Countdown to Halloween

Maliana ~

Now tell me if you agree that this is the absolute cutest sight to see upon waking up on a cold Monday morning...

And if that wasn't the single best way to kick the dreaded Monday morning blahs, the rest of the day actually shaped up to be A-OK as well (thank God). Daddy was working late so you and I set out to create some Halloween inspired treats. I think they turned out pretty good and you really loved the whole process. You adore any opportunity you can to be helpful and/or creative.

while we didn't make these turtle caramel apples...
they were DELICIOUS!

chocolate dipped strawberry ghosts!

chocolate dipped Nutter Butter ghosts

Audrey Ayi came with me to pick you up this week after not having seen you in a while. It was awesome because when we walked in the door at school, you yelled "Audrey!" and ran right into her arms. It made her feel great...so wonderful to have such a nice reception. She sure has missed you, and vice versa!

as usual, Audrey gave you a bath that was
utter chaos and so much fun

Along with Audrey Ayi, we also had another visitor who popped in and out all night. By bedtime, he looked pretty comfortable...I don't think he wanted to leave.

Stormy, the neighbor's cat

I do have to share this story with you too...from one of our drives home from school. You were marveling at how long my arms were as I reached into the backseat to help you with something. Here's the conversation:
You: "How do your hands reach back here?"
Me: "Because I'm big."
You: "I'm big too!"
Me: "Yes, you're big. But you are only 4 and I am 37. So I'm bigger."
You: "37 !?!?!?!? Are you SERIOUS?!?!?!?!?!"
Me: "Ha, thanks a lot!"

By Friday, it was time for your school's Halloween party to which you wore your own custom-crafted costume of "Super Girl"...don't you look proud?

Saturday as we sat and ate breakfast together, you looked up at me with a big grin and said, "You are the best mommy ever!!"...and you weren't even trying to bribe me for anything. Ha ha. But seriously, moments like these (and actually a million more) are what make being a parent so rewarding. Of course, I responded with a "and you're the best daughter ever!!" because I already think that every single day.

After breakfast we headed to your Chinese dance class. I stayed in the room and tried to help you (and Mia) stay focused. Let me tell you, that was a HUGE task. A room full of 4 and 5 year olds does not have the attention span for an hour long dance class. Whew...I sure do have new respect for anyone who takes on teaching young children. Herding cats is the best only way to describe it accurately.

Later, once home, we lay down for a nap together and as we settled in I told you that I love you, once again. You let out a big sigh, evidently perturbed with my breaking the silence after having told me we needed to be quiet, and said, "Moooom...I know. You always tell me that a lot of times!" Ha. Well, I guess there are worse ways to annoy your kids. In my opinion, telling them you love them over and over and over again until they are annoyed is one way that I will happily continue to bug the crap out of you.

Saturday night we had two of your instructors from tang soo do over for dinner and a bonfire. It was really nice to see both instructor Stanley-Wolfe (Mark) and master Han outside of the do jang and enjoy their company in a more relaxed atmosphere. You were thrilled to have them over and kept asking when they would get here all afternoon. We got to know a little bit more about them confirming what we already suspected that they are some really upstanding young men. It's always nice to have a couple more solid role models in your life.

finishing up your s'more with Han (left) and Mark (right)

Sunday morning when we woke up we lounged around for a bit and opened the front door to find some surprise pumpkins on our porch...what?! Is there a pumpkin fairy??

(thank you Lao Lao and Papaw Rick)

Since Sunday was a cold, windy, and rainy day (Hurricane Sandy was on her way)...we mostly spent it indoors. I got out to do a little Christmas recon for Santa, but otherwise it was a laid back day. We did manage to put together some more Halloween treats for dinner though...

getting ready to put mummy dogs in the oven

mmm...a success!

spooky string cheese/green pepper witch fingers

we didn't make the gummy bugs, but
they were yummy nonetheless

We had so much fun being silly that it even caused an impromptu song and dance called "I love my mommy"...which you can see below via YouTube.

I love your songs!!

And Lao Lao finally was able to stop by for some fun after a few horrible weeks of work stress for her. She brought you some LED shoelaces (which are so cool) for trick or treat night...then after making a toilet paper roll owl with us she showed you how to dry glue on your hand and then peel it off like you were peeling off your zombie skin. Just in time for Halloween...thanks Lao Lao!

an art that every elementary school
kid eventually masters

Happy early Halloween!!
Love,
Mama