My first Wednesday night free since late August--time to catch up on my blogging! Or at least make an attempt. I started gathering the photos and realized just how far behind I really was.
Our window project was a success. We went from this:
To this:
In just a little over a week. From the inside, it looked like this:
And this:
Of those four windows you see in the original exterior, only three were in the bedroom. The one to the far left in the picture was actually in our closet, which must have been created sometime after the original construction. Since we had to change the shape of the opening anyway (the originals did not meet egress for BR) and we were not eager to pay for an unnecessary closet window, we decided to replace with just two windows and close off the openings on either end. I don't have an "after" interior shot to share as we have only a makeshift window covering at this point. We just left part of the old curtain rod and threw up a set of curtains we used to have in Edward's bedroom at the old house. Perfect length, though if they were to be a permanent fixture, we'd need more width for the proper draping effect. For now, they are doing just fine, though it's even harder to wake up on these dark mornings now that we have bedroom curtains!
After that, we had a visit from Gram and
PopPop, that exhausted Daniel so much he almost fell asleep pushing his "lawn mower" around the back yard.
This was doubly dangerous as Ed was taking batting practice at the time. He hadn't had the tee out for a while and suddenly was having great success at hitting some long ones.
Later in the week, we dutifully carved our jack-o-lantern. It was just barely warm enough to make this a porch activity--thank goodness we kept that mess out of the kitchen! Ed was not too enthusiastic about scrubbing it before we began, but did enjoy the scooping. When I asked him if he wanted circle or triangle eyes, he replied, "Rectangle!" Hence the unorthodox design. Daniel wasn't too interested in the whole endeavor, but he did help wipe down at the end.
Halloween itself was a trying experience this year. I thought the Saturday holiday would be better--no rushing around at the end of the day trying to have dinner and trick-or-treat in the short window between John getting home and the boys' bedtime. However, with the whole day of anticipation, I think it all just spiraled out of control. With these weeks distance, I can't even quite describe the emotions, but there was quite a bit of defiance throughout the day and more than our fair share of time-outs. Edward also had his first in-store screaming meltdown, including sprawling on the floor at
Menards because the people who walked in just ahead of us took the only available "vehicle cart." (Those annoying shopping carts with the molded plastic truck and steering wheel for kids.) I had to take him out of the store kicking and screaming and hold him tight while speaking softly until he could bring himself back under control. Combine that with the end of daylight savings time that same weekend, and it was definitely one of those times we were more than happy to go back to work Monday.
The kids had fun trick-or-treating through the neighborhood. I fear that this will not be a staple of their childhood though, as very few houses had lights on to welcome the kids. We left a bucket of candy on our porch while we were out and some was gone when we got back, but other than that, only two other groups rang our bell the whole night. Apparently everyone takes their kids to the mall because it's safer. I suppose that's true, but it's so
antiseptic, and who needs to spend more time at the mall? We really like the opportunity to see our neighbors, and those who leave the lights on seem genuinely pleased to see the kids all dressed up. Maybe we'll have a revival in coming years. It's not like we're living in some dangerous urban war zone!
Edward was a firefighter again (I asked him about a month in advance what he wanted to be and he looked at me like I had two heads: "A firefighter." Like there's any other option? Fine with me--same costume, no hassle.) Daniel was a giraffe in a costume borrowed from cousins. This truly did delight all those who saw him. Something about that tight hood around those chubby cheeks and the dangling tail as he walked away.
Speaking of
Menards, we were there to pick up materials for a home improvement project--kid level coat hooks at the front door. John had a bit more "help" than he needed, strictly speaking, but accomplished the mission, striking a blow for order in our front hall. Edward is actually very conscientious about hanging his own coat. Daniel doesn't quite have the hang of it, but at least holds his coat up to the hook in an attempt. Ed feels its very important for every hook to be used so in addition to two winter and two fall jackets, we sometimes find unusual objects hanging there, including the occasional shoe.
The weekend after Halloween was shockingly warm for Iowa November--in the 70s. We spent a lot of time out in the yard and Edward even busted out the shorts for one last hurrah.
But we've settled into a cool, rainy pattern now so this is the preferred attire:
I don't have a picture of it yet, but Edward is now the proud owner/wearer of a couple of footie sleepers with the arrival of the latest cousin hand-me-downs. It's amazing how much more eager he is to get dressed, when I offer the opportunity to wear the "new Sean clothes." In addition to the sleepers (which he would wear 24/7 if allowed) a favorite is a Lightning McQueen (from Cars) sweatshirt that has sound effects in the pocket. The push of a button creates a revving, roaring car sound. He loves it!
He's wearing it here while "reading" with Aunt Peggy. This is a relatively new book, which he has memorized and loves to show off his reading skills. The boys were quite pleased to wake up from naps on Monday to find a visitor--especially one bearing gifts of books and trucks! It was fun to share time together and have dinner, though not quite the relaxing, reflective evening gathering Aunt Peggy is accustomed to!
One last picture--quintessential fall.
D: It's dark
