West Fest Oh-10

So, we had our (sort-of) annual Halloween party again this year. I was going to call it a semi-annual Halloween party, but technically semi-annual would mean every two years, and I think the last time we actually pulled off a party was in 2007. So, not quite semi-annual. But we are hoping to actually make it an annual thing, since we had a blast throwing the party.

This year, West Fest included many carnival-type games, including bobbing for apples (in the sink), eating-donut-off-string races (from the ceiling fan, no less), a cake walk, pumpkin painting, and a viewing of Hocus Pocus - a Halloween classic.

We had a great time, and are grateful for everyone who came. Sorry we had to cram you all in to such a tight space, but we appreciate your good humor about it. We are hoping next year to kick the Halloween season off early and just do the whole thing outdoors in early October while it's still warm. We'll see how it goes.

Anyway, here are some photos from the event:

 Isaac getting ready for the festivities in his Leonardo costume.

 The kids were awesome sports about bobbing for apples in the sink. 

 It was so much fun to watch them be so excited.

 Isaac had his own method of bobbing.

 "Hmm," he thinks. "Which one do I want?"

 "I'll have this one thanks!"

 The whole family: Casey Jones, April O'Neil, and Leo. Now we just need three more kids!

 Once again, the kids were awesome sports - Danika was even willing to try to eat the donut while it was tied to the ceiling fan (yes, it was turned on!).

 Take 2, with the donuts tied to Rick's wizard staff.

 Isaac thinking, "Hey! Where's my donut?"

All in all, much fun was had, and we're hoping to do it again next year!

Happy Birthday to Isaac

Isaac turned one back in August, but it was just too busy that month to celebrate in style. So we waited till September and threw a big bash for the little guy. We invited friends and family for a backyard BBQ and had food, music, and conversation. Isaac had a blast, thanks to all the fun kids that came and played in the dirt with him. Here are some pictures:

 Isaac's robot cake. It says "Isaac 1" if you could see it 360.

 Isaac is excited for his party. He's actually dancing here.

 Ain't he a cutie?

 I love my handsome boy.

 Isaac says, "Dad, I can't believe you have this on your playlist! I'm going to change it to something more appropriate."

 Here's the cake surrounded by cake pops I made. Tutorials for these have been all over and I really wanted to try them. So now I can say I did, and I am never doing them again. The how-tos all made them seem soo easy and fun. They were not. But they were really cute, huh?

Here's our awesome robot we made out of rice krispie treats, fondant, and candies. He's cute, huh?

 Here's cute Johnny.

 Jonas. He ate the robot.

 The big boys like to pick Isaac up and carry him around. Here, he has been dropped. James snapped pictures while I laughed at my child.

 Yeah, we're winning the parents of the year award. Hands down.

 Allison and Michael enjoying the festivities.

 The cute Bonnett family.

 Some of Isaac's favorite playmates, our former neighbors the Dusbabek boys.

 Isaac and his cake.

 Isaac's favorite portion of the party. Playing in the dirt with Evan.

Thanks to everyone who came. To those who couldn't make it - we missed you.

May the Course Be With You

Race course, that is.

On Sept. 11, the culmination of months of hard work and sacrifice finally arrived. James spent several months getting up early and running in the wee hours of the morning to prepare for a half marathon. He started out running 2-3 miles daily and worked his way up to 11 miles over several weeks. The hard work may have been on his part, but the sacrifice was all mine. I had to give up my sweet, happy husband for a grumbling, crotchety one. He hates running. And yet, he did it. Every. Dang. Day. And then came home and told me how much he hates running. And how bad his legs hurt. And how he was sooo tired. No, but really, he was still sweet and happy, just a little extra complainy. It was cute. Mostly.

Anyway, it all came to an end that day when James ran his 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 30 minutes. What did I do all that time? Well, it was hecka cold, and I was not prepared, so Isaac and I booked it outta there before the race even began. We wanted to stay and see him off to a running start, but they kept delaying the race time, and poor Isaac was all red-cheeked and sad. So, we left, went home to sleep for an hour, then got all bundled up and came back. By that time, the race organizers had started cooking pancakes and waffles, so I dug in while my dogged husband was pounding the pavement. I'm all about being supportive. So, after I had my fill, and Isaac had spent a good half hour playing at the playground, we wandered over to the finish line and cheered James as he crossed the line like a champion. I was immensely proud. Even though he claims to hate running so much, he had made a goal and he had achieved it. My husband is awesome. And you know what? He says no more half marathons. Hurrah. ... He's now set the goal of running a marathon next year. Can someone say masochist?

Here's the handsome man on race day:

 Stretching before the race.

 More stretching.

 You can tell Isaac is loving this.

 Bad Mom forgot a jacket for baby, so we improvised. 

 Luckily, James got a t-shirt from the race, so he gave Isaac the one he had come in.

Excited anticipation? Rueful disbelief that he's actually doing this to himself? You decide.

 More stretches.

 Here he is lining up to race. Right before I took off like the awesome wife I am.

 And here's the reason they kept delaying the race. They wanted every one to get a chance to use the bathroom. Did they not have toilets at home? Come on, people!

 I tried to get James to pretend to start running, but he thought it wouldn't be convincing, what with all the people standing still behind him.

 See, Isaac, I got you a jacket. I'm not so terrible a mom.

 Isaac, smile. You love the swing.

 You love it.

 I swear.

 Yeah, Mom, whatever you say.

 I tried to get a shot of him crossing the finish line. That gray dude is him. Getting his chip clipped off his shoe. It's not the best action shot, I'll admit.

 Checking his time on his awesome watch.

He is the champion, my friends.

Aunt Martha's Tea Party

In August, we celebrated Aunt Martha's birthday with a tea party. We got all dressed up in hats and dresses and enjoyed delicious finger foods, including real English scones and clotted cream. Delicious. Here are some pictures of the event: