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.

Airplanes

Airpark time! Anders, Jorja, Nicholas, Raleigh, and The Adults spent the afternoon together gallivanting from one airplane to the next. The kiddos had a blast being Pilot and Co-Pilot and we had a heck of a time chasing after them from one wing of the museum to the next.

Beach Time

With an afternoon of sunny skies, we headed over to the beach for a bit of outdoor adventure. We met our friends -- Britt, Eric, Nicholas, and Raleigh -- and spent a couple of hours wandering the sandy beaches, climbing the extensive driftwood forts, and admiring the lighthouse.

Nicholas showing off his aquatic plant discovery.



Shoreline splashing -- in very chilly water.



Anders engaged in one of his favorite activities -- splashing.



Anders and Jorja on the "roof" of their fort.



Can you spot all four kiddos?



Hiking down the trail to the lighthouse and accessible iron bell.

"Stop Talking To Me. I'm Busy."

After a recent whirlwind grocery shopping trip, Jorja decided to plop herself down in the middle of our living room and browse one of our big, glossy coffee-table type books. When asked if she'd like her jacket off, a snack, or a read-aloud, she replied with a dramatic, "Stooop talking to me. I'm bussssy." Anders proceeded to use this opportunity to sit a few feet away on a rocking horse and bombard her with statements to which Jorja repeatedly replied, "Stooop talking to me. Can't you seeeee I'm reading?"

Where does this child get this from?

So frustrated with our "interruptions", Jorja lies back in defeat.



Back up and reading.





The scenario -- Anders talking and rocking, Jorja reading and being indignant.

14,411 Feet of Greatness

Without the kiddos this weekend, Meg and I headed south to Mount Rainier National Park for a hike along the High Skyline Loop trail. With a free entry, amazingly blue skies, 80+ degree weather, and a view-laden trail, the day played out well.

The House of Boys...

and one girl.

The kiddos and I went to our friend's house for a morning of play. My friend Tiffani certainly has her hands full with 4 boys -- Joe, Jackson, Brian, and Cashell. Anders and Jorja were thrilled with all of the energy, excitement, snack options, and assorted toys.

Stacked from tallest to shortest are Joe, Jackson, and Brian with Anders and Jorja in the background immersed in toys.



And Cashell in the midst of it all resting in his blue bouncer.



Joe in full ice hockey garb.