Pumpkin Carving

The kiddos first jack-o'-lanterns of year. They carved them by themselves. So impressed with my pumpkin carving prodigy, they made their mama proud.

Winner

Every year the kids at Hope School compete in a red ribbon contest where they draw pictures to fit under that year's theme that ties back into saying no to drugs and alcohol. This year, the theme was "Dream Above the Influence." Keller won an honorable mention for kindergarten and was presented a ribbon at the awards ceremony.  

 
In his own words the description of his drawing:

“ It is a big building with a crab arm on one side and it is shooting out rainbow streaks. The little man is getting his arms sucked off. The monster is blowing out air to give more air to the city. You have to dream above the black things”

That is one proud boy!

Vera and J's LA Experience

3 weeks ago, Vera had plastic surgery on the scar on her noggin' to minimize its appearance. I have been meaning to blog about the entire process (as in why we decided to do it and why now), but can't seem to make myself sit down and write about it. In summary, it went well. The scar was reduced from 3 inches long by 1 inch wide to about the thickness of the yellow part of a pencil. We are very happy with the results.

A week after surgery, J and Vera ventured to LA for an appointment just to make sure that everything was healing well. They spent 6 hours in the car total and 15 minutes with the doctor. At three weeks, they again had to take a trip down to the doctor's office to have the staples that were holding the incision closed removed. This time, J wanted to spend the day exploring with Vera and enjoying time with her instead of it being all about the car ride.

They rode bikes from Santa Monica to Venice.

Climbed around on the adult gymnast equipment. 

 Found a cool and modern playground.

Rode more bikes. 

Visited the LA Natural History Museum. 

AND, managed to finish this entire lunch. I am just a little jealous, since it looks delicious. J had a fantastic time with his little girl and valued the one-on-one time that he got to spend with her.

Halloween Treats

Treats left by our friends, I love this holiday!

YMCA Halloween

Pretty much Gus the entire night. 

Again, with the creepy accessorizes. 

Seriously, kindergarten is a great age for this kid. 

My two olders are pretty darn cute. 

My dreams of a family Halloween costume have finally been realized. First, I have to thank sis...I only got 100 compliments on the boys' hats and I had to admit that my sister had made them. They are amazing. I did make the owl vests, my shirt, and Vera's costume. High five!

Googly Eyes

Much better!

Creepy Glasses

Photo booth props = cool, my littlest in odd glasses = creepy.

Photo Props Galore

Can you tell who loved the photo booth props?

A First

We were at a friend's house today, Gus and her daughter playing in the other room, when all of sudden Gus starts coughing and crying. Not the normal cry. Five minutes of coughing, spitting, all the time with Gus breathing, my life got shorter by about 10 years. It is one of the most scary moments that I have experienced. He had found a marble and for some reason swallowed it. Maybe, just to see if he could. 

I feel very grateful that I get to kiss him good-night tonight. I know that other kids have done it and I was told that money can also be a common problem. My house will be searched for small bits and pieces that have found there way into the nooks and crannies. It is just a feeling of helplessness not knowing what to do and wanting it all to turn out all right. So glad that this time it did.

He looks worried in the first picture. But, by the time we were at Urgent Care getting an x-ray, Gus was back to his normal self. He could eat and drink and had already passed that marble through his stomach for the long journey through the intestines.  

It might take me a bit longer to recover. 

Rainbow Loom

 

The newest craft craze has hit our house, welcome to the world of Rainbow Loom. You can make bracelets, rings, and even flip-flops out of rubber bands. Vera is addicted. I have to admit, I am a little addicted. Look at all those colors, seriously fun.

The Boy's Celebration

The boys got cupcakes too, just a little bit later in the day. Still yummy!

PEP Baby Shower

My awesome PEP Mamas + Sis and Vera got together on a Sunday to celebrate our new bundle of joy. Lots of pink, adorable clothes, and yummy treats were on the agenda.

The three hostesses, love them. 

Sis even wore a pink tutu in honor of us having a little girl. 

  

Mrs. E is very impressive when it comes to baked treats. 

Vera was thrilled that she got to come and loved opening all of the presents. 

Seriously, adorable. Thanks, Sis!!

Vera loved that I got three diaper cakes.

My Crazy Guy

Pregnant, Just Like Mama