October, 2024

We started our annual Halloween parties in 2018, after we moved into our new home. Aug was less than three months old, and Aut was three and a half. Back then, we talked about making it an annual event and once the kids were in school, inviting their friends and families. We weren't sure if we would keep it up, but I'm proud to say that we haven't missed a year, not even during covid, when we still had a great turn-out.

First Annual, 2018

Seventh Annual, 2024

This year, we had about 200 people - our highest number to date. As with any event, it's not just a day of that the kids enjoy, but the anticipation of it all. We picked our theme last year: ZOMBIES. Our amazing prop guy, Jeff with Party Perfections, set up this super spooky zombie maze in the driveway and part of the garage. We even had a fog machine. Kids had fun going through it again and again. The zombie actors were to ask kids what scare level they wanted: a 1, 2, or 3 and then announce it to the other zombies so that it could be tailored to be tame or terrifying. 

We did not have a costume contest, but if we had, the award would have gone to my friend Christian's hubby, who remained in character all night. I was having a conversation with him about their recent trip to Romania when he launched in, about how he could not stand Governor New-Scum. It took me a second to remember that he was still in character.

There were so many amazing costumes! I love that people went all out. I tried to stay in our foyer, greet people upon arrival, and take photos of them when I could. Instead of a 360-degree video booth or a photo booth, we had a sketch artist. They were great, but I want to go back to having a photo booth of some sort next year. And a mechanical bull! I'm not sure how I'll fit that into our theme, but it's going to happen!

Although the cost of this party was the price of a small vacation, it was well worth it. This is how I view it: When we go on vacation together as a family, we build new memories together as we share new experiences. The same is true for our parties, except that it is not just the four of us but our friend/community/school group as well. People who will be in our lives and the lives of our children for years to come.

At the end of the night, a few friends stayed later, talking by the fire for hours, long afte the kids went swimming. 

We did two fun projects this month - both were ghosts. First, using black construction paper to make ghosts peering out through the front windows. Since they were not visible enough due to our black out shades, I added some battery-operated candles behind them, so they would be more visible (and eerie) from the street. The second project was created by soaking cheesecloth in Mod Podge, then draping it over a balloon on top of a vase to dry.

Exciting news - I finally completed all of my doctorate coursework this month and entered the dissertation phase of my program - woohoo!

This month, it was a decade since Mom died. A whole decade which is so hard to believe. How different all of our lives would be with her here. 

Aug had his first official Jog-a-thon, and Aut had her 4th! They each raised $200 to support the school, thanks to Grandma and Andrea and, of course, yours truly. I took some time from work and volunteered to mist the runners as they did their laps.

Honey Boo Boo continues to delight and amaze us with her boundless positivity. She is always happy, and her tail is always wagging. She loves everything in life, but especially trying to sneak cat food, jumping up on the couch and bed as if she were still a small puppy, face licks, and running off-leash on the trails behind our home. 

This month, we finally checked out the Goathill Junction Train Station which offers free train rides a few weekends a month. This was something I've wanted to do for years, and I was worried the kids would be a tad bit too old. But they weren't at all! We all had a blast, and got slurpees afterward. 

We attended the Friend's Church carnival, checked out the spooky houses in old-town orange, and on Halloween, I dressed up at work (group theme - 1960s) wearing my mother-in-law's dress, hand-sewn by her sister Mary.

I love, love, love this time of year, especially the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas when our hearts feel warmer and fuller than they do at any other time of the year. 

September, 2024

Just a little evidence of His existence...

Our girl was invited to watch the new Twisters movie for her friend's birthday and also to a sleepover for her cousin's birthday. She is loving softball and getting some pretty good hits in for being a newbie.

I made a concerted effort to dial back the iPad usage this month. It can be tempting to just give our kids devices, can't it? But as I dialed the usage back, Aug started saying "I'm bored" which was definitely a sign they have had it too much. Kids need to be bored in order to develop their creativity. Thankfully, before long, he was happily using his imagination to build a pretend campfire at Sissy's batting practice:

This month, we held Aug's 6th birthday party, a month after his birthday so that his class could be invited! We had a great turn-out. Did I tell you he's going by his middle name, Aug instead of Cha? Originally, that was my plan since Aug and Aut go together so well. But we started out by calling him Cha which really stuck...and he will always be my Cha, though I'm trying.

Our son picked the theme, which was "Army theme." Around that, we structured an epic water balloon and water gun fight. The kids absolutely had a blast, and his Dad really got into it! I love how good my husband is with children. He works so hard managing our household and all aspects of our finances, trips etc. He often doesn't go with us to places like Disneyland (because he doesn't like going, and also to save money on a pass) but when he get's into things like their parties or coaching a team, he's all in and it shows. He is such a good sport, and so fun with the kids.

I can't help but think he picked the theme because of my father's funeral earlier this year and the military honors/salute that he received. I thought it might be appropriate to place a photo of my father on the dessert table, but wanted to run this by Aug since it is his party. When I asked him if he wanted to photo of grandpa from his parachuting days on the dessert table, he said no. Understanding this and that the focus should be on him, since it's his birthday I understood, and was not going to push the issue. He then said "Because I don't want it to get messed up or dirty." Bless him. When I explained that it was safe because it was in a frame, he was excitedly all in. 

Group photo! Can you spot Nathan?

Here's a photo of my hubby, with Paige and Big Daddy!

The rest of this month was amazing, as we jumped back into the routine of school, flag football, softball and swim. Even though it was unseasonably warm, it began to feel like fall with these activities. Our girl got her braces off, we hosted a few swim dates with friends, hiked with my brother, had dinner at the Orange Mining Company, went to Disneyland a few times, and I saw Brett Michaels and Vince Neil with my best friend. 

Just look at your beautiful smile, Bean.

Goodbye, September. We'll see you again next year.

August, 2024

 The start of August found us at Legoland with our son's bestie and family. This was our first time at the waterpark and we loved it- especially the lazy river!

The next day, our Big Man turned 6! We celebrated with his bestie's family at Chuck-e-cheese and then at our community event, Hot August Nights. It was a good day. I am planning his big birthday bash for September, so that everyone in his class can be invited.

Today we celebrate Charles Augustus on his 6th birthday—our little miracle and rainbow baby, who we prayed endlessly for. He’s not just a source of endless joy and light in our lives, but also a remarkably good boy with a cautious nature and sweet sense of humor. Once, Grandpa/Glen visited and handed him a piece of chocolate. Instead of diving in right away, he came to find me to ask for permission first. His thoughtful approach and playful spirit make every day special. We’re so grateful for him and all the happiness he brings to our family. Happy birthday, Big Man!

This month, we dove head first into the new school year and sports! The kids are in kindergarten and 4th grade. He is returning to flag football. She is trying softball and on a swim team, with practice up to 4 times per week, but our aim is to make it to three per week.

Aut had a sleepover for her friend's 10th birthday and had a ton of fun teepeeing!

Cha decided to go by his middle name, August, with the start of kindergarten. He mentioned this in the spring of last year, but I wanted to make sure he really wanted to make the switch and would not change his mind the following week. Not to say he can't switch back at some point, but if he's making the change, it should be for the school year. Especially since his pottery barn backpack was customized!

The kids are very fortunate to have their closest friends in their class and loving the start of the new school year! I am, as well. As much as I love summer and our travels, it is always good to get back into a routine.