All Hallows Eve

We made our way around town again this year. It was really wet, and our little purple dragon suggested that we needed to costume-up as well (D a pirate, and I was Mary's Little lamb). We started off in downtown Edmonds for the merchant trick-or-treat where she collected fresh doughnuts, apples, toothbrushes, movie theatre popcorn, glow-in-the-dark bracelets etc., saw a few friends and Mabel (woof!). Then we headed up to our house for soup and to knock on a few neighbor's doors, over to my sister's to hug on Laila, and then over to my parent's church for a huge harvest carnival with a moon bounce, games, food, a magic show, and of course candy.

Continuing On with Tradition!

We carved pumpkins this afternoon after we watched It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and You're not Elected Charlie Brown (fitting, I thought). E takes great delight in practicing the face she wants me to carve on her pumpkin head on paper before the real etching on the gourd. And I can't help but resort to the happiest face I can think of for mine! It does seem like a bit of a shame to have them displayed on our porch, as we won't be passing out candy, we'll be out getting candy! Oh well.

You're Either For Us or Against Us!

So as a family without a TV signal, we are in a relatively unique position this election season. We don't see any of the adds, and I'd like to say it makes us a little saner...on the other hand also at a disadvantage. Oh we know which name we'll mark for President, but we have no idea what any of these initiatives are even about! Our ballot's arrived about a week ago with that relatively unattractive newsprint style pamphlet that's supposed to make things clearer. No. So I sat down at the computer, and BANG there it is. A most useful site that doesn't waste any of time. Type in the initiative number, and you're off. Up pops what you're looking for, it takes all of 3-5 minutes to read through it, including a history of similar bills in other states. It's "The citizen powered encyclopedia to direct democracy" (obviously, much like Wiki) Fabulous! Done and done!

James and The Giant Peach

Our newest chapter book!

You've Been BOO-ed

D opened our front door this afternoon to a secretly placed, treat-filled gift bag that also contained a friendly note: "You've Been BOO-ed."

As per the instructions, we placed a "We've Been BOO-ED" sign in our window and are looking forward to gifting an unsuspecting neighbor!

If you're interested in getting something like this started in your neighborhood, check out this site, and Happy Halloween!

Hard Shell Hero

Today an EMT truck stopped E on her bike while we were out on a walk. They rewarded her for being safe and wearing her helmet! She is so proud of her certificate!

Pick-A-Peck-A-Pumpkins

We made our way up north to our pumpkin patch, only to find that this will be their last year in operation. Many of the regular activities were closed (zip line, tractor rides, and playground) and even the relatively tiny pumpkin patch left a few of us with furrowed brows. All in all it was a productive trip though, and we all came home with pumpkins and apple cider, and hey, it's just plain nice to be in the sun with friends. Next year I think we'll have to try this place.

Meet and Greet

Today many of the 10 on 10 photo bloggers met up to celebrate our 10th installment. It was so nice to meet many of you and finally put faces with names (or photo's)!

10 in 10 on 10 - October

Breathe Deep

After talking round and round the issue we finally made the trip to the store and bought my early birthday present! I know, I know, on first glance it's not personal, but I've wanted one for years. Last year at least one person in our family was sick from the month of October until May, and I'm not doing that again. The combination of carpet, the wood burning stove and an ancient forced air system really add to the poor air quality in our home during the winter and after only using this wondrous machine for a few hours there's a noticeable difference.

Chapter Books

D started reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to E this evening. I have very distinct and fond memories of hearing Roald Dahl's masterpiece read aloud to me in grade school, and so far E seems to really like it. I, of course have a bias opinion about the movie versions and am partial to the original, where Dahl actually helped develop parts of the set! After they get through the book we'll have a movie night and watch it.