Watch out for Demon Mops!

Prior to Halloween, we prepared by carving jack-o-lanterns.

In bell pepper form.

Seriously, it's so much easier. 

Although Calista enjoys using the knives in either just fine.

Spooooooooky!

After we got back from Disneyland, Craig had a thought for Halloween: use his ears and become the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

I found an old red velvet dress my mother had made herself decades ago, and set about repurposing it for Craig.

He approved. 

We had a couple of repeats this year. 

Calista went with the peacock costume again after learning there would be a costume contest at school... 

And she won Best Costume in Grade 7, so it was worth it!

A peacock trying to figure out the notes to Sorcerer's Apprentice on piano. 

I didn't know peacocks could play...

Craig just chilling, 

waiting until the sorcerer goes for a nap to cause havoc.

Caleb loves dinosaurs and so wanted to use this costume, again. 

I think I've gotten good use of my $10 I paid at Goodwill for this costume for Calista...

Dinosaurs read books, too. 

Especially The Stinky Cheese Man.

Yet again, we were blessed with pretty good weather for trick-or-treating. 

Which, of course, led to us being blessed with lots of candy, too.

Happy Halloween!

There and Back Again

Driving to Oregon is long. Driving to California and then back home again? Even longer. 

But we did it. 

Lots of snacks

And lots of breaks.

Getting out of the car is essential to everyone's mental health!

Plus, spinning in circles is just fun.

Since the kids were skipping school, we had them do school work while we drove all the way to California.

Which is exhausting.

Stopping in Oregon meant taking a rest day and seeing my sister!

 Although we only saw Loradona for a few hours, I'm so glad she made the effort to see us!

We spent some time with my parents, relaxing, before we headed down to California. 

Mount Shasta! 

While we were in California, we were pretty busy. Disneyland and California Adventure, the aquarium, Medieval Times and La Brea Tar Pits, the temple...

But in between it all, we found time to just hang out. Mostly at the pool.

My little water babies were happy in the middle of the afternoon

Or in the evening before bed. 

As long as there was water to jump into and floaties to play with!

PS, best use of $20, buying the 3 floaties for the kiddos. 

Thanks for a pretty good trip (in spite of the heat), California! 

Time to head back home!

A Day of Rest

During our trip to California, we made the choice to be intentional with our Sabbath Day. That meant going to church (even on vacation), spending time with family, and going to the LA Temple. 

Of course, it was hot, so the interior of the Visitor's Center was very welcome. We watched church videos 

and built temples with the toys.

And we had to take a picture (or 7) the Christus statue, 

beach-y edition. 

In spite of the heat, we took a couple of minutes to walk the grounds, as well.

(Caleb wanted a picture of himself "meditating" in front of the temple.)

We sought shade wherever we could find it. 

I have come to realize how vital rest can be, 

and our Sunday - our day of rest - was a lovely oasis in a very busy couple of weeks.

Bubbling pits and honorable knights

While in California for Disneyland (and dolphins), we also took a jaunt into LA proper and went to the La Brea Tar Pits.

(Shade was always a hot commodity for us this trip...)

It was a lot of fun, seeing the tar bubble up and all the bones. We went to a puppet show that Caleb, in particular, really enjoyed. 

And had to ask all the questions afterwards. 

He came home with a dire wolf toy that he has been bringing with him everywhere. It's actually kind of annoying. Haha.

With a mammoth!

Another part of our journey was going to Medieval Times.

And checking out the horses!

We got to be yellow (which is Caleb's favorite color!)

The kiddos loved cheering for their knight, even if he lost, and booing at the enemies. Yay mob mentality!

It's nice to have quieter days in between our Disney days. Plus, it's fun to eat chicken legs and tomato bisque!