Reality

We had such a nice time on vacation, but reality hit hard on Monday morning -- Austin and Meg were up and out the door early. Later while I was reading to Maisie and Andy, Nick came in telling me something. I followed his jabbers where he pointed to his spaceheater that he painted in toothpaste. I couldn't get mad because he seemed so happy to express himself. But I knew I was home sweet home again.

San Diego

Austin and I spent a lovely weekend in San Diego at the Hotel Del Coronado.

We ate lots of crazy food -- Austin's octopus.


We spent time in the temple.


We hiked the cliffs then walked the beaches of Torey Pines.


We rode bikes around Corornado island.


We met up with my best friend from home, her husband and darling baby.


We spent hours laying in the sand, playing in the ocean, and watching the sun set.



(The original brains behind the Del was a man by the name of Babcock. How fitting for our stay there.)


I loved being able to finish every sentence, eat without getting up, sleep until I was no longer tired, and reconnect with Austin. I know we were pretty lucky to end up with accommodations at the Del. Thank you to those who made it possible -- Pavs for watching our kids, Erin and Todd for a lovely dinner and splendid conversation, and channel 12.

Happy Halloween

Halloween 2008





Halloween 2007



Halloween 2006

Halloween 2005

Halloween 2004


Halloween 2003

Halloween 2002


Please love the fact that all of our costumes have been used over and over again. Perhaps next year we'll come up with something new.

Two true "Sleeping Beauties." Meg 2004 and Maisie 2008

Pumpkin Carving 2008

We carved pumpkins for FHE.

 

Andy's pumpkin -- Mario -- carved by Austin.

Meg's pumpkin -- a witch -- carved by me.

Happy Helper -- Part II

My sweet boy emptied the silverware tray without being asked. He knew I needed help. See if you can see him signing "more."

These Happy Golden Years

This was Meg's handwriting page she brought home today. I suppose she is growing up.


Another way in which she is growing up is that I found her peaking at the last few pages of our latest "Little House" (book 8 of 9)book we are reading together. This is what she found. We both giggled. We've been waiting for the marriage of Laura and Almanzo for 8 books. I suppose Meg now knows why I read -- the thrill of innocent romance.

Spooky

We painted pumpkins to turn them into mummies. Maisie says they're "spooky."

Papa's Pumpkin Patch

 

Yesterday we spent a couple hours at a local pumpkin patch. All six of us had a fabulous time.