And We're Off...

Last Monday it was finally time to cut the last link of our chain...
and head to the airport! Emily had been waiting for a LONG time!

Our first stop, our friend's/ex-neighbor's house where Emily got to see Lily (over for a visit too),

and Sonja.

I think Emily and Sonja's favorite activity was bath time...

but Sonja seemed to enjoy dress up almost just as much.

On Wednesday morning it was time to say farewell to Natascha, Sonja, and Scott and move along. We hope to see baby Nash (expected in the next month +) when we visit at Christmas.

I did walk Emily down the street before leaving. After a few houses Emily stopped and pointed (when I asked, "what house is that?") saying, "that's (pause) OUR house!" She stared for a while but didn't want to go up to the door.

Our next stop was Laura's house where Emily was able to play with even MORE kids for a few days (Laura was also kind enough to host a dinner for Mama to see her friends)...

and we finished off our visit with dinner and ice cream on Thursday night. Thank you to our hostesses... we had a great week and went out to see Nana and Grandpa on Friday morning.

Halloween Videos

Okay, so more like Halloween audio... it was dark. ;)

*the clanging sound in the last one is candy being put in our metal bowl - sorry

Trick or Treat

Emily was SO excited to get started I could barely get her dressed - really. Finally, she was all ready and we went outside...
(excuse the red eye... I will have to correct later don't have the ability on this comp)
to light up Jack...

give him a hug good-bye...

and head out for the night.

Did I mention that she was excited?!

First stop... her favorite duck's house...

where she transformed into her shy, quiet self.

She did very well saying trick or treat, thank you, and answering all questions but not with as much gusto as she had at home (or when we would walk away). Of course, the easiest houses were the ones where she didn't have to say anything at all.

(It was the house after this that had a boom box with spooky music and, when standing right beside it, several loud screams. From there on out the rule was "no screaming houses.")

Once home, Emily dumped out her candy and we chose the one item she could eat - a package of Sandies. She was happy.

During this time we had a lot of traffic to our door and Emily was helping Daddy hand out candy - too bad her hair was half out and she had no pants.

Emily will be counting down the days until next year.

Halloween Day

Emily was very excited when Halloween finally arrived. That meant it was time to clear off the paint...

and carve a jack 'o lantern!

Before Daddy got home we cut off the top,

peeked inside,

and cleaned it out. Emily did attempt to help with the clean out but stopped after one grab, asking if she could please have a napkin!

When Daddy arrived it was time to show him what we had accomplished so far...

discuss the face... (Emily had two choices for the shape of the eyes, nose, and mouth - these were her selections.)

and get down to work.

I think Daddy went outside the lines a couple of times...

but Emily forgave him...

and in the end, she had Jack!

First thing Emily wanted to do, of course, was play with it like a puzzle and put it all back together (again and again and again).

Next, sticker time...

which got a little out of control.

Then, it was time for some silly string. Last year Daddy got her really good...

but this year she had the ability and desire to fight back!

There was a lot of spraying going on...

and all of the fun got Emily really amped for trick or treating!!!!

So Telling...

This picture is from September 19th. Daddy took it before leaving for work and I think he took it because at that moment I wasn't quite myself and it told a story.
That morning, and most mornings during the last several weeks, it has been enough for me to just get up and out of bed. I took this picture for the same reason...
that night I was "present" - making sure Emily was safe in the bath - but that's about all. I felt totally miserable... why? Well, as always, there is a story... follow along HERE