Squirtle Shell

I can now check Dave-o's Halloween costume off my list. 

Now I just have to hope it stays intact until the 31st. He is constantly wanting to wear it.

What's That?

Northern CA actually got a lot of rain today! The downpour even lasted more than one minute. I awoke to the soothing pitter patter sound which went on until lunchtime. When we finally ventured outside to do science experiments (and admire the huge puddles), the kids and I noticed an unusual smell. Later on in the day while walking in the Target parking lot, Steven and I picked up on the same scent. The smell was familiar, yet I couldn't place why.

Then it dawned on me what it must be.

Freshness. 

The dirt and filth that our drought has stirred up was finally washed away.

Note: I ended up buying a couple of umbrellas at Target. I'm praying that we'll get to use them.

Pinned Projects

Hundreds of projects that I have "pinned" on my Pinterest board keep calling to me to start (or in many cases complete). Right now, I have an unfinished baby afghan for my up and coming grand-niece, an unfinished hat, and two unfinished Halloween costumes. 

(The beginning of Daveo's Squirtle costume. I used glow in the dark duck tape for the lines on the shell.)

However, while making dinner, I splattered red tomato sauce all over the front of my shirt. 

Why don't I wear an apron?

Because I don't own one. 

This is now a priority on my to-do projects to make. 

I already have a cute pattern pinned.

A Ferry Ride

We jumped at the offer by Mom and Dad Zinn to go with them to their ward activity. We all boarded a ferry docked in China Basin and took it across the bay to Alameda.

Loni found the rocks very tasty.

More and more rocks.

However, she didn't like the grass.

The guys played football.

We went for a walk.

Can you spot the Oakland Temple in the background?

And some rode bikes and roller blades.

It was a very relaxing afternoon.

Fitting Illnesses into our Schedule

Dave-o woke up with the stomach flu and Loni with a cold. Ugh! I'm so tired of sicknesses. It seems like every month a particular illness makes its way through our family. Loni doesn't handle colds very well. She wakes up a lot in the night and it always turns into a bad cough.

In spite of this, life carried on. My healthy children spent their school day learning about our country's constitution in celebration of Constitution Day. Loni did stair workouts. Steven had violin lessons. The older boys hung out with friends and right now, the teenagers are at YW/YM. 

Collect Rocks Day

Why not be a geologist for the day in honor of Collect Rocks Day. That's what Dave-o and Kirsten did. They had fun wading through a nearby creak in search of some unique rocks that will be used for an upcoming art project.

Before heading home, the kids enjoyed the playground (which is next to the creek).

Make a Hat Day

                

This is a day when anyone can express their craziness and creativity through the creation of some unique head wear. Kirsten and Dave-o were on board for the challenge.

Dave-o made a Minions hat (from "Despicable Me" movie. Kirsten talked her dad into donating a few of his neckties for her hat which she coiled around and around using a glue stick. They are both very proud of their creations.

How Old?

 After placing the number 4 and 2 on top of the cake, I stepped back to inspect the finished dessert. David walked over and said, "Um...Dixie. I'm 43 not 42."

Ohhh!

Right.

Take my mistake as a complement David. For you truly don't look or act like you are 43.

I believe it is your sense of humor that keeps you so young.

For example, after blowing out your candles, you noticed the look of awe on Dave-o and Owen's expressions. You decided to play on their captivation by pretending the candles were really hot when pulling them out of the cake. The boys' reactions were hilarious. 

I love your ability to have fun.

 Happy Birthday my love!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

The itsy bitsy spider crawled up the telephone line. 

We were lucky to have spotted it busy spinning its web. I had the creepy crawlies watching it but at the same time was in awe watching the intricate home come to life.

Ten Months on 9-11

 Lonetta is 10 months old today and proud to be an American.

I am grateful to be able to raise my family in the United States of America. Yes, our country has problems, but we still have our fundamental freedoms. My children have had a carefree childhood where they were allowed to dream and learn without roadblocks. I pray that Loni will be blessed with a similar childhood in this ever changing world. 

One thing is for sure-Lonetta is a light in our family. 

Lonetta loves food. 

She'll eat practically anything. 

Now she knows an adjective to describe what she's eating.