Halloween!

 We had a low-key, wonderful Halloween. The family came over for dinner and then the cousins went trick -or-treating together. We made a "spooky" Halloween dinner which was fun, and simple. It was COLD and the kids refused to wear coats because they didn't want them to cover their costumes, but they still somehow lasted 90 minutes, which is impressive. We only got 16 trick-or-treaters which was a little disappointing, but oh, well. Maybe the weather? Who knows?

Goblin eyes, vampire blood, bat wings, Frankenstein brains, mummy bread.

We had Maid Marion, Hermionie, Katniss Everdeen, a pirate, a cat, and a lion:

State Marching Band

 We were so excited that Audra made state! Go ThunderRidge!

They got to get out of school and go down to the Air Force Academy for the competition. I went down to be in the Pit Crew, helping move the drums and speakers. I'm part of the "Band Wagon."

It was so cool to be on the Air Force Stadium Field. And to watch the band walk down the tunnel and perform on the field, I almost cried.

They performed incredibly well. Except Audra ran into the person next to her right when the judges were writing- oops. It wasn't Audra's fault. The girl she ran into hasn't been to the last 4 rehearsals and they learned a new move and the other girl didn't know it.

Here's the pit crew waiting in the tunnel.

The band coming down the tunnel.

The trumpeters!

This was the quarterfinals. There were 20 bands, and they came in 20th. That's about what we were expecting, but we were maybe hoping they'd move up a few spots. Regardless, their goal was to make state and they did- and it was truly a memorable and wonderful experience.

Marching band has been so great for her. She was super nervous and I pushed her into it a little, but after marching band camp she said, "I LOVE marching band!" School has been a tough adjustment and there have been lots of trials and tears, but marching band has been a light for her and she has thrived. She can't wait for it to start again next year!

She will still do pep band which will be fun for her.

Trunk- or- Treat

 In a sure sign that things are slowly starting to get back to normal, we had our ward Trunk or Treat! It was all outside- thank goodness for good weather (thank you, climate change!), but it really did feel normal. I think this is our first ward activity since Covid. At least, it's the first one we have gone to.

Audra couldn't go because she had state marching band, and Ben and I had to leave early because we met friends downtown for the Molly Brown House Victorian Horrors. We got Claire and Camille a ride home, and it somehow all worked out. It was pretty crazy! 

There were over 200 people there- I think everyone was ready to do something normal. It was really, really nice.

Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns

 

Hudson Gardens has started Magic of the Jack O' Lanterns. It's a paid event at night when they light up all the Jack O' Lanterns, but it's free to walk around during the day. I knew nothing about this other than the Leubner's said it was worth going to walk around, so we went and walked around and it was simply incredible!!! We have no evenings in which we can go before it closes this year, but next year this is going to be at the top of our list of must dos. We missed having Audra with us, but the three of us still had a good time.

"Twix is the best pet EVER!" -Camille

 

"Shh... Twix needs quiet so she can get accustomed to her surroundings, and we can't go get the rest of her supplies until you finish your schoolwork" = Best Parenting Hack Ever.

I may rig it so Twix never gets accustomed to her surroundings.

Twix!

 12 years ago, 1 kid: Can we get a dog?

Parents: No, sweetheart. 

10 years ago, 2 kids: Can we get a dog?

Parents: Not a chance.

8 years ago, 3 kids: Can we get a dog?

Parents: Never.

6 years ago: Can we get a CAT?

Parents: Absolutely not.

4 years ago: Can we get a cat?

Parents: We are a non-pet household. NO!

Last week: Mom, Dad- we have a puppet show for you! We have been working on it for several weeks, and can't wait to show you our beautiful puppet show!

Unsuspecting parents naively sit down.

Puppet show uses Baby Grogu as a manipulation tool while explaining why children should have a hamster as a pet using three main arguments: 1. Hamsters are perfect starter pets, very easy to take care of, 2. Parents had pets as children, it's unfair of them to deprive their children such a blessing, 3. They are very responsible and will completely take care of it.

Parents look at each other with both laughter and anger while questioning why they taught children to use logic and to speak.

Long story short, meet Twix- the newest member of the family.

The kids are in Heaven.

Roxborough Park

 It was a beautiful, sunny day- this fall has really been stellar- and Audra had the day off school so we went to Roxborough State Park.

This hike can have many titles: Beautiful Fall, Perfect Weather, Stunning Views, or things like Last Family Hike Ever, My Kids Whine More Than Your Kids, Why Did We Have Children?

Lots and lots and lots and lots of complaining. It was perhaps the most frustrating hike of all time, and I have vowed to never bring the kids on a hike again. I'll switch to hiking with friends who don't whine.

Regardless, I had a good time at least seeing the beautiful fall foliage. Mother Nature is truly putting on a show this fall.

Trick or Treat!

 This month with our #universalyums box we got a Halloween "Trick or Treat" game with various candies from around the world. We each tasted each candy, decided if it was a "trick" or "treat" and guessed what everyone else thought of each candy. I will not say it was the tastiest game we have ever had- there were some definite tricks (I'm looking at you, Netherlands)- but it sure was fun!

I so love this family of mine!