Introducing "Strong Storm." We attended Drew's preschool's Pow-Wow today. The kids decorated their costumes and made musical instruments earlier in the week and invited the parents to a Pow-Wow where they sang a song, read a story, and shared popcorn. The children got to pick their own Indian names. Some kids chose Dancing Deer, Red Bear, Princess Bel-bel, Soaring Eagle, Wild Bronco, etc. My two favorites, though, were Walking Beaver and Horse Rock.
Of course we had to put the kids' crazy glasses on Mallory. We didn't leave them on long, though, because she rapidly turned her head from side to side, trying to get them off. Oh, we're so glad she's here for our enjoyment!
Elizabeth had to get in on the action too.
Elizabeth decided to give her Daddy a beautiful hairstyle. What a good sport!
We were in Cape Girardeau on Sunday - Veteran's Day. We drove past a park that had the most amazing display of American flags. It was breathtaking. I would guess there were around 500 full-sized flags lining the road. These pictures don't quite do it justice, but you get the idea.
Today is Edward's (and of course Jan Ellen's) 32nd birthday. In honor of him, I will share 32 things I love about him. In no particular order:
1. He kisses me everyday.
2. He tells me he loves me everyday.
3. He takes time to play with our children everyday.
4. He is a wonderful provider for the other five of us in the family.
5. He also knows how important it is that I stay home to raise our children.
6. He is so funny.
7. He thinks I'm so funny.
8. He shares his very favorite candy (peanut M & M's) with me.
9. He has such integrity.
10. He doesn't yell at me when I have a fender bender in our new van TWO WEEKS IN
A ROW!
11. He eats all of my dinners without complaint.
12. He has amazing faith.
13. He is very handsome!
14. He is humble.
15. He holds me if I cry.
16. He plays "beauty shop" with Elizabeth.
17. He makes me any kind of cake I want on my birthday. His strawberry shortcake turned out
amazing this year.
18. He sends me out alone to the library or to see a movie when he "senses" I've had a rough
day with the troops.
19. He still makes my heart pitter-patter.
20. He is compassionate.
21. He is a considerate boss who values his wonderful staff.
22. He is friendly.
23. He teaches Ross and Drew to respect women.
24. He makes me feel like I can do anything just when he is near me.
25. He changes diapers.
26. He would rather be home with his family than anywhere else.
27. He doesn't sweat the small stuff.
28. He cleans toilets.
29. He gives people money if they are in need.
30. He stops to give people assitance if they are having car trouble, even on holidays.
31. He is honest.
32. He is still my Prince Charming after 10 years!
Drew is very into ninjas & spys right now. Actually he says "inja." Yesterday he was talking to me about his "inja skills" and told me, "When I get big I'm gonna be an American Family Inja." What a creative career!
Finally, the real thing! Trick-or-treating on Halloween.
All of the Wright cousins
" Jackpot! Maybe this dressing-up nonsense isn't so bad afterall!"
Our friends, the Williams, invited us to go trick-or-treating at the state park where they were camping the weekend before Halloween. We enjoyed the candy, s'mores, chili, and good company!
Drew and his buddy CadeYesterday we went Trick-or-Treating to the downtown businesses. The kids really enjoyed a jump start on the candy hunt.
Drew took Mallory on a high sea adventure a couple of weeks ago. They were dodging evil pirates & hot lava left and right!
They are reading the treasure map (a.k.a. Candyland game board).
Usually, we let the kids paint their pumpkins. They pick a favorite image from the computer, I trace it onto the pumpkin, and they paint it. Unfortunately, my craft paints are still tucked away in a yet-to-be-unpacked box in the yet-to-be-organized basement. Bummer. There was much disappointment in the disturbance of routine. Drew would have NOTHING to do with touching the pumpkin "guts."
To celebrate "Fire Safety Week" Drew's preschool took a field trip to our fire station. He was excited to climb into the big fire truck.
Mallory is always swarmed by the little girls. She's usually a pretty good sport. For those of you that went to school with me, the little girl in the leopard headband is Heather Matthews Millers little girl, Morgan. She is such a funny, spunky little thing!
Drew was all smiles as he climbed aboard!
Drew and his best friend, Cade. Now, he's no Sterling, but Cade is a pretty good substitute when Sterling isn't around. Drew calls Cade his cousin, and Cade calls Drew his brother. Whatever the relationship, they are good buddies. Their big brothers have been classmates for the last three years also.
If you have a weak constitution don't read this blog entry!
Yesterday I was driving myself crazy trying to finish up Halloween costumes. I was on the floor really concentrating on my stitching while Drew and Mallory were sitting beside me playing. I looked up at Mallory and noticed she was chewing on something. I made a comment about her tasting something, and Drew told me, "She's just chewing on her spit-up." That's gross enough, but no, he was fibbing. Upon closer inspection, she had a giant Drew-sized booger on her lip. That's right. He was sharing his "treasure" with her. Poor baby.
Here are some shots of the kids enjoying the homecoming parade. They brought their bags to catch the loads of candy being tossed from the procession. Who needs Halloween?
No, it's not the little girls who are dressing up Mallory. It's the boys! Grant, Harrison, & Ross found My Buddy and introduced him to Mal.
I love, love, love this picture of Mallory and her Grandad! It really captures the fascination they both have with each other.
Grandad doing one of his most favorite things in the world - holding his grandchild
.
Grammy & Mallory
For those of you who know my dad, you'll notice he is sans mustache. This is only the second time in my life I've seen him without it. He kept it off for one week about eleven years ago. He's decided to go without it for a while. He keeps getting comments that he looks younger. He says if he'd known that he would have done it years ago.
