Washington D.C.

Just got back from spending the weekend in DC with Todd, accompanying him on a business trip. I had never been to this historic place and it was a city of amazing architecture, art and yes Obama-pride. The city that lacked color (with most people wearing only blacks, blues and grays) made up for it in the colors of the changing leaves. I felt safe there, with a cop or security officer on every corner, even asking me to drink a sip of my water bottle to assure it was only water before I entered an exhibit. Even with the very efficient Metro system, I think we walked an average of 10 miles per day, thus keeping the many deliciously yummy calories we took in at bay. The Capitol awed me. The White House stunned me (it was smaller than I had expected). The Library of Congress and the intricate art therein wowed me. The Ford's Theater angered me (even early day terrorists killed good men like Lincoln, out of hate). The Smithsonians educated me. The Arlington Cemetary reverenced me, humbled me. The Holocaust Museum brought me to tears and left me with no words. This country of ours continues to be shaped by events and people who believe in freedom. It is amazing to see how far we have come and yet, still have far we have to go.

Halloween Weekend

Well, it came. It went. And left us a truckload of candy I wish wasn't in my house right now. It was fun and here are some highlights:

The annual Hillam Halloween party was at the Crocketts this year and I must say I was thoroughly impressed by all the creative costumes the fam pulled off, wouldn't you have to agree?









I got this eyeball doughnut hole idea out of a Family Fun magazine this year. They looked a lot easier than they turned out to be, so we had to capture a picture to remember the frustration that went behind making them!


Grandma and Grandpa read some fun Halloween books to the kids, we made mummies, made bracelets, played pin the nose on the pumpkin and did a pinata. We had lots of yummy food and I'd say we all left happy and very full.




As usual, the kids had fun helping scrape out the pumpkins, prepping them for carving. Even though we do this every year, they all still get so totally grossed out at the feeling of goo that they have to scoop out. Colby refused to participate and frequently would run away saying, "It's biscussing!"





Every year Todd unleashes his creative abilities on our pumpkins for Halloween. I think he really enjoys it. He asks each of the kids what they want on the front and then carves it for them. He's getting better at it because this year he did them so quickly! Good job honey--they turned out great!