Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween to Ye!

Rather than be too wordy, I'll just share some pictures of our Halloween celebrations!
Pirate fairy Jane and pirate mate Harry!  I enjoyed making these costumes (all except for the white shirt and tights).
Enjoying the party at the embassy!  Everyone did a great job and I especially thank friends (like Shennie and Tina) who helped keep an eye on Jane and Harry while I handed out candy and helped with face painting.   

We hosted a Children's Halloween Party again this year.  Activities included the Spider's Lair (upgraded to the guest room) and a Forbidden Forest filled with flying witches!  I plan on keeping the trees up on the walls throughout the holidays, decorating them for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Waste not!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Family Picture time!

We try to be good about taking the occasional family picture, taking advantage of nice weather and good backgrounds.  Here's what we came up with this year.  Enjoy!









For additional pictures -- click here!

Witch's Brew!

Last year I started a tradition of having the "witches" leave something behind for the kids to get them excited for Halloween -- a Halloween book, an activity, candy, etc.   Jane tries to see the witches flying around or hopes to catch them when they come to leave the surprise.  So far, I haven't been caught!

For one of the activities (by far the most elaborate), I gave the kids some ingredients to make their own witch's brew.  I used edible, less-frequently-used items from the kitchen and pantry.  At the end I kinda hoped that we could drink it, but as you look through the pictures, you'll see why that didn't work out.
What the witches left behind for the kids to find.
The kids enjoying putting the ingredients together.  It was fun to hear them say, "I need more Vampire Tears!" or "Can you pass the Bone Powder?"
And then, what we all expected... It all just started to get mixed into a big, huge, mess.  Luckily, I was ready and just dumped it all into the sink before it ended up on the floor.   It didn't taste good anyway. 
I was glad I used ingredients I didn't care about so when it came time to throw it all in the sink, I didn't feel bad.  Next time I think I'll plan it out better so we can actually enjoy drinking it in the end. Still, the kids had a great time mixing things up and making a yucky brew!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Parent Exercise Program

My Parent Exercise Program:


Arm and neck muscles  
Back and legs
Stomach muscles
Mind and emotions
And that's why I don't have a regular exercise program right now.