Halloween and Indianapolis

Maliana ~

We had a couple bits o' business to take care of this week, but for the most part, it was a fun-filled week full of Halloween celebrations, trick or treating, parties, and an out of town girls' trip adventure!

For one bit of business, you begged me to attend a Wilder fundraiser at the skating rink, and with the big elephant tears you whipped out when I wavered on saying yes, I knew I had to buck up and take you in spite of how tired and worn out I felt. Daddy met us there and while there wasn't a big turnout at all, I'm glad that we at least did our part.

this is your "I'm on skates but I'm not happy
about letting you take a picture" face

dancing with a friend from school

I also had a meeting at Children's Hospital this week for the Cleft Lip and Palate Parents' Advisory Group to which I belong and wound up taking you with me. You told Miss Jessica that morning at daycare that you had a meeting to attend and so would not be back after school, and then added, "but, I can come back if you want me to" with a combination of casual nonchalance and huge swagger. My little executive is in such high demand. Ha. You did fantastic entertaining yourself during the meeting and just so happened to be wearing your Team Lentil t-shirt of which the psychologist there knows all about. We chatted a bit with her and are hoping to somehow get little Lentil Bean to come to one of our events next year. Wouldn't that be awesome? We love that little pup.

Lentil is an adorable little dog that was also
born with a cleft lip and palate and has
become a national spokes-pup for
kids with craniofacial conditions

Beggar's night was on All Hallow's Eve and while I have no idea where your idea for a vampire costume was born, it ended up being the perfect choice for you! We did your hair into a widow's peak and with the short length, it couldn't have turned out any better. I LOVED it. Once you got over your shyness, you grew more comfortable with showing off your costume and got even more into trick or treating this year than last. You were still hesitant about going up to peoples' doors, but by the end of our outing, you were doing it like a pro.

you wanted Daddy and I to wear our capes
and Lao Lao was also dressed up as
Rosie the Riveter

we ran into Addison,our old neighbor

and some of the kids from the 'hood

You lasted about an hour and we headed back to the bonfire in Mark and Jen's driveway where about 5 houses full of neighbors came over to hang out, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and laugh the evening away while we handed out candy. Once the begging hours had passed, you headed inside with Sophia, Cori and their friends for the big "candy trade" and some Wii while us grown ups stayed out in the cold around the fire, talking.


we also came up with a new Halloween tradition that we've named
"slip the weiner"...basically slipping a chunk of cold uncooked
hot dog in an unsuspecting kid's bag with their candy
(Sophia was our first victim this year)

sugar coma crash on my lap after your
big Halloween trick or treat night

It was a late night but luckily the next morning was Friday and fortuitously, your speech session was canceled so we got to sleep in another 30-45 minutes (doesn't sound like much but hey, every little bit helps). We got you ready for school and I was so tickled that you wanted to wear your vampire costume again (you weren't sure that you had wanted to earlier in the week, afraid you'd be embarrassed). We pulled up at school and you wanted to stay in the car for a few minutes, scoping out if any other kids were in costume. I guess you didn't believe me that other kids would actually be dressing up! We saw a couple of kids and even a mom (!) in costume and so you agreed to walk up to the front doors with me. I was carrying the spider and bat cupcakes that we'd made for your class party that afternoon and while I went in with you and put them in your classroom, you were still a little shy. Once in your room though, you flipped a switch and were totally comfortable, fully in school and friend mode. You were in your element. I love seeing you like that. I (almost) don't even mind that you barely acknowledge that I'm leaving and Heaven forbid you let me kiss you or say "I love you" in front of your friends. *sigh* This is just a taste of the years ahead and I guess I am ok with it...no, I know I'm ok with it. It's just so odd sometimes to see with my own eyes that you have this whole entire wonderful life outside of our safe little family bubble. It's surreal in certain moments and I have to catch my breath sometimes.

making the cupcakes with me

That afternoon was your class party and even Lao Lao came to help out! It was fun to see you kids in all of your costumes, to watch your faces light up with each of the festivities, to see the gleams in your eyes as you were proud of an achievement or delighting in a detail of the party, and to feel the excitement in the room as you went from activity to activity. 6 years old is such a fun age! I can totally see why Miss Stenger chooses to teach first grade and it's like watching a magic show to see how beautifully she interacts with and elicits responses from you children. At our parent-teacher conference the other week she related a story about how someone asked her why she teaches first grade and she responded with, "Because I like to have fun!" As we headed off to begin our weekend, the big hug that you gave Miss Stenger as we left the room said it all. From a kid who is very choosy about who she gives hugs and kisses to, that hug spoke volumes. We are so fortunate to have landed under this teacher's caring guidance.

the costume parade through the school

Saturday you hung out with Lao Lao while Daddy and I went to see Uncle Blaize's play, The Crucible. It was a bit more mature than a 6 year old would probably be interested in or else we would have definitely taken you. Immediately afterward, Daddy and I raced home; I scooped you and Lao Lao up and we headed off on our first girls' trip in what seems like a long time ~ Indianapolis to see their Children's Museum and its China exhibit!

When we arrived in Indy and checked into our hotel, they provided an upgrad to our room and let us stay in an actual train car! You see, the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Indianapolis was built over the site that was the very first Union Station in the U.S. It was a really cool surprise and a fun and unique night in a hotel.

Choo Choo!

peeking out one of our windows in the room

We got there late and were excited to go for a dip in the pool before bed. You exclaimed, "I am so pumped!" as we headed down the elevator. Unfortunately though, the pool was closed when we got there. Bummer! But we made the best of it by running around and taking pictures of each other photo-bombing the mannequins that were randomly placed all over the hotel. It was hilarious and we had so much fun just being obnoxiously goofy.

silly Lao Lao

this police officer did not enjoy my twerking

riding the paper boy's wagon

stealing drinks

stealing this sailor's bag - you said you
were a "robert" (aka robber)

this police officer had hog-tied you...ha!

giving this kid a boost onto the train

So...first thing in the morning we headed down to the pool and got our swim on. You had a ball and even though the water was freezing, I put my 'big girl panties' on and got in with you. It was fun, in spite of our shivering and blue lips.

After that, we headed off to the museum which was...AH-mazing! 4 floors of all sorts of hands-on learning activities for kids of all ages ~ fantastic! We saw the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibit first and then headed off to their Take Me to China exhibit (which you later told us was your favorite of everything and the reason we made this pilgrimage in the first place)...but we also saw the Dinosphere, train section, and all sorts of other areas. On the way home, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant in Richmond (IN) for dinner (the Jade Garden) and became chummy with the proprietor there who is from Taiwan. He was very nice and we promised him we'd send more people his way. The entire day felt wonderful with lots of singing, giggling, spontaneous dancing, joking and laughing all day long. This girls' trip (as brief as it may have been) was just the medicine I needed to ground me again and remind me of what's important. I love going out of town because it provides my free spirit the nudge it needs to wake up again. Being physically away from the everyday responsibilities helps me relax and just enjoy each and every moment with you. I remember how to joyfully laugh and fall hopelessly in love with you all over again. Numerous times while we were gone, I remarked to myself (and to Lao Lao) about what an awesome kid you are and how much fun you are to be around. We really, really, really lucked out in getting to be part of your family and share this thing called life with you. Between the two of you ~ I just love, love, love my girls!

quiet morning, chatting in bed while sipping your coffees...
moments like these are just one of the many
reasons I love our girls' trips.

making your own Terra Cotta Warrior face

your warrior is in there somewhere ~ I think you said it's
the second from the right in the front row

rebuilding a Terra Cotta Warrior

admiring your work

you with the warrior and your helper

learning how to properly drink tea in China

cooking Chinese food

digging for fossils

Dinosphere!

When we arrived home that night, Daddy had lovingly prepared a wonderful dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread with salad for all of us. He had even set the table for four. Unfortunately, none of us were hungry (oops) and he was utterly disappointed and it showed. You even looked at me with a sheepish look and shrug, asking, "What can we do to make Daddy happy?" Then you immediately came up with an idea and took me to your playroom to draw an apology card and color a picture for him. It worked because he felt a lot better. We swear next time we go out of town, we'll come home starving...ok, Daddy? Promise!

That night, you helped me out by packing your own lunch for the morning, telling me, "You know I like to helpful!" As I packed my lunch, you even decided to write a note on my banana this time...such a sweet kiddo. Love you so much.

translation = "I love you and I forgot that you are the best mom"
(not sure what that whole 'forgot' part means, but I'll take it!)

The next morning, on Monday, I couldn't bear to get up and out of bed at my usual time. I was exhausted. Plus, I just didn't want my lovely weekend to end. I got a little extra shut-eye and then was able to get up and make you eggs and peanut butter toast to start your morning off right; then I drove you to school and walked you to the front doors (which is normally just a Friday thing for us). I just love spending time with you so much, I didn't want it to end. Once you were with your friends, and of course Miss Awesome (aka Miss Stenger), I was free to go, safe in the knowledge that you had started your week off right, (and me too)!

Love you, Monkey.

Love,
Mama

P.S.
Going away is fun, but it sure is good to be home too...

bedtime stories for Suzy
(this pup clearly missed her best buddy)