Halloween.

The kids had a great time on Halloween, even though trick or treating in our neighborhood was fairly lame. By lame, I mean a number of people left candy on the porch--even though they were clearly at home. Because, you know, all that human interaction is just kind of icky. A bunch of others were loady 20 somethings who clearly didn't even realize it was halloween. We got some candy from some of them--on hand for the munchies, I assume--a bag of cashews from one shirtless dude and, my personal favorite, a dollar. Sorry, little dudes! We're all out of candy! But buy yerself something, mmmkay?

The kids, of course, did not mind at all and they had more than enough candy to eat themselves sick.

On to the costumes. Allison decided to go as a fairy ballerina princess, which mostly involved wearing a lot of random stuff we had around the house. She went to a ballet birthday party, so we had a leotard and tights from that. I bought her a tutu and some wings ("fairy" was a late addition to the costume idea). Then we accessorized from the toy chest.






















Frances felt the need to dress up as well and she made it clear she wanted to go as more or less exactly what Sissy was going as. We did our best. I think she looks like a figure skater. In any case, she was quite pleased with herself.






















And here they are together. Yes, my front hall is a bit of a mess. All the time.























And, finally, their mode of conveyance. Because walking from house to house simply will not do. At least, not for Frances who was not wearing shoes because she didn't have slippers like big sissy. No worries. It was quite warm that night.

And yes, Frances did gather treats in her little pink purse. She gets these ideas.

Children galore!

We had some photos developed, so I have some pictures for you. Our connection is wicked slow, though, so I only have patience for a few at a time.

Here they are, playing in our itty bitty back yard.

And update.

I am pregnant.

Yes, I meant to get pregnant. No, the academy is not in charge of my reproductive life. Yes, I am very happy. No, I could not wait until I was past the first trimester to spill the news. Yes, I had a miscarriage last year. No, I do not think we're going to have a repeat of that experience. Yes, I could be wrong about that. No, I don't mind telling you. Yes, I will have to tell you if I have a miscarriage. No, I am not having this baby in a hospital if I can at all avoid it. Yes, I am hiring a doula. No, I do not believe in husband coached labor. Yes, I have morning sickness. No, I am not having another child because I want a boy. Yes, I could go on this way indefinitely. No, I'm not going to do that.

I am pregnant. Six weeks, four days.

Photo proof of the tale below.

More pictures to come...