Just got back from one of the neighborhood after parties. I heard a few neighbors had 250 trick or treaters. We have stairs to climb which eliminated at least 100. Andy counted 150 but a few kids may have taken 2 treats.
Kudos to LB for passing out wine juice boxes to the parents on the trick or treat route. Her astronaut uniform with diaper and duct tape took number one costume award at her own party. Margi came in second place dressed as Dick Cheney in hunting gear and toy shot gun. Nice touch.
We had a few friends, neighbors and relatives over for the pre-party which made the evening all the merrier. Karsten led the pack knocking on all the doors. Britta and I could barely keep up. Britta didn't have the same stamina as Karsten and when we walked by our house again she said she was ready to go home. Still, I was impressed with Britta. She walked up to every house and used her manners with "happy halloween! trick or treat!" and most importantly, "thank you!." Last year I had to wheel her from house to house in her stroller and the only thing she would do was hold her bag out hoping someone would notice her and give her some candy.
I'd say definitely this was one of my favorite Halloweens, and I only got one candy bar.
Happy Halloween (again)!
Andy just celebrated his birthday "week." I'm in recovery mode now!
This week also signals the beginning of summer. I saw a neighbor dropping his bouy and soon I know boats will be moored out front all summer. The fun is getting ready to begin. Tonight we hauled out our fake fire pit, ate dinner down by the beach and even roasted marshmallows. I'm a happy girl.
I'm feeling almost ripped off living at sea level! We finally got a dusting of snow last night but not enough to play in. Karsten has his snow suit on and is playing on our little deck.
If I didn't have an internet connection and a tv I wouldn't believe it actually snowed. Andy was watching the Seahawks play in the snow during Monday night football and I asked "are they really playing in Seattle?"
Andy was feeling a little sick this halloween so for the first time ever, he took the answer the door duty instead of take the kids trick-or-treating duty. Next year I will wear warmer socks if I get trick-or-treat duty again. Karsten, Britta and I ran with a pack of about 12 kids and 6 adults trick-or-treating. I'd wheel Britta right to the door in stroller. Karsten was the first to the door and Britta was always the last. On the way home route I dropped Britta and the sack of candy off with Daddy. Karsten and I went to the neighbor's house for after trick-or-treating dinner and party.
It was wonderful and I felt badly that Andy missed it. On our way home I heard from another mom that her kid was scared at our house. I had my warning. Walking up the stairs to our house I hear a voice saying, "Karsten, is that you? Do not knock on the door." And then the sound of Andy making like a chain saw. Karsten loved it. Another neighbor friend was over, drinking Rainier with Andy and chuckling at Andy's brilliance of hooking up the baby monitor and then looking out the window and scaring the kids as they came up the walk way. I'd hoped Britta would have been in bed but Andy was carting her along with her. He said she would help by saying "Boo!" to the kids.
Now I'm back home and Andy has had a second wind and is hitting another neighborhood party for Superheros. Andy covered the stud finder with tin foil and is going as airport security. Not sure how that works into the superhero theme, but he must have some sort of angle.
Update: Andy needs a chaperone for the stud finder. I just got a preview of what he plans to do with it.
P.S. We had around 120 trick-or-treaters. Good thing we hit the store today for more candy.
Every marriage needs a cabana, boat house, shed or garage. The guys wanted a place to play poker tonight and since I don't plan on heading out to the cabana again until the temperature reaches 62 or so I have no problem with "hosting" a night of massive debauchery as long as it is yards away from the house and I can go to bed with a good book.
With all that typed... I may just go over and join them a bit. I'm "on vacation" and have been feeling restless. Usually on Sunday nights I'm hurriedly folding the 4th load of laundry and cleaning the house. Not this week. Feeling like fun. Lately I've been worrying about myself. I remember thinking how boring my parents are and how can they sit home every weekend when there are great shows to see and fun places to explore. After weeks and weeks of not getting out much though I've gotten a bit used to it. It even dawned on me that my parents do go out more than I. Scary.
Here's a shot of the fourth Annual 3 Tree Point Polar Bear Club. My dog Lupe is the only sane one photographed. This year's event was sponsored by the Hubbs who provided a little post-swim warm up drink.
I had worried that my party self had permanently retired but not to fear, even after two kids I can still rally for a special occasion. Last night's new year's eve party was not overrated.
I was doing just fine with the cold dreary winter until I saw this photo from the summer. Sigh. Only six more months of hibernation.
