Happy Halloween

The above costumes are an obvious choice for Halloween for this Mystery Incorporated-loving trio. As you may have suspected, Skip is supposed to be Fred, and I am supposed to be Daphne. The adult costumes just never really came together, if you know what I'm saying. 

Also, they tried to talk Grammie into being Hot Dog Water, but she (naturally) balked at the suggestion. 

The trio have Daniel Day Lewis-ed their roles and have been "in character" for approximately two months. They are Velma, Shaggy and Scooby... or, as they will tell you... Velma Dinkley, Norville Rogers and Scoobert Doo. 

George got a lot of laughs yesterday at the pediatrician's office when he responded to the what-are-you-going-as questions with pitch/delivery-perfect: SCOOBY DOOBY DOO!!!! He is ready for some voice work, should the current voice of Scooby Doo need to retire.

Lauren has been the biggest surprise with her love of Shaggy. To see girly Lauren don this wig has been a sight to behold. We tried to steer her toward Daphne, but she insisted on Shaggy. Even after the costume arrived, we told her we would order Daphne if she had second thoughts. She wouldn't hear of it. As she explained her position, "I like to eat... like Shaggy." 

We drew the line at decorating one of the vehicles as the Mystery Machine...

...although Lauren graciously offered to paint it green for us.  

Tonight they will be solving mysteries and occasionally trick-or-treating.  

Happy Halloween!

Daily Photo(s)

Grace and William George wanted to recreate their beach experience. A few pairs of sunglasses later, they were rocking an indoor beach party.  

Daily Photo

William George loves having Tuesdays and Thursdays to himself at home. He has the full run of toys and art supplies, and he has control of the screen, meaning he gets to select his favorite Scooby Doo episodes for viewing. Often, he announces that he needs covers (pronounced "cubbers") so that he can snuggle in and keep up with those meddling kids.

8th Birthday (One Last Thing)

The weekend of the girls' birthdays was a busy one. Between their two classes, there were three birthdays during that weekend, those of a sweet friend who sits at Grace's table and another set of twins.  

After attending a party, we came home for another family dinner, and William George presented the duo with their presents. 

Yes, he is wearing Elmo pajamas on a late Sunday afternoon. (Grace's beloved pair that she generously handed down to George when he was an infant.) Sometimes William George likes to wear pajamas during his nap, and then prefers to wear them instead of his clothing. We pick our battles.

Anyrate. The duo patiently waited for him to deliver presents.  

Sometimes he got distracted...

But mostly he stayed on track.

His reward for being awesome during birthday weekend was a Lightning McQueen car and some red sunglasses.  

These are truly the last pics from the duo's birthday. Skip's birthday is up next...

Happy Happy!

Today is Skip's birthday!

His contribution to our family over this past year (all years, of course, but this year in particular) has been incalculable. This year has been challenging, and he has been a total rock and endless source of strength.

We have made his favorite cake (caramel!) and will be serving up a birthday dinner and presenting a cake (while singing) later tonight. Skip, we are so glad you were born, and love you to the moon and back!

Happy birthday, Skip!!!

PS: Remember 40 fun facts about Skip?

Back to School Style, Second Grade

Outfit eight or nine (who can remember) is brought to you courtesy of Gran so I am not sure of the source. This is a pink lace dress with a purple, grosgrain belt that can be belted in the front or back. The duo pair these dresses with bicycle shorts for a school-ready look.  

William George photobombed in his moose pajamas in fleece.  

Since this is one of the girls' favorite outfits, I had promised to document it since they will likely outgrow it by spring. I don't remember how that feels, but I am imagine it's a lot like having a favorite lipstick discontinued.  

An Old Favorite

Guess who still likes laundry? 

Celebrating Eighth Birthdays

Lauren and Grace turned 8 on October 3rd. We celebrated by meeting them at school for lunch and taking them to CFA for dinner that night (their choice). The following day, they had several friends over to celebrate.

William George stayed close to the grandparents during all of the partying.

Since the trio are currently obsessed with all things Mystery, Incorporated, it was only fitting that a Scooby Doo bounce house should provide the entertainment.

There was a brief intermission for pizza...

...and cake.  The girls requested homemade cakes this year, and Gracie's chocolate cake came off without a hitch. Lauren's coconut was more of a challenge. Although the cake was delicious, the cake was going to lose a few style points (read: not photograph well). Therefore, we delegated to Savage's at the last minute.

Gracie loved hers.

William George, whose favorite aspect of birthdays is the whole cake+singing routine, was a little perplexed that he was not given a cake.

Lauren was very excited about her turn...

...ahhh... the anticipation....

...and then the moment when your little brother swoops in and blows out the candles for you.

A do-over was requested...

...and he basically did it again, although she tried to beat him to the punch and succeeded in blowing over her cake topper while extinguishing the candles.

Then it was present time. Everyone was much too generous. (Thanks again to all for your thoughtfulness and generosity.)

Much of the photography is courtesy of our sweet friends, Jerry and Ashley, and they loved giving Skip's dad a hard time. Nothing makes him happier.

Grammie and Auntie Melinda were deep in the present fray. (Gran, how did we miss you? You are very sneaky, but we will get you next time! :)

Sweet, awesome friends.  Again, photo credit to Ashley, with my apologies for the fixed lens (and its challenges with group photos)!

Finally, we were ready for the piñata. Lauren took a crack at Scooby, but Gracie (second in line) took it out with one swing.

Although I was disappointed with the piñata I had driven across town to purchase at Party City, candy never disappoints.

Grace and Lauren had a wonderful 8th birthday, thanks to loving family and sweet friends. They are so very blessed (as are we).

PS: Remember last year?