Happy Halloween

So tonight we had a fun filled time at the ward's "Trunk or Treat" activity. We dressed as a family of pirates with a baby pumpkin.

We all met several more people in the ward and made new friends. We started the evening in the church at the Chili Cook off. There were several recipes of chili to try (fortunately they were labeled hot or not hot so we could get something that didn't burn to bad). There was also a great selection of corn bread to go with it. We signed up to bring honey butter. We wondered around the cultural hall after the dinner and got to know the members better. Lizzy was particularly fond of the kids who were dressed as a bee, a princess, Buzz Lightyear, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

There was also a cake walk (Lizzy and daddy won 2 cupcakes by standing on the big "10" when it was called) and a 'fishing pond' where Lizzy was able to catch a small pumpkin with an eraser, a rubber spider, and 2 rings in it.

After the fun and games inside the party moved out to the parking lot wherein we were able to celebrate the true meaning of Halloween, free candy! We put our pumpkins in the trunk (with the exception of daddy's which was put on the ground by the car and light on fire) and distributed some candy to the little ghosts and goblins of the ward. Lizzy helped pass out candy for a few minutes then picked up her bag and made a lap around the parking lot to collect her goods.

Even though we were about an hour late for bed (and a little grumpy because of that) we all had a great time. We'll work on eating all this candy tomorrow.

We'll be looking forward to Thanksgiving (the holiday in which we celebrate food that's a little more healthy). Be sure to check back for our weekly polls about Thanksgiving.

Jack-o-lantern fun

Last night we carved and decorated our pumpkins.

Lizzy's pumpkin was a kit much like Mr. Potato

Head. To get the pieces to go into the pumpkin however, daddy had to poke holes into the pumpkin first with a screwdriver. The tool usage didn't stop there. Daddy used power tools to carve his pumpkin to great success. Mommy and Ervin took a less destructive approach to their pumpkins this year.

The whole family is pretty excited for the big ward Halloween party tonight. We're planning on taking our pumpkins to display during the "trunk-or-treat".

Learning to share.

Today during Sacrament meeting Lizzy proved that she does know how to share. She spent the whole time sharing her Mr. Potato Head and Mr. Carrot Head with a little boy named Deacon who was sitting in front of us. She was very nice to him and he had a great time playing with her. We wanted to take a picture but honored the churches policy of not taking photos in the chapel during a meeting.

Saturday is a special day

"Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday." Today, daddy and Lizzy got "tool-ed up" and changed the starter on the car. They also made a trip to Car Quest, which is down the street, and Jerry's, which is similar to Home Depot or Lowe's.

It was a good day to go to Jerry's because they were having their birthday celebration so Lizzy got a coloring page, 2 cookies, and 2 balloons. Daddy lucked out and an employee found a tool holster that he needed in the back for only $5.00. He also staked out the entire store so he knows where things are for his next, of many trips, back.

Ervin is smiling more and more. He likes to play a few games with mommy and daddy. Lizzy is still a very good helper and loves "baby erban" a lot, sometimes too much.

Blocks and Chopsticks

Yesterday, mommy and Lizzy spent a long time building with blocks. We took a picture of one of our "castles". We built a "golden pyramid", houses, barns, and castles while Ervin sat nearby and watched.

For dinner we ate sweet and sour beef. Mommy and daddy began to eat with chopsticks and Lizzy insisted on having the same. It worked great! Rice actually got in her mouth and eaten! We will have to try chopsticks again.