Halloween Is Growing

Halloween is becoming bigger and bigger in Australia.

I love Halloween, so this is great news.  The girls had a Halloween party at the Gym in the morning, then a  Halloween Party that our suburb put on at the local park called Hocus Pocus.

This year we were all stocked up with Halloween candy in anticipation of the trick or treaters.  Until Dan and I ate it all.  Luckily I had just enough time in the day to swing by the store and restock.  We only got one group though.. so we are all stocked up for next year (or this week..).

This year the Dyllan dressed up as a Mermaid and Ellie was a Lady Bug.  Lucky that Dyllan's size "24 months" costume fit her perfectly.  They dressed up as these because thats what we had in their dress up box.  They're too young to really care, right?!

A few days before Halloween I asked Dyllan what she wanted to be this year - and she told me "a princess".  Then I asked her what Ellie should be.  Her reply- "a witch".  Haha.. and so it begins.   Later that same day Ellie was crying, and Dyllan, being the caring sister that she is said to me "I think she needs something to choke on, mom!"  and I said "WHAT?"  Then realized that she meant to chew on... I have been using both of those words a lot as Ellie is teething and into everything.. chew, choke, same thing.. I had to laugh out loud.

Costume party at the Gym's kids club

Mermaid Cat and Lady Bug Cat (someone painted their faces at the gym)

Halloween was too much for Ellie.. passed out by 10am..

Swim lessons

Ellie watching Dyllan swim

A creepy snake I found dead down the street from us on our way home. I completely freaked out.  Yes I did email the photos to www.snakecatchers.com.au and the guy informed me that it was just  a Carpet Python.  No big deal.  NOT.

Off to Bulimba's Halloween Party "Hocus Pocus".  Dyllans going through a phase where she hates it when we gush over her or call her "pretty"- so she turned her back on me..  

Dont you love the heals?  

Jumping Castles galore!

Timber!

"Let me in mom!"

a wet sponge (?!) competition.. 

Dyllan the photographer.  And yes, I did have my costume.. but wasn't wearing it.  I had a hula costume (from Dyllan's  3rd birthday party) but none of the other moms were dressed up, so I thought I better keep mine in the stroller too.. ha.

We met up with some friends from Sydney who also moved up here.

Bobbing for Apples.  Boy was Dyllan disappointed when she realized that the actual apple was the prize.. not a piece of candy.

Raiding her sisters candy bucket already! (Dyllan in the background hula hooping)

I wouldnt give her the mega warhead.. so she settled on the apple.  

heading home now

So excited with her candy stash...

... I would have been SO disappointed with this "stash"- but luckily Dyllan didnt know any better.  Also one of those lollipops is sugar free and has some ingredient thats actually good for your teeth.. thanks to the local dentist. 

America Trip: Whidbey Island

I am a little behind in getting the rest of the photos up from our trip back home this summer.  

Our first weekend in Washington we went to our good family friends (second family, really) new house on Whidbey Island.  It was such a treat to see it only days after they finished building it- in fact so new that they didnt yet have all their furniture moved in.  

The weather was great and the trip was a perfect blend of relaxation, great conversations, and amazing food.  I can see why uncle "Howl" and auntie "Kathaaay" (as Dyllan calls them) are ready to move up there full time.  

We spent the weekend walking on the beach, making homemade ice cream, roasting marshmallows and hanging out by the camp fire.  Yep.. this is what summer is all about.  

Kathy and Dyllan cruising on the ferry boat heading over to Whidbey Island 

Ahhh we made it!  Long trip (the ferry line was super long!) Time to celebrate

Dyllan loved the train set.. and all the room to play!

Ellie trying fresh raspberries for the first time.

One of the many meals Kathy and I enjoyed putting together.

Hanging out at their beach

Dyllan helping Hal in the boat shed

Whidbey fair.. Dyllan couldnt resist the opportunity to pet the pony-  She was hoping for a ride..

Goofy Girl

Making Ice Cream

Whos babysitting who?

Nick and Ellie- strikingly similar

view from our room

Dianne and Patricks Pup.. Ellie was in love.

who can make the best marshmallow roaster?

I think we wore them out...

Happy Birthday Grandpa Sussex!

Happy Birthday Grandpa.  

I hope you had a great day.

Dyllan and Ellie made you cupcakes and a video.  enjoy.

Here are a few photos from our last visit to Grandpa's house (Aug 2013)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy birthday to the best mom (and grandma) a girl could ask for.

Dyllan has honored you fully today. She loves birthdays and when i told her today was your birthday- she was excited!

She has a little angel you gave her when she was a tiny baby- that she has named Grandma Kerry. She got that out today and carried it with her everywhere. She made you cupcakes and even ate them for you. It's fun keeping your spirit alive. Often times we will be driving and Dyllan will say things like "I see grandma Kerry. She's up in the clouds." And I'll ask her what she's doing- and Dyllan will reply "coming down to play with me" Or "hanging out" or "watching" or "waiting".I tried to capture one of these moments on video this week- and got the tail end of one of her "grandma Kerry sightings".. I'll post that next. It's so cool that you two got to spend time together. I don't doubt for a second that she has forgotten you.

Anyway, mom, hope you're having a great birthday. We sure miss you. We will always celebrate you and enjoy your birthday wherever we all are.

Quotes from Dyllan

The things she says crack me up...


I am getting my hair cut tonight.. And asked her "should I cut my hair short like yours?" And she replies "I don't have short hair, my hair is long" so matter of fact.