Happy Halloween

Well, Halloween has finally arrived and we already have buckets full of candy. We are getting our money's worth with the costumes this year. Of course, Drake is on year #3 with his firefighter costume. He has yet to figure out that you can get new costumes. It really makes you appreciate the innocence of a child.



We enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Vail Valley last weekend to see a couple different sets of friends we hadn't seen in a long time. The weather was beautiful and we were able to partake in the Beaver Creek trick or treating. Both the boys really enjoyed watching the ice skaters and the zamboni - more interesting than all the zombies and such apparently.

On Tuesday night, we carved our first pumpkin. Drake loved turning off all the lights and seeing it glow. Tanner on the other hand......... not so happy with it. It was a beautiful night and Marshall was sweet enough to scrape out the seeds and toast them for me. Drake informed me "he loved them" (and he also loved my meatloaf this week which was a nice surprise!).

On Thursday, we took the boys to the Dish Network Halloween Party. We have done this for several years - it is a great activity for the kids. Fishing, tattoos, pumpkin bowling, haunted houses and candy of course. Drake really was into the haunted house and doing all the activities. He made a mask and it became part of his costume today - so we have a masked firefighter attending school today.

And finally, Halloween has arrived - costumes at school, trick or treating, special lunches and all. What a Friday! Tanner really was indifferent, but Drake's eyes lit up when I asked him if he wanted to put on his costume before we went into the classroom. He carefully looked through the window to see if other kids had on their costumers and after that confirmation, he joyfully put on his costume.

I'm looking forward the wrapping up our festivities tonight with some trick or treating and our Friday night ritual - take out !

My first iMovie Video

Well, I am not terribly creative, but had a fun time playing around with the iMovie function on my MAC. Here is my first attempt at a family video.

Enjoy!

Poker, Salsa, and Pumpkins

The time on the weekends really does fly by. Sometimes, I wonder what it is that we actually do on Saturday and Sunday. This weekend was one of those weekends where everyone got to do something fun just for themselves. Friday night Marshall was able to take in a poker game which he always enjoys. I got some time with the boys and some good alone time which is always nice. It's funny, I'm alone all day working, but having the evenings to myself is a completely different feeling. Apparently, I am still able to separate work and play.



Saturday morning saw a trip to the pumpkin patch on a very warm fall day. We enjoyed picking our own pumpkins, funny gourds, and Indian corn. It took quite some time to get out of the pumpkin patch, but I was able to catch some of the Husker game on the radio during that time and was happy that we came away with a win this week. Marshall also celebrated a Buff win, but unfortunately, the WSU Cougars ended there consecutive game record without a shut out at the hands of USC - ugh.

Sunday saw yard work, car cleaning - Drake was quite a good helper, and organizing the boys' fall clothes. I put away much of Tanner's summer clothes and it is always with a bit of sadness to put away more and more of his "baby" clothes. It is obviously a joy to watch him become such a big boy, but it is also hard to think of my baby growing up so fast. Drake actually took a nap and I was able to take a lovely walk around the park. When Drake woke up and learned I had been on a walk, he was quite distraught. So, he got on his scooter and another walk was in my future. What a treat - two walks in one day - I can't remember when that happened last.

Sunday night was a night of dinner and salsa dancing for me. It was definitely intimidating, but I did get out a dance a few times - poor fellas that asked me. Fortunately, they all survived unscathed. I need to get back and take full advantage of the free lessons next time. And of course, it was nice to just get dressed up and go out - it doesn't happen nearly enough.

Benihana's

Tonight we celebrated another milestone of Drake's school accomplishments - passing his 12th book! He is now on "big" books. It is very exciting to see him reading sentences. I typed some words on the computer and Drake was able to read them. Of course, writing sentences with 3 letter words with short vowels is a challenge.

Drake really enjoyed the dinner and loved his meal. Of course, Tanner ate some rice. But, they both were very well behaved and Marshall and I enjoyed ourselves as well. We don't get out much so any dinner besides McDonald's is a treat.

Surprise!

Our surprise trip to Pender was a success! Not only did we surprise Mom, the flights were on time, and the weather was beautiful! We arrived on Thursday afternoon and had cocktails over at Jaima's and surprised Mom when she got home from work. We stayed at Jaima's and Drake and Alyssa had a sleepover which went very well actually (thankfully).

Friday morning started with coffee at Popo's, shopping for Nana's birthday present and enjoying the nice weather with riding bikes and a trip to the farm to harvest the last of the tomatoes. We enjoyed cocktails on the porch and then headed to Drake's first football game - Go Pendragons! Unfortunately, Pender was slaughtered by Bancroft-Rosalie. Drake came home and said that Pender didn't have many points - that's an understatement. But, the weather was beautiful and Drake enjoyed the popcorn, walking to the game, and seeing his first real football game.




Saturday was another wonderful day with breakfast and Popo's and Mom's birthday party. Drake was a big helper with the party preparations. Unfortunately, the Hukers couldn't pull off a victory, but at least they were in it! The party was great and the weather cooperated. I am so glad that we made the trip and was able to celebrate my mom's birthday with my sisters and parents. What a wonderful time.

I love you a lot and fake coughing

You know - I really think there are so many things that just pass me by during the days. There are things you really just wish you could bottle and hold on to forever. Sitting on the park bench with Drake on Sunday I told him I loved him. He said, "I love you." Paused and then said, "I love you a lot. I love you all the way to space and back." And then asked, "how much do you love me?" Of course, I replied, "I love you all the way to space and back." And Drake said, "that is a lot." Yes, Drake it is. More than you will ever know.

Tanner is of course, fun, fun, fun. He does everything Drake does - the fake coughing is particularly amusing right now. He loves Thomas the Train (marketing works on kids for sure!) and really enjoys his time playing in the basement with all the toys and trucks by himself. He put 2 words together finally - "Daddy down" - I really think we are going to be seeing more and more of that.

Guilty Pleasure

Although there is definitely a lot of work that happens on a business trip, traveling for work (when one only has to do it about 2 times a year) is definitely a mini-vacation. Even airplane travel is relaxing (compared to flying with two kids). Of course, there is the guilt of leaving Marshall at home with two kids, but one week is doable. Business trips really allow me to focus on the small, positive things in life. From driving a Mustang (instead of a mini-van) for a few days, to mornings and evenings without kid craziness, business trips allow me time to relax and rejuvenate. And in my case, a time to connect with co-workers face-to-face, have a team dinner, meet co-workers for the first time, and participate in meetings that just can't happen on the phone.

This trip was even better with a special night in downtown San Francisco. I stayed at the Hotel St. Francis right on Union Square. I had a nice big corner room and also had free breakfast in the morning. The evening was spent out with girlfriends - chatting, drinking, eating, and repeat! It was a wonderful visit to the city. Of course, Friday morning had me wishing Marshall was there to share the city with me - maybe next time.

Truly, I hate leaving all my boys, but after indulging myself for a few days, I'm definitely a better mom and wife. I'm excited to be with them, hear everything they have done (like Drake passing his United States map!) and be truly engaged with all of them. Like I said, rejuvenating and focusing on the positive things in life. Of course, until work catches up with me on Monday morning... ha!