Pre-Thanksgiving Dinner

Tonight we had an informal dinner to celebrate Sara's birthday and everyone's safe arrival. Unfortunately, my camera was not operable (charged) in time to capture the actual dinner (made by Erin)/ birthday cake/singing/candles/gifts and everyone present, but I was able to get a few pictures of the aftermath (at which time Derek told me, "I had a lot of sugar.").

The kids all took turns getting wrapped up like mummies, then they wanted to be wrapped up ALL TOGETHER, like a burrito. That lasted about 5 seconds.


I think Carissa grew about a foot since I last saw her.


Grayson and his new best friend, "Eehwin."


He explained that he got hurt on the chin by a "wock." When we asked how, he said, "Deowwick." He seems to give that answer for a lot of his injuries...


Carissa is a good speller. Here she was spelling "transportation." I don't think I knew how to spell that at 7.


Too bad I won't be spending Thanksgiving here with everyone! Seriously, how did that work out??

Bodysuits and Black Tights = "I Look Wonderful"

One look in the full-length mirror was all it took for Derek to pronounce in a half whisper: " I look wonderful!" This costume was on from 10 am until 10 pm, and is now on again at 9 am Saturday. It may never come off. Halloween started at Carissa's school with the parade and class party. The boys were initially excited to walk in parade, but opted out at the last second.

Carissa and her friend Pelagia waited patiently.Then each grade took a turn parading around the yard.

Later that afternoon we drove out to Burbank to Nickelodeon Studios for a big bash. Our friend Ashley is a producer there and invited us to the party.

There was food, music, cookie decorating, bracelet making, pumpkin decorating, more food, and then trick or treating through each department. Every show (Sponge Bob, Dora, etc.) decorated their offices in a spook alley/haunted house, and gave out handfuls of candy at the end. It was very fun.Even Batman needs a juicebox once in a while.Here are the kids with our friend, Ashley.
Then it was back home for some good, old-fashioned trick or treating around the neighborhood.

Grayson was hammered by this point and only lasted the length of our street before he completely melted down and was carried home.

Batman and china girl lasted a while longer, but were anxious to get home and pass out candy.

All in all, a wonderful halloween.