Trick-or-treat

We finally took some pictures after an hour of tricks and treats on our friends porch. It seems to be a tradition now. Meet at the Okamotos, run around Coullee City collecting goods, someone always tuckers out early, the boys always want to go all night, don't forget to stop at that scary house (this year decorated with bloody body parts) and back to the Okamotos to take inventory. As we left the Okamotos a group of goulish treaters told us the best place in town...the local grocery store. They let you pick out anything you want for under .89 cents. What a great tip!!! Here's a few other tips I wish I would have known.

Tip #1: Face Painting Doesn't get better the more you practice.

For some reason the first time is so new and exciting the child listens and sits paitienly waiting for the big reaveal. By the third (or was it the fourth) time you find your self skipping all the details just to get it over with.


Tip #2: Hold the screen door

On our way home we decided to stop at one more house. We knocked, a gentle elderly woman opened the door, we squealled trick or treat , she turned to gather her candy bowl with delight, then it happened... like slow motion... she opened the screen door and a gust of wind took it from her grasp hittting Tristen in the head, hurling him into Everett the two of them on to the ground. In the mean time she reached for the door falling off her step into my arms, there I stood with a senior citizen in one arm and a baby cattapillar in the other. JOSH GET OUT OF THE CAR!!!


Tip #3: The later the better..makes bedtime easy.

This photo was taken in 2007. At the time the monkey costume Everett was wearing fit perfectly and was so age appropriate. The next year I made him a batman costume but on Halloween Day he refused to wear it. He insisted on being a super monkey. (Notice the cape in the following picture)

Super monkey evolved to super batman monkey. ( Notice how the sleeves keep getting shorter)
This year when we began planning for Haloween Everett got out the old costume and finally agreed it was to small. The good old monkey costume is retired and in its place is a dragon. Hipp hipp hurray for the year (or 2 or 3) of the Dragon.

Fall Firsts

I love the fall. With school back in session and the cooler weather the park has become very quiet. The boys have been meeting some new challenges over the past few months. Tristen began and completed his first season of soccer, rode his bike without training wheels for the first time and is now riding the bus with the big kids. Porter is sitting in his Bumbo and rolling over. As for Everett he is enjoying his first year of Pre-school and loves his teacher.

Summer Synopsis

Summer days in the great outdoors...can't wait to see what winter brings.

He's a Ninja

My nephews youtube debut. This is what happens when dads are left to babysit. Enjoy and share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tPa_vi7XTg

I miss you Idaho

This summer has gone by so quickley. I wanted to catch up in one post, but was quickly overwhelmed. So here is my tribute to Idaho edited down to "my" three favorite highlights of our trip.

#1: The views from my parents yard

#2: Visiting with long time friends

#3: and of course....Family!!

Aren't they all beautiful.