Hallow-eats 2020 (part 2)

 I just wanted to share some more of the fun Halloween themed food we had this week! We had some fun ;)

Picture Dump

 Just some pictures that make me happy!

Matthew was playing with his blueberries, giving them personalities until they bounced  right into his mouth. He would smile at me mischievously and it made me want to freeze this little boy at five.

Good morning Selfie for Calhoun.

William is so proud of himself for reading to chapter 4 of this book! I asked him what it was about and he was stumped, but he sure was excited about reading all the words!

Matthew and John wrestle ALL the time.

Ages ago John started telling this spooky story to Matthew in which he would say in a creaky whisper "wheeereee is myyy tooooe...." I believe he would eventually end the story with cracking the boys toes. Well. Now in the dark of morning it isn't uncommon to hear a litthe preschooler crawling up to our bed screech-whispering "wheeereee is myyy toooooe!" Then giggles, wrestles, a kick to my face on accident. The match typically continues into the morning routine and it's hard to keep Matthew focused with John around!  

Ugh. My boys. I just love them, even in their weirdness. They love super hero dress up and trading pokemon.

Cate had a photoshoot for church. I could not believe how grown up she looked here! It made me catch my breath and curse father time. 

Late one night I found the kids playing Monopoly. I find it interesting that all the day long everyone is so bored and often ornery with eachother, but right at bed time theyou always seem to be getting along quite nicely playing something productive enough I have trouble justifying bedtime.

I love finding toys all lined up.

I love picture. Johnny and William with their respective friends, and Rosco so happy to be outside with everyone. (Johnny was about to go to a costume party.)

 The school's Halloween display!

William loves changing the lighting on his zoom so he looks like a zombie (maybe from the Disney musical he watched with Cate?)

More wrestling.

Playing at the Cumming's house!

The kids and I got to go watch Star Wars at the movie theater, it was so much fun. We hadn't seen episode V, so it was a special treat.

Matthew got to sit with his little preschool buddy, Brooks. It was darling.

This was us outside the theater- Everyone was so excited!

Someday I will miss walking past johnny's messy room, I'm sure. So I just want to capture it here for memories sake. His school play dough display of Oregon, his legos, all the toys bins down from the shelves. His crocodile collection, rock collection, and teddy bear family on his bed.

Matthew insisting on helping me because dad was not present.

Cate at a youth planning meeting.

Another picture of Caity getting ready for her photo activity. So sweet.

Tennis in Jacksonville

 Last night felt particularly lovely. 

We dropped Cate and Johnny off to a Halloween party and took the younger two to a little park in Jacksonville. John and I have been wanting to play tennis for quite a while now. So while William and Matthew reacquainted themselves with the playground apparatus (it's been since March), John and I volleyed tennis balls back and forth. The chill in the air, the sun setting over the mountains, the vibrant fall colors at twilight: it was a feeling I want to bottle up to taste again on another day.

It was an evening where everyone seemed to get along so well, and we were all feeling happy. After we picked up the big kids we went home and Johnny made cookies while we watched a movie together. It was such a good night.

Halloween Eats and PTO

Having my kids home during the day has made this Halloween season a little more magical. I feel like the younger two boys are constantly in dress-up mode, we are reading so many cute festive stories, enjoying the Halloween section on Disney+, and I've tried to take advantage of our extra time with themed meals, crafts and activities.

Here are a few of the fun snacks we have made:

I had the kids build their own spider with pretzels sticks and blueberries with their uncrustable.

Some other meals not pictured: zombie brains (meatloaf in the shape of a brain), crushed bones (mashed potatoes), goblin fingers (green beans); witch's brew and corn bread; mummies (white enchiladas) and monster baby teeth  (corn); attempted Ghost shaped donuts and pumpkin juice (peach smoothie.)

Anyway, just lots of fun festive eats that  brightened my days!

Of course I am looking forward to the kids being able to be back at the school again, but it really has hit a sweet spot having the kids home.

Speaking of back to school; yesterday I was able to help the PTO sell and distribute last year's yearbook to parents picking up art from our program. I was honestly dreading the four hour block of time I had to cut out of my week. It was quite the highlight, ironically. It was so nice to see all the parents I have developed friendships with. I also loved basking in the beautiful fall weather. I feel like Jacksonville is a bit of a show off this time of year and I am all for it! It was a beautiful peaceful afternoon feeling once again connected to our little community here. I am grateful I took the plunge to get involved in PTO this year. I've only regretted it 80% of the time, haha. But that 20% sure has brought me a lot of joy, and the 80% has brought lots of learning experiences so there is that!