK OR TREAT

After a pizza party at our neighbors, we dressed up the kids for trick or treating

 (and tried to snap a photo before heading out).

 I'm so glad the babies can't move yet!

 We knocked on a few doors before the neighborhood parade began.

 The kids had so much fun seeing all of their friends

 and showing off their Super Daddy.

And Baby J had fun … until the sun went down. 

(To say he turned into a pumpkin may an understatement.)

LITTLE BOYS

We went over to our neighbors for pre-Halloween festivities. 

These two little guys (only 10 days apart)

 normally just sit and watch the Bigger Kids run and play.

 But tonight, they decided

 to self- pose for the camera (without any help!)

and keep us all entertained!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

ALMOST

CARVING

Our night of carving pumpkins actually turned out better than I expected.

 (Probably because I decided to let the kids choose what to carve … they both wanted to do bats!)

 The Big Kids rolled up their sleeves and helped carve.

 (Well, for a little while anyway … A and I were still stuck with most of the work).

 Grandma K even stopped by for some fun!

We still need to light them!

BEST FRIENDS

HALLOWEEN PARTY

There's been plenty of Halloween talk around our house lately.  Luckily, the Big Kids have three occasions to dress up over the next week … today's friend party, a school party this week, and the real  Halloween night.  Since dressing up is one of their favorite things to do, I didn't know which costume they'd pick for today's Halloween party debut.

 Batman and Elsa (Frozen) it was.

 (Baby J didn't have a choice- but he didn't seem to mind).

Fun day!

AA UPDATE

Just 45 days shy of 4 years old (not that we've started the countdown or anything), my lil' AA keeps me   on my toes.  Yes, she's a girl …  but I really don't remember ever being this dramatic (right, Mom?).  She is brilliant, kind, witty, and creative.  She can belt out any song word for word after hearing it only a few times.  She knows all of her letters and is starting to read right alongside JP.  She is a perfectionist in every sense and she has an eye for fashion (you really must see what she wears to the park).  AA has a heart for Jesus and she just adores her two brothers.  She sucks her thumb and clutches her faded lavender teddy for comfort; she operates on routine and order (don't even try to skip out on bedtime stories!).  Yet, she's drama.  In the snap of a finger, she can turn on crocodile tears and on the floor kicking.  Her cry is piercing.  In those moments, one must not try to rationalize her demands.  One must just ignore (and it's hard not to chuckle when JP mutters, "and there she goes again, Mom").

AA can test me, that's for sure.  But most of the time, I am in awe of her big personality.  I want her sweet voice and golden hair to stay young forever, yet I just cannot wait to see how she will grow to make this world a much, much better place.

JP UPDATE

JP fell asleep while reading books in AA's bed tonight.  As I scooped him up and carried him to his bed, it really hit me.  My eyes swelled with tears.  My little boy is getting too big.  I know I say this all of the time, but seriously, it was just yesterday when I was rocking him to sleep …his tiny legs would barely reach my waist when I held him over my shoulder.  And now, tonight … his legs dangled by my calves as he squeezed around my neck, clenching tightly.  I wonder how much longer I'll be able to carry him.

JP's snow white hair and piercing blue eyes still dazzle with innocence, though I know these days are numbered too.  His tender heart and his eternal love for his siblings are one of my greatest joys.  JP's questions often cause me to pause  … what does 'embarrass' mean?; when animals die and go to Heaven, do they get wings or do they turn into human angels?; why does that man have mosquito bites all over his face? (referring to a 16 year old with pustular acne).  JP is thoughtful and kind.

JP is beginning to read.  He loves Legos, puzzles, and SuperHeroes.  He still lets me pick out his clothes.  His sense of direction is far superior to his father's and his photographic memory (almost) surpasses his mother's.  He can ride his bike really fast and he has a good soccer dribble.  He prefers dark chocolate and salsa over anything else.

JP is both courageous and timid.  He is a leader and a follower.  He makes me smile.  And laugh.  He makes me want to be a better mom.  

I wish I could freeze time.

BIG BOY

1/2 BIRTHDAY

On Baby J's 1/2 Birthday (October 3rd), our sweet nanny Ms. Jeffre arrived with 

a 1/2 birthday cake!

(Gobbled up by the Big Kids!)

FOOTBALL

I hadn't been to a high school football game, since, well high school.   On this beautiful fall night, A and I took the Big Kids to our local (undefeated!) high school football game with our neighbors.  Crisp air, dazzling sunset, action packed game, pep band, cheerleaders, national anthem, popcorn, and cotton candy … the game was almost as much fun as I remember them to be!

HAPPY

FALL