Halloween preview

Lots of Halloween festivities happening around here. Parker wanted to be a Vampire because "I've already got the skin for it." Thanks to his typical church clothes and a black cape from a second hand store, we had an easy costume (oh yeah, and Papa found some teeth for him). We already had a cowboy costume from Parker a few years ago, so we convinced Austin that was a good idea. Except he kept complaining that he wanted to be a bat or a witch. He also wanted to be a "whoosh" which is the sound a witch makes when it flies. Not sure what that looks like. 

I went into Parker's class last week for Pumpkin Day. Not too much celebrating going on in Elementary schools these days. Anyway, it was fun and I was at the patterning table. Loved getting to interact with all his friends. He is a great kid and example in that class. 

Wednesday night was the ward Trunk or Treat. Jackson won the award for cutest baby costume. Of course he did. That little duckling costume has been worn by each of my boys. 

On Friday, my mom and I went to Austin's Halloween Party at preschool. They did a little costume parade and then I organized a simple party with food, crafts, a game, and a story. Done and done. It was fun for my mom to get to see his preschool and meet his sweet teacher.

This is the playground at preschool. I just learned how to take panoramic shots on my phone. Cool.

 Ghost toilet paper bowling.

 Mummy pizza and fruit cups.

 The preschool teachers chatting.

 Jackson was especially vocal during the party. haha.

 Love being in teacher mode sometimes.

 The three boys in the class.

 The garden area outside of the school.

Good morning

I think I already posted this pic, but nothing says good morning likes Parker's cheeriness, Jackson's peacefulness, and Austin's grumpiness. 

 I like being able to pull over and have my little backseat helper put in Jackson's pacifier when he's getting fussy.

 I went to Austin's Back to School night the other night. It's so nice to have him at a preschool where the children are so loved and they love going everyday. So happy he has transformed into a child who looks forward to going to school. (Except he always complains how Gabriel sits on him).

His classmates...

 Family tree...

 Parker is also doing well at school. Here he is getting off the bus.

DC

We spent the day in DC last weekend and it was so awesome. We left early in the morning and made it downtown by 11am. My brother and Marina were also visiting from Philly for the weekend, so we met up at the Obama's. So fun. We had Potbelly's for lunch and the boys wanted street food (ie... giant pretzel and a hot dog). 

 Then we walked down to the Natural History Museum. It was crowded and we had a 2 hour parking cap looming over us, but the boys had fun exploring. Here they are experiencing the very under-whelming "tarantula feeding."

 Marina got this awesome shot. So rare to get a smiling shot with him and I.

 Future employer some day?

 Then we drove out to Alexandria to see Arin and Evan. Always sooo good to see them. Jackson loved hanging out in Marina's lap.

And Arin is expecting her first baby and they are going to make the most awesome parents. Jackson tried to spread some chill vibes to her unborn child. Arin made us a delicious dinner and then we headed home. Long, but perfect day.