Fun with Friends
Backing all the way up, a few weeks ago we had friends over for dinner, and an after-dinner bonfire... and oh yeah, a little podcasting. Our friend Cody hosts Spare No Arrows and had Todd on for a chat.
Todd's Birthday
Todd turned the big 4-5 this year, and the kids went all out to celebrate. They decorated the house, baked him cookies, and got him the Lord of the Rings movies, since we recently finished reading through them together as a family, and were borrowing a friend's DVDs to watch them together on family movie nights. (The kids are now OBSESSED btw.) Fun was had by all, and we all love him so much.
Reformation Day Party
Our church throws a party for Reformation Day each year. This year, we had to switch gears and host it inside because it was so stinking cold out all of a sudden. There was chili, and a pie contest, and games for the kids, and a bounce house, and a costume contest, and a live band with a square dance caller. So much fun. The kids got dressed up in their costumes - the theme was supposed to be characters from favorite books, or historical figures. We did our best.
From left to right: Wayne from 'Kill the Dragon, Get the Girl'; a tiny little gnome; Ivy Mags from 'That Hideous Strength'; a Fang from 'The Wingfeather Saga'; Lacey from 'Kill the Dragon, Get the Girl'; Jefferson Davis; a fairy princess; Little Red Riding Hood.
I just desperately needed to zoom you in on Oey the Gnome. Gn-Oey.
We had quite the turnout.
Atticus and Penelope were dance partners.
As were Finneas and Laurelai.
Then Penelope danced with her best friend, Lydia.
Toby Sumpter was there, so of course we needed to get an autograph, because he's a celebrity to Presbyterian homeschool kids.
Juther looks very determined.
Penelope's Half-Birthday
Exactly what it sounds like: Penelope is just that much closer to adulthood. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN.
Reformation Day/Halloween
This is the day of the year that kicks off our feast day season! I made up the year's first cheeseboard, which was a hit, then the kids put their costumes back on to head out Trick or Treating. (Yes, we're the kind of Christians that think Jesus actually defeated demons and stuff, so we're not worried about dressing up in silly costumes and plundering the neighbors for candy while celebrating an historically Christian holiday. But don't tell Instagram or we'll have exorcists showing up at our door to do us small favors.)
It was so cold out, and I didn't feel well, so I stayed home with Oey while everyone else went out pillaging. And pillage I do mean - our neighborhood is only a couple of blocks, but I think we own All the Candy now. Every last piece of it.
After they got home, they got a little while to sort and trade candy, and then they each got to pick a piece to snack on while we snuggled in to watch Luther.
Rocco's Birthday
This is one I just can't wrap my head around. I think, because he's the littlest brother, I will always have a hard time not thinking of him as four years old. And here he is, eight. I remember when Atticus turned eight and feeling like he had finally achieved "big kid" status. It's funny how age really is completely relative.
He is so soft-hearted and funny. He sticks to Finneas like glue. He is smart and goofy and basically a human brick. He has zero sense of personal space and would be happy to spend every single one of his days snuggling up to someone else until he dies of bliss.
Here is Todd's birthday blog post for him!
For his birthday meals, he requested Lucky Charms and Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast, hot dogs and takis for lunch, and a Mexican restaurant for dinner. The waiters were so kind to the kids, and gave them all their Dia de los Muertos decorations.
Sisters
This isn't really an event, but can I please just highlight these sisters?
And let's end on that high note!
