Tis the Season

Since we moved to the area, I have been looking for volunteer activities that engaged the whole family. Without even thinking about it, one fell into my lap.  An announcement was made through a local mother's club that I belong to and it seemed like a perfect Saturday morning activity.

At 10 a.m. sharp we met in the parking lot of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Pleasanton, about 15 minutes from our house.  It was a gorgeous fall day and we joined at least 300 other folks (many, many  families) to build and deliver the baskets.  The first task was to drop off the turkey, beans, desserts, baskets, and socks we collected (there was a wide variety of items to donate).  We then lined up and filled two baskets for specific families.  Caitlin easily hefted one basket, while Pete and Kelsey carried the second, and the little nugget (junior) hung out in his Peanut Shell (living up to his antenatal nickname).

The second family took a minute to get to the door, but the woman who answered was so grateful. She allowed that they really needed the basket and we departed with the knowledge that she and her  family would have a Happy Thanksgiving, whether they opted to celebrate tomorrow or next Thursday.

Stair master

Yes, Nicholas has mastered the stairs.  Well, the two going from our living room to the kitchen.  He managed one on Saturday, was distracted and turned around to pay attention to other things.

Today, though, he went up the first step and kept on going.  I managed to get a video tonight, but, alas, I cannot show it.  We (gasp) have clean laundry stacked on the piano in the background, and an empty laundry basket on the floor.  I forgot to make the house look "Pottery Barn Perfect" before filming…give me another 18 years (or a live-in maid) and we will get that video knocked out for you.

In other news, report card day is Wednesday, and I am shaking in my boots.  No, not really, but don't want to jinx a good day by being too blase.   I really am not expecting anything one way or the other.  Conferences were good and the kids are happy…what is better than that?

NOTE: Instead of said video, we have a random cute shot of the Nick-ster trying to steal his sisters' Halloween candy.  Not quite the same, but will have to suffice for now.

Lions and tigers and

Oh, my!  No, he wasn't that frightened at all. 

In case you are curious, the photos were taken at the Lindsay Wildlife Center in Walnut Creek, CA.  Not only is it a wildlife museum, but it also houses a hospital and rehabilitation center for those animals to sick, weak, or domesticated to retur to the wild.

Start ’em young, I say

Well, with the rest of the family taking part in some sort of election day activity, Nick felt a little left out and absconded with my sticker.  Which, as it turns out (and we all know why because we are decent, law-abiding citizens), was not necessary for that free coffee at Starbucks.  Good thing Starbucks managed to figure it out, too, lest their baristas end up behind bars.

We voted, Cait participated in a mock election, and Kelsey's class discussed the election.  Having not become truly politically aware until I was eight and still being upset that Carter lost, I am encouraged that children are involved so much earlier these days.  Whether or not we agree with their choices or the reasons behind them, I think it is crucial they have a clue about the world around them.

Now most will say that children's choices probably reflect their parents views, and we have seen that in action with our next door neighbors.  If he wasn't repeating exactly what was said to him verbatim.  You should have seen the look on the little neighbor boy's face when he tried to lecture Cait by parroting the false notion of global warming, the evils of Obama, and the awe in which one should hold the likes of Rush Limbaugh.

Caitlin choked out, "Rush WHO?"

That's my girl. 

So, with the votes counted, the school election had the same results as the actual election minus the 18,000 propositions also on the ballot for CA voters.  And, no, I am not happy with all of the results, but I did my part.  We are quite satisfied with the biggest vote on the ticket and many congratulations to our new President. 

I am still not entirely sure of Caitlin's reasons, but Kelsey was most definitely sure of why she would vote for Barack Obama, "Because it sounds like a GEERL's name".  Maybe not the most politically correct answer, but she's six.  Oh, and did I mention she can name all of the continents, too?

Perhaps the best part of the night?  The cheers of elation, the tears of joy?  Nope, try again.  It was a very tired Kelsey who did not want to go to bed and miss anything.  In her sleepy little voice, she insisted that if she had to go to bed (despite the fact she was quickly fading into her pillow), that Pete needed to tape the acceptance speech so she could watch it the next day.  My proud little American!

                                                                                                    Off to vote in our neighbor's garage.

What are you doing here?

Get out and vote!  If you have already voted, excuse me, but just want to be sure no one is lollygagging.  This election is too important.  No matter what your vote, let your voice be heard.  Don't worry, I won't berate anyone unless things go terribly wrong tomorrow…fingers crossed and GO ********!!!

Check back tomorrow night, you may have two very excited girls and their very happy mom…oh, yes, the girls will definitely be up of the election…maybe all, as we are so West Coast.  They are so very concerned about this election and can't wait for President ***** to be elected!

Luke, I am your father

said in the appropriately breathy and tiny voice of Nicholas.  Actually, given the time since those words were first uttered, this guy looks more like Luke's grandson.  Here we have the official shot of NQD on his first Halloween….

I am not deliberately trying to hide, but wanted to get mostly 'the boy' in the photo rather than boring old me.  Yes, I went as Mom again this year, a mold I am considering breaking for next Halloween. 

The day was so incredibly busy, though, not sure when I would have had time to don said costume.  There was the Halloween parade in the morning, and C marched with the band for the first time!  She played a mean tambourine and really seemed to enjoy herself.

Kelsey was the cutest witch and had fun marching with her classmates, who dressed as everything from brides to Spider-Man, and the lone, but creative, Exclamation Point!  We had only a bit of time after the parade before we had to return for The Nicholas Q. Dinoia Adoration session in
C's classroom.  There is nothing like a sweet little baby in his front pack to set off oohs and aahs, from the crowd.  He enjoyed showing off his crawling skills and we departed to have lunch before we returned for Kelsey's party..

Which we missed part of due to me driving around for 10 minutes, hoping he would fall asleep…no such luck, but he was still in a great mood.  He finally fell asleep while nursing on a break from the party and that lasted, oh, twenty minutes.

With only a few hours before the hordes arrived en mass (or so we thought), we opted for trick or treating at Whole Foods.  The kids received everything from apples to grocery bags (I have reusable bags for every car, bike, and backpack).  No free steaks as I had hoped for, but still a lot of fun…and no one said boo to the apples they were giving away.

We hurried home to carve one more pumpkin, as the previous ones were already headed for the compost bin.  Carving too early = moldy pumpkin by Halloween :-(.  We had a quick dinner with friends to celebrate a birthday, returned home to an even spookier house (courtesy of Pete & the iPod) and headed out for Nicky Q.'s first Trick or Treat Adventure.

It was a little misty out (you should have seen the fear in parents' eyes…rain, egad!), but we persevered without raincoats or umbrellas and did just fine.  I opted to carry little guy, as no one would be able to appreciate the outfit if he was in the carrier and he is not a super fan of the stroller…plus so much easier without.

And, yes, I agree it is way too much candy for an 8 month old.   Then again, he was called everything from "Oh, look at the, what is he, one?" to "Oh, what a sweet little girl!" Yes, the rain made his hair fuzzy, but really…

The girls had fun, but I have to say I was a bit surprised. Not nearly the turnout we expected, and we had way too much candy left over.  All in all it was an interesting re-introduction to the art of candy hunting and gathering, and we are already brewing next year's Halloween happenings!