Boo to you!

Halloween has been very fun and relaxing so far. The kids and I spend most of the day at home playing and resting. After Andy got home from work, we all headed over to a community Halloween event (which was very, very well attended and slightly crazy!) and stayed for about 10 minutes before deciding that it would be more fun to come home and Trick or Treat (or Trick or Teet as Theo says) around our own neighborhood. It was only 5:30pm, so there weren't many people home passing out candy, but it was plenty fun for Theo, Penny and us. We came home and ate a tasty baked chicken dinner and then carved our pumpkins. Now our pumpkin seeds are roasting and we're getting ready to watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". The cutest part of the evening is watching Theo react when someone knocks on the door. He runs to the door at breakneck speed, puts on his Bernie hat, and picks up his basket of candy while we open the door. Then he painstakingly passes out 1 piece of candy to each Trick or Treater! He is such a hospitable guy. Penny has enjoyed an evening of watching all of the commotion and crawling all over the living room. Gotta go...the movie is starting!

Enjoying a crisp, fall day

We all walked to the park yesterday evening to see the leaves. At the end of our street there is the most beautiful park with trees lining a huge, grassy field and a stately war memorial with the names of soldiers lost from Whatcom County. It's always fun to see Todd and Theo running in the grass and there are always lots of off-leash dogs there to chase Todd around, too. We knew we'd better go for a walk yesterday and enjoy the leaves before the rainy season finally starts. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!

Making Ghost Candles with our Buddies!

Caleb and Zachary were over this afternoon, so we all decided to make ghost candles! I cut out the eyes and mouths, put dots of glue on the jars and tore up the tape. The boys' jobs were to put the eyes and mouth on the glue and cover the face with tape. They actually did a wonderful job and were so pleased with themselves. It is always such fun to do a project with them while they are here. This one was a winner since it was cheap, clean, and quick!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Ah, the fall tradition of picking out a pumpkin....what a humble endeavor. In my mind's eye, I see a family, bundled in sweatshirts and rain gear, trekking out into the mud to choose that perfect, orange orb. They walk back to the modest farm stand and pay a meager fee for their find. Cold and hungry, they head home for a meal and a rest. What a day!

But, it's 2008. That is far too simple for us. We have to do it up big!!!! Stoney Ridge is the piece de resistance of Whatcom County pumpkin patches. They've got it all (and we always do all of it!). From the pumpkins to the donuts, the hotdogs to the farm animals, and the gourds to the apple desserts, it is all so much fun. My parents, neice and nephew, and all of us Bellingham Lewises headed over there yesterday at 10:30am and didn't get back home until about 3:00. The kids ran, we all ate, we looked at tons of pumpkins (and finally chose a few), and took lots of pictures. It was a wonderful time and I can't wait until next year when we can do it all again!!

Now we just need to carve the pumpkins and roast the seeds. That's my favorite part.

Family Band Practice

After worship team practice, Andy usually plays the songs for us on the guitar. Penny and Theo got in on the rehearsal last week. I was also singing (but it's hard to take a picture of that). Maybe we'll have to start writing our own songs, sewing matching outfits, and buy a VW Bus to travel to our gigs in! Family Bandland...here we come!

Things I loved about waking up this morning...

* Penny was still sleeping

* Theo was snuggling with me and telling me about his thoughts

* Andy was out in the kitchen eating his cereal

(I love this because it means Theo is waking up at an acceptable time!)

* I was warm in the flannel sheets, blanket, and warm comforter

* We don't have anywhere to be until 10am

* The house is almost completely clean, so I only have 1 chore (bathroom...yuck!) to do today

* I had a busy, wonderful day of work yesterday and am excited about being a part of the dance studio's upcoming Christmas show

Most of all, I have realized lately that my life is full, busy and tiring sometimes, but I enjoy it!