Halloween

This year for Halloween we had a few costume changes, more candy than ever before, and tons and tons of fun!

Here Reese is a boxer, mostly he loved it because his Daddy is a real boxer these days. He may or may not have taken his "gyubs" to box with Daddy at his boxing gym.

 This is Grandma and Grandpa's stake Trunk or Treat, nothing better than time with cousins!

When Reese decided the velcro on the back of his boxing costume was too itchy we resorted to last year's cowboy costume! Real clothes and he gets to shoot a gun?! That's his kind of costume!

At our ward's Trunk or Treat, Jolie decided to bring her friend Katie O. (the nerdy bunny) and they met up with her other bestie Katie D. These kids were inseparable!

If you notice in the picture with her cousins Lucy was Alice in Wonderland. She later put together this "Spy Cat" ensemble. She much preferred being something mysterious!

Here we are at Grandma Rasmussen's big Halloween bash. Wow that's a fun party!

Riding

swinging

jumping happened.

Obstacle course

The school Halloween parade. Here is Lucy with 2 favorite friends, Mackenna and Lilah

Jolie, Alex and Carla

Jolie's teacher Mr. Gossette was the man with the yellow hat.

Just before heading out to Trick or Treat Halloween night.

Trick or Treating on the Strand in Hermosa Beach as is our tradition.

Checking out the loot!

School Again

Just when the summer weather shows up here in the South Bay school seems to start! Oh well, my kids don't seem to mind! Jolie could hardly wait for the first day to come!

 The 2nd grader, in Mrs. Kirby's class. According to Lucy she is pretty and super nice and dresses super cute! (my fashionista!)

 The 4th grader, in Mr. Gossette's class. She is thrilled to have the new male teacher at her school. She says he is super funny so that's good enough for her! And happily the girls classrooms are right next to each other! Makes my life easy!

 my silly preschool boy

 Jolie immediately ditched me upon arriving at the school so I have basically so pictures of her but here is one of Lucy and her 2 BBFs. She was bummed they weren't in her class but they ended up playing together at lunch and recess!

 Then in the afternoon I took Reese to his first day at preschool. He is attending the LIFT program at Alta Vista to get some speech therapy going. I was so relieved he didn't shed a tear when I left him! But I might have! It was an emotional day for me but I am sure I'll be thrilled to have some time to myself this year!

These kids are getting too big too fast!

Reese Turns 4

I can't believe my baby is 4! Here he is on that morning opening a few gifts.

 Then a few days later we had his first ever friends birthday party. He was excited about the idea but I have to admit he was pretty shy and unhappy being the center of attention!

 decorating the pinata bags

 Reese doesn't like cupcakes or cake but he does love sheetcake so that's what we had!

 the only thing he really wanted at his party, a pinata

 again, not so thrilled with being the center of attention

 but he sure loves his new big wheel from Grandma and Grandpa!

We love this boy so much, he has made such strides in talking and communicating this year! I am sure it will only get better with school starting up! Now if only we could get him potty trained...

Lucy's Turn

Lucy turned 7 this week! We had a great party today at Art Zone. This was the perfect party for her!

As much painting as they want!

 Decorating bird houses.

 Flinging mud around in the mud room.

 Sweetness

 Love him

 Caitlin, Mary, Lucy, Jolie and McKenna in the mud room.

 My 7 year old!

 The gerber baby

 Making treasure boxes

 Happy birthday my Lucy!

Lucy is such a sweet heart. She seems to live almost always in a make-believe place. She loves dolls and real babies and all of her many sweet friends! I love watching her learn and grow. She is such a wonderful big sister, often playing with Reese and including him in her games. I am so proud of her hard work in 1st grade and I love her so much!