Halloween! - October 31

Kaitlyn working on homework in the car with her two friends (Emma and Josie) helping with makeup and coloring. 

Costume parade - Red Carpet Style!

Andrew and Logan (love their faces!)

Ella's school class

We puff-painted Ella's shirt

Andrew playing Halloween bingo and look at all those treats already!

Andrew and Ella with their itty-bitty pumpkins.  The candy covered one is for a friend of Kaitlyn's for her birthday.

Healthy Choices Week - October 29

This is Andrew and his friend Logan, who is actually smaller than Andrew, but he is also about 6 months younger too.  They are in the same class this year and they both love to play all types of sports.  Today was "healthy choices week" were they focus on eating right and not doing drugs, etc.  For some reason they were all supposed to wear orange this day and that's why they match.

More Soccer and Trunk or Treat - October 26

Andrew's team banner

Andrew and his team gearing up for the game

Andrew getting to the ball first and staying with it

On his way to make a goal!

Putting in a cheer for the team!

Andrew, Sean and Andrew

Soccer Ref's!

Ella performing the "Monster Mash" with the activity day girls.

Kaitlyn with the youth doing "Thriller"

Checking out their candy

Back at home with Kiley trading candy!

Ella is a ninja, Andrew is a soccer player, Kaitlyn is a 90's girl and our friend Kiley was a bottle of Coke (she already took her costume off at this point)

50's Day, Family Fun Night, Art Expo - October 25

Ella and her friend, Abby

Ella in her 50's day outfit

Ella in front of the school

Ella and her 5th grade school class

I tried to convince Ella to wear a poodle skirt.  We had one we could have borrowed that was even green, that Kaitlyn wore in 5th grade for 50's day, but Ella wanted to wear leggings instead.  I asked her, "what if every other girl in 5th grade is wearing a skirt except for you?  will you be okay with that?"  She said she didn't care.  I kept hearing "what if everyone else was jumping off the cliff, and you don't - are you okay with that?"  But this is a SKIRT!  She won't wear one except for Sunday, and especially a poofy poodle skirt -way out of her element.   So she was probably the most comfortable girl all day!  :)  They had a fun filled day of bubble gum sculptures, hula hoop contests and a sock hop.  Plus they had In 'N Out bring in lunch!

 I have worked with the Reflections program since we moved to California.  This is my second school year as the chairperson at the elementary school.  I learned after school had already started that our district was going to do their own thing and not participate in the National Reflections PTA program.  SO I had to recreate many timelines, protocols and files.  But we pulled off a showcase of the students artwork and coincided it with the "family fun night" that took place in the evening.  We had a nice "unveiling" with the parting of the curtains and everyone was able to come up and look at all the students entries.  My friend and I spend a total of 8 hours each preparing for this exhibit, and it only took me 45 minutes to take it all down!  But we got a lot of positive feedback from parents, so hopefully they will continue to showcase the artwork in the future.

Soccer Games - October 19

Love this action shot!

Andrew going around an opposing player.

Ella passing out cookies after her game.

Relaxing in the evening watching a movie!

Birthday - October 18

My "I Owe You's"

Andrew had the most fun with this box that the "easy-up" came in.

I forgot how amusing a large box could be!

James gave me gifts for my birthday that were labeled as "I owe you's."  I had an IOU for a Mediterranean cruise (sunglasses), an IOU for a new mattress (new sheets), an IOU a new car (air fresheners for the car), an IOU for a new wardrobe, an an IOU a new phone (a new headset for my phone) and an IOU for a new house (an "easy up"- that my mom and sister went in on to get me).  It was a fun and creative idea.  We had berry pie for dessert!

Andrew's Soccer Highlights Sept 14 - Oct 12

Everyone on his team except the other little guy, who is the only one smaller than Andrew.  And yes the big guy next to Andrew is only 1 month older than Andrew!

Way to steal the ball!

Andrew playing goalie

He loves getting to the ball first.

Great action shot!

James is on the right (reffing the game)

High fives at the end of a game

Goal for Andrew!

I have to thank the parents on our team with amazing cameras that get some of these close-up shots.  It's so nice that they share their photos on Shutterfly and I can download them for free.  Plus they really try to get pictures of the whole team and not just their child.  Another bonus, is that I get to enjoy cheering for the team and watching the game!  :)