Happy Halloween 2012

Tonight we joined our friends at the Baxter's home for a yummy dinner and then trick or treating in The Colony neighborhood. This is our 5th year joining this group and it has become a fun and highly anticipated tradition!

 Here are all the kiddos in their costumes!

 Drew and I switched head gear- I love the black wig!

Nathan was a blue-man- the rage this year were Morph Suits. They came in all different colors, but since blue is Nathan's favorite color- it was an obvious choice.

Jason was a Transformer- Optimus Prime to be exact. I have know idea why he chose this costume, but once he had decided back in September, there was no changing his mind.

It's That Time Again

Every four years we have the privilege to vote in this country. Think about it- there are many places in the world where people aren't given this freedom. Not too long ago in THIS country, not everyone was even allowed to do it. We have come a long way.

If I am honest, I hate politics. People are just not nice when it comes to politics. Whether you are Republican, Democrat, conservative or liberal- people don't play fair in the game of politics. That's the part I don't like. People fight over it, it breaks relationships, and brings out the worst in people.

Rodney King said it best, "Can't we all just get along?"

That said, Dan and I participated in our right to vote. We are absentee voter people. We like sitting at home with all of our stuff. This year we had the ipads out so we could look up different issues. We tend not to vote on party lines, but for the issues at hand. Dan knows a lot more about what is going on then I do, but he is kind to help me out when I get confused.

So, the ballots were mailed in and now we wait and see. I hope you do your part too!!

Nathan:: A Dream Come True

Ever since Nathan did Mathobotix a few years back, he has wanted a Lego Mindstorms set. If he had continued with Mathobotix he would have needed his own set, but he did not continue. The set is $300- not cheap. We have wanted him to save his own money for it and he slowly has. Our kids sometimes want something and then they forget. Well, Nathan has consistently and persistently asked to get the Mindstorms set. He has asked grandparents, parents (heck, anyone) to get him this set.

After asking AGAIN on Wednesday night, Dan and I talked about it and decided we should let him get it. After all, we hadn't bought him anything for his 9th birthday and he had a lot saved in his bank account. So, on Thursday (after homework was completed) we took Nathan back to Mathobotix (which happens to sell the set- instead of waiting for it to be shipped to us) and we purchased the set. We then took Nathan to the bank and withdrew the money from his account. This was one happy boy!

 Nathan with $$ in hand

 Do I have enough?

 Daddy's new toy?

"Hand over the money & I will give you the set"

 The exchange is made

 "All mine- ha ha ha ha"

 "I'm Rich!"

As soon as Nathan took possession of his Mindstorms set, he was busy building & programming. Who knows if we will ever see him outside of this room again!

Date With Pickle

Today I had the privilege of a date with my favorite three year old- Elise (aka Pickle). Pickle started preschool recently and I have wanted to pick her up, have lunch with her and play for a bit before taking her home. Today was the day and it was PERFECT. Of course, she kept telling me it was a "play date" NOT a date- my bad!! Also, there was a lot of pressure to have a good time. She kept telling me, "I hope we are going to have fun". Well, I think Pickle had a fun day and so did I!! 

After picking her up at school at 11:30, we headed to UCI to have a picnic lunch with Dan in the Arboretum. It was a sunny day, but not too hot- perfect!! After lunch we headed to Sweet Shade park where we played for an hour and half. After this we headed to get Jason at school and then took Pickle home.

All in all, it was a wonderful day with my sweet little friend- I hope for more of them in the future!