where have I been?

Has it really been over two weeks since I last posted? Yikes.

In my defense, I have been busy over here, posting pictures of other people's kids.

Halloween was also a big event around here. Much bigger than it ever was before kids, and I think this year was the most fun yet. We spent the week decorating the house inside and out with spider webs, lights, pumpkins and ghosts. The girls each had parties at school, treat or treating at Daddy's office and then finally on the big day, a pre trick-or-treat pizza party, the actual trick-or-treating and then an after party. Claire wore the pink cat princess costume that she spotted in a catalog back in September and was determined to have. Abby, after years of princess costumes, went with super girl this year.

I would post fabulous pictures of them in costume at these various events here, but I did not manage to get a single really good picture. Or any pictures of them actually trick-or treating. Heh. Some photographer I am. And also kind of funny considering that on Abby's first Halloween, I snapped a picture of her at each and every door.

Instead, a few random snap shots...

pink cat on parade

super kindergartener

on the big day, ready to party

you know it is october when...

...the house is decorated with ghosts, the costumes have been selected, the gummy eyeballs have been purchased for the Halloween punch, mom has forced you to pose for what feels like one hundred pictures with pumpkins, you have taken not one but two random rides through farms on hay filled wagons and candy is falling from the sky.

If I did not like summer so much, October would be my favorite month of the year!!

school, week two

One full week of school down, and it would seem that we are settling into a nice little routine around here.

Claire gave the following report following day two of preschool: "Mommy, I did not cry this time because I did not miss you!! I did all the parts and I made a new friend who was wearing a cat shirt. She stood next to me in line." And better yet, two full days with no potty accidents!!

Abby cracks me up on a daily basis with comments that I can't seem to manage to write down. Things like "Don't worry. I am wearing a great shirt, so it is okay if my hair is a mess" in response to "You need to brush your hair before school".

She loves her new teacher and pretty much everything about going to school. I think the routine was sorely needed after a summer of freedom. And when she is not in school or at soccer, Abby can be found roaming the neighborhood with her pack of girls. Aside from the occasional dramatic meltdown, life is good.

As for me, I have volunteered to be a room parent for both girl's classes (a decision I am fairly sure I will end up regretting), my October is pretty much booked up with fall photo sessions, my house is strangely well organized (for my house anyway) and I am very happy to be cooking up soups again.

And finally, because no post is complete without pictures, apple picking. It just would not be fall without it.