4th Annual Fright Night

It finally was here- the night where everyone acts like a kid and can get away with it- Halloween! Everyone came dressed up, we ate some good food, and yummy desserts too. And then the games began:

1st a spooky walk - like musical chairs, but a different trick. Then onto the Mummy wrap where the 2 presents went around many times before it was finally unwrapped. Andrea guessed the closest for the candy corn. And "Spider Man" Art won best costume with "Dr. Suess" Justine won 2nd place. It finally stopped raining long enough so we could enjoy some fun and games outside. We had the traditional tombstone search in teams and Rick did a real good job hiding this year b/c it took the teams much longer than in the past. We had a balloon sweep- but the balloons kept breaking- go figure! And then a candy corn relay with a real small spoon. Back inside the pumpkin decorating / carving contest. Lots of winners and very creative ideas too.

Good times- thanks to everyone for coming out and playing with us ~ can't wait til next year!!!

Will you grow up already?

That is what the cousins think of Jonah- they sometimes forget he's only 18 months old and can't do everything they do.....but he sure does try!

Props

We ventured out this weekend to see what we needed for our costumes- kinda sad that we ALL are so entertained by Halloweenie stuff.

Do they not just look like Elton John?

10.21.2000 ~ 9 years & counting

It's this day that we celebrated with family and friends alike making our commitment to each other. I remember - we weren't nervous, we wrote our own vows, we planned everything to fine detail and it was such a memorable weekend in San Antonio. Looking back over 9 years - what mattered was not the happenings of that weekend, but that over time we've been up, down and all around and still holding strong. There's something being said about marrying your best friend and we did just that.

• We used to go out of town spur of the moment, now we plan family trips for Jonah to explore and still make time for a trip by ourselves at least once a year.
• We used to go out to eat and then hit a favorite Musical, now we eat at home with Jonah, welcome our babysitter with open arms and head out for a Musical.
• We used to sleep late together, now one of us sleeps late on Saturday and the other on Sunday.
• We used to work late, now we come home and play with Jonah and work after he goes to bed.
• We used to spend money carelessly, now we spend it wisely.
• We used to travel internationally, now we travel nationally.
• We used to go to bars and hang out with our friends, now we hang out at friends houses.
• We used to hire and pay for a dog sitter for Shellie, now we are so blessed to have babysitters who only accept Jonah's smile for payment.
• We used to fight about small things, now at least we know what is really worth fighting over.
• We used to have our own traditions around the holidays and now we've started new family traditions.
• We used to live in Chicago for 3 years, then Austin for 3 years, and now Dallas - going on more than 3 years.
• We used to stay up late and watch movies, talk or just hang out or sometimes even clean out the garage, now we do still stay up late, but know how to make it work the next day so we're not so tired.
• We used to not know each others quirks, now we know them and probably more than either of us would admit.

I remember my cousin telling me how she loved her husband more now than the day she married him. I couldn't agree more! I love seeing Rick as my awesome husband, my friend, him being a friend, him as a son and brother and most importantly such a wonderful dad to Jonah. Happy Anniversary Rickister- thank you for making me so happy and doing all the little things to make us so. xoxoxo

Do we live in the sticks or what?

After a nice date night by ourselves, we arrive home to open our garage door and a possum goes into our garage! OMG!!!!!! I freaked!!! I don't do bugs or reptiles and certainly not rodents! When I taught Early Childhood, I had a unit on bugs for 2 weeks- I taught that unit in 1 week and we moved on! Those kids didn't miss anything, heck I was protecting them.

It ran in and we couldn't find where it went. I stayed in the car while Rick got out to search for it. He got a broom to hit things hoping the noise would scare the ugly rodent, but nothing. My job from the car was to watch and see if came out- well it didn't- and I could see clearly since my window was completely down, even though Rick says it was only cracked. I was going to make sure this thing was out of my garage no matter what- well Rick was going to make sure! So then Rick gets the lawn blower to scare it. That didn't work either- but I did see his nose poking out from the far corner. So Rick got the broom again and the dumb thing raced to the other end of our garage. Then it's so dumb it couldn't figure out which way was out (I mean the 2 cars running with the bright lights on aren't a clue or anything). It did finally leave and ran across our yard, probably so pissed off he'll be back for sure!

Oh who was taking the pics? That would be Justine who was watching Jonah for us- of course what else do you do when there is a rodent in your garage, but take pics of it, post it on your blog, and let everyone see your messy garage?

"my hero" getting that dumb rodant

that's me sticking my head out - see proof that my window was down all the way

"it"

Halloween Spooktacular

1st "haunted" house

reaction after he saw a "mummy!"

True Love

Jonah got a new lunchbox from Emma! They share lunch together Monday - Friday and on certain Fridays they get to bring their own lunch from home. What a nice surprise and Jonah was all too happy to carry it in this past Friday to show off to his friends. He had a huge smile walking to the frig putting it in there with all his friends. Thanks Emma for thinking of Jonah!

World's Strongest Toddler Contest

Yep- we're entering him in that contest!

Football 101

Really - at what age is too young to teach football? I'm thinking 17 months is a little young, but heck what do I know except that Jonah couldn't run fast enough or hold in his laughter!

Let's hear it for the Boys!

Because we had a house full on Sunday! Mason and Logan came over for some fun, eating and playing. Jonah was on cloud 9 following them around. It is so nice to have them live so close so they will grow up together. Not that we don't miss Austin - we do- but life in Big D is going quite well.

The best Pumpkin Patch EVER!

We headed out to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch and it was too good! Tons of kids activities, lots of pumpkins in a big field, cute cut out characters, creative displays to take pictures, yummy food, hayrides, train ride, kids mazes and more. And best of all -- it was free! Of course, we paid for the food and the pumpkins, but heck- well worth the 45 minute drive to see Jonah have fun going from pumpkin to pumpkin! Can't wait til next year- hopefully it won't be as muddy!

Finger lickin' good BBQ

I had some cousins come in from Houston and San Antonio for the Annual BBQ Cook-off in Grand Prairie. They entered their chicken, ribs and turkey into the contest on Saturday and we got to sample the good stuff. And let me tell you- I am not a rib person at all, but Adolf can cook some good ribs! Although they didn't win (although they made it to the final round), we think they should have-- and if were voting, heck 1st place all around. Can't wait to eat some more good BBQ in April at the family reunion!

Melissa & Adolf

Melissa & Donna

Future BBQ master

Airplane trip to WI for Fall Foliage!

We are brave souls taking a very active little boy on a plane and even didn't buy him a seat for the 2.5 trek to Milwaukee to see family, friends, and fall colors! So we expected the worst on the plane, were prepared to buy those around us some stiff drinks and what do you know- Jonah did great! Of course, a lot of food, juice, the itouch with his favorite apps loaded, his cell phone (thanks Andrea for your old one) and Mr. Potato head go a long way!

The colors were just coming out, so it wasn't full color, but certainly enough to see some good highlighted color. The temp was around 55 and it was sooooo nice to wear coats, be outside taking walks and feeling the crisp air on our faces.

A big thanks to Bob & Cheryl as they hosted an awesome evening for friends and family to come over. There was good food and lots of catching up too! Jonah was the official greeter at the door and was Mr. Personality all night long. Everyone said-- "oh he's such a happy baby!" Ohhh if they only could see those far and few between "other" days where happiness is non existent! Jonah was so excited to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house b/c they have Benji- their dog! All day long Jonah played with Benji- I'm sure Benji is glad we left so now he can sleep!

We spent time visiting some parks, watching football with friends, eating with family and visiting the zoo (which was really cool) and a petting zoo / pumpkin farm! All in all- a successful trip on the plane and a good time had by all in WI!

All the kid needs is some keys!

Playtime ~ all the time