spooks

Spooks

There's a goblin by my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.

by, Sandra Liatsos

$3.61 for these overalls

While Rocket Dad was out in the desert, Loraine, Sophie and I took a trip down to Hissyfits, a children's consignment store in Phoenix. I purchased these overalls for Charlie. I thought they would really make his Halloween costume more exciting (unless he now changes back to a skeleton or as of tonight he wants to be a jet).

Doesn't he just look thrilled?!?

adventures with rocket dad

Last weekend, a very brave, courageous, amazing Dad

took four very excited kids

into the hot, dry, dusty desert

to watch rocket launches!

The kids had a wonderful time. They really enjoyed running around in the middle of nowhere, looking at the dirt, oh, and the rockets were great too.

Rocket Dad, you're the best!

our Durham Bull ball player

Charlie has been a hesitant and emotional baseball player. After each practice and each game we have seen agonizingly small bits of progress. And honestly, at one point I really thought we should pull him out, that he was just too young. But, we persisted, and I am so glad, because last night, was the best, he rocked the house!

Coach Bell (Yes, this is Dharma's doctor's husband!) has been incredibly patient with Charlie. He was explaining to Charlie that he needed to hit the ball as hard as he could, drop the bat, and run the bases. Charlie repeated it back to Coach Bell verbatim.

Look at that hit!

Running the bases with Coach Bell.

Giving Coach Bell a high five at home plate.

This was the first night that Charlie donned his batting helmet enabling him to bat and run bases. He was so proud of himself. He smiled and giggled. Everyone on the team has watched Charlie work towards this night and they were all excited for him. Coach Bell told Charlie he made his night. Charles and I are on cloud 9. I am so happy that Charlie has found the joy in this game!

our own personal ghost

This is Dianthus the Mischievous Spirit.

She was captured in this jar and given to us by Aunt Amy. She has had an eventful stay with us. She has moved from room to room daily, read many books, "slept" in a comfortable bed with Ella as her companion (do ghosts sleep?) and today she went on an amazing journey to the kindergarten classroom for share day!
(Pictured, Ella & her cousin Gwen)

surprise

Charlie has decided that his skeleton pajamas are great fun! He wore them all night. I'm so glad he changed his mind, now I just have to work on Ella. I'm not holding my breath...but she may surprise me...

a week of spirit

This week was spirit week at school. Every day allowed an opportunity to dress up with a different theme. I think this is the PC alternative to Halloween?!? Regardless, we had lots of fun...

Monday's theme was to dress up for your future job.

After much deliberation, and our recent Sea World adventures, Ella chose to be a dolphin trainer. The outfit is very subtle. Note the ocean themed shirt and shell necklaces. Ella was very concerned with comfort.

Tuesday's theme was to dress up as your teacher.

Specifically, Ella chose to wear Crocks, just like her teacher!

Wednesday was our favorite dress up day. Ella was very enthusiastic. The theme - dress as your favorite celebrity. This was a bit of a challenge initially as Ella doesn't know about many celebrities. But she came up with something great.

Can you guess???

Bindi the Jungle Girl!

Thursday's theme, was school colors. Go Cougars!

And lastly, today - Friday, the theme was to wear red in honor of the Character Counts program.

Yes, that's a sausage in her hand. Breakfast on the go. It's the best picture I have of her from this morning, couldn't finish without the last photo. It's been a long week, look at that tired girl. TGIF!

Sophie Mae at the Beach

This started out as Sophie chasing birds and ended up as Mama chasing Sophie!

things we lived, learned, and loved at the beach

Building, Building, Building

Digging!

Ella loves texture.

Sophie does not.

Swings with a view.

She swung for hours.

Chasing birds.

Watching surfers.

Our stroller.

Public transportation (the Surf Line).

Another dusty, dirty tractor museum.

Our hotel!

Watching sunsets (from our hotel).

Visiting with manatees at Sea World.

Watching Clyde and Seymour dance to Thriller!

Ice cream after a long day at Sea World.

And most importantly, we learned that we wear our kids out!

Until next time...