Pumpkin Carving At Its Best

On Sunday, we plunged into full-blown pumpkin carving -- complete with pumpkin-carvers, spoons, knives, and newspaper. Anders and Jorja were a bit unsure about the messiness of reaching into the pumpkins to scoop out the innards, but certainly enjoyed the "design" process for each pumpkin. It's been a treat to see them glowing after bath each night.

Meg joining in the carving excitement.



Jorja thoroughly enjoying her pumpkin.



My cat pumpkin -- which was promptly nibbled on by the squirrels.



Anders wiping pumpkin from his face.



Post-carving fun in jackets, pj's, and rain boots.

Story Time

Denni -- our amazing friend and kidsitter -- headed off to bilingual story time at the library with Anders and Jorja in tow. This is a typical activity for the three of them, but this time the kiddos went as Dragon and Panda. Apparently the theme for the hour was teddy bears and some of the other children were more interested in hugging Panda than listening to the read alouds.

Heading out...

Beverly Cleary

Back in July, the kiddos and I headed south to visit Grandma. We spent an afternoon zooming around the Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden -- A and J in their undies -- running between Ramona, Henry, and Ribsy. I loved those books.

I know these pictures are from a few months ago, but my mom has been on my mind. On the evening before your final round of chemotherapy, these pictures are for you.

We love you.

Jumpers

This morning Jorja decided she wanted to wear a recently acquired jumper (thanks Grandma) to preschool -- and Anders followed suit. Jumpers to celebrate Grandma Ruth's 66th Birthday!

Pumpkins (Plus Updates)

We -- along with the Nicholas and Raleigh Clan -- headed out of the city to a favorite farm for pumpkin picking this morning. Fueled with tiny donuts and apple cider, we managed to roam the pumpkin patch, hop on a hay ride, socialize with the farm animals, and play with toy trucks in a heaping pile of dirt.

On a side note, I have a couple of updates. First, I've found my way back into the world of education teaching middle school Language Arts and Social Studies at a small private school and am thoroughly enjoying the contrast from my initial years of teaching. Second, we've purchased a home in a new neighborhood with ample opportunities to walk and/or bike to amenities. Lastly, the kiddos have started preschool and love it. Transition all around.