Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween

Want a rundown, photo style, of our crazy holiday?
Here goes:
The kids love carving pumpkins.
Correction: they love taking the stuff out
and having Daddy carve them.

Step 1: Take out the slimy guts.

We got a little bit carried away with our little guy and the pumpkins.
He didn't love it so much, but it sure makes for a cute picture!
Every year, I think there is no way Todd will top the pumpkins of last year.
And every year he proves me wrong.
Step 2: Pick out a picture you want, have Dad convert it and then carve it.
This year he did one per night.

Our oldest wanted ballet shoes. Here's what he came up with:
This would have to be my favorite!
Who is ready to place their orders for next year?

Once again, this year made for a great annual Hillam Halloween party.
Everyone was festive, the chili was divine and Missy, as usual, came prepared to wow the kids with games!
Thanks guys!

What's that you say?
You want close-ups?
I aim to please.

The gypsy.
The Jester.
Boba Fett.

Jango Fett.
Our Little Lion. (I still need to get a better picture of him--he was so cute!)
Oh, and let's not forget the psycho punk rockers, or "nutcrackers" as our 3 year old calls it.
This is so opposite of what Todd is--he was a bishop, remember!
As he took the kids out last night to trick or treat, there were people who were genuinely frightened for their kids! We had fun, though. Perhaps we missed our calling in life--we could have made some sweet rockers.

What a punk. . .
Hope you had a great Halloween!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Turnback Tuesday

This post is dedicated to past Halloweens, and all the costumes (at least the last 5 years). . . .

2005
(My fave would have to be Napoleon Dynamite!)
2006
(The grumpy witch wins hands down! and no, folks, this wasn't an act!)
2007
(Can you believe my little History Bug insisted on being Betsy Ross? Love that she loves history so much! And would someone get a bra for this man? PLEASE!?)
2008
(I LOVE the pirate costume on my little boys-will it last for one more? Oh, and how do you like my $5 DI still-in-the-bag wench costume?)

2009
(Okay, gotta go with the Jedi. So darn cute.)
Here's his closeup. He's shooting the Force through his eyeballs!
Also dedicated to this goofy fellow.
Grandpa Startup--always a supporter of Halloween (or any holiday for that matter)
who would have just celebrated his 92nd birthday.
We miss your laugh Grandpa--and of course, your funny costumes.

And to this little Miss.
Who just turned 8.
I love my girl.
Pictures of her day will follow. . . .
What are you being for Halloween?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Fall Break

For Fall Break last week, we headed south for warmer temps with the Morleys.
Bless them, they knew we were on a tight budget.
If you want to know how we made it work, check out my IAHU article.
We hadn't had a family trip all year so it was a nice break from the norm.
Here is a brief rundown of what we did:










I love getaways and am ready to plan our next one, even if it doesn't happen until next year!
What did you do?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Turnback Tuesday

Ever since I was a kid, Grover has always been one of my favorite Sesame Street characters--and now, all the more reason for YOU to love this furry little monster too. . . . and just try not to laugh. Just try.



Sunday, October 10, 2010

Happy Anniversary to Us

12 years--Wow.

We escaped this weekend--
--for an entire 24 hours.
It was lovely,
but not near long enough.
Thanks to his mom for wrestling with 4 of our 5 for 24 hours.
(Baby came with the food supply. . . me.)

We drove.
Through the canyon
listening to the pelting rain
thunder
and 3 awesome CDs of The Love Soundtrack
created by me--:)
Seriously great tunes.
Landed in Midway
ate a scrumptious dinner
alone
in an empty restaurant
by candlelight
and a warm fire.
Again, lovely.
Stayed at the Homestead.
Nothing too fancy
but it was quiet
and we were alone (for the most part).
The storms of the night made the colors all the more vibrant the next morning.

Ate breakfast at a small Brazilian cafe
that makes the world's greatest hot chocolate.
Yummmmm
Did some shopping.
and lots of talking.
We actually laughed with one another again
because sometimes we forget how to.
Drove Guardsman's Pass.
Snow at the top
but wandering through God's Great Art Museum with my favorite fellow?
Now that was perhaps the loveliest part of all.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Turnback Tuesday

27 years
Hard to believe it has truly been that long.
But then it feels like eternity since I have seen you
smelled you
felt you
laughed at your goofy sense-of-humor.


Miss you Daddy.
So much it hurts some days.
I know you are busy.
Thanks for coming around on occasion.
See you soon . . .