Swing State

Ryan and I are having heated debates over the presidential election.  I am leaning left because I heard "Matt Rommie" is going to fire Big Bird.  Ryan is more conservative, saying that "Bock O-rama" spends too many nickels from his piggy bank.  Secretly I think Ryan just likes the name of the VP candidate.  Whatever the outcome, we are happy to see an end to relentless negative TV ads, phone calls, and door knockers! 

Happy Halloween

This was Superman's first time trick-or-treating, and he thought it was awesome!

 

This was my favorite Halloween because I got to be the Brave princess, Merida, with flowing orange hair.

We love this night because we can run wild in the streets!  

Mom and Dad tried to get a few pictures...

even dressing up Maggie the Lion and SuperMox.  Mag was super excited.

Then it was a race to find candy!  Ryan was hilarious, running right up to people in their yard, waving to everyone as if he was the host of this huge party: Superman the Extrovert .

Some of the neighborhood decorations were scary...

but nothing that Serious Superman couldn't handle.

A little chocolate helped (always a good idea right before bedtime).

This night was the perfect ending to an exciting day for me.

We had our Halloween parade at school in the morning.

I got to show Mom some of the crafts we worked on this week.

Our costumes were amazing!

This is the last parade for me and my best friends.  We've been buddies since the 18 month old class, and we'll all go to different Kindergartens next year.

This was a special Halloween because I got to teach Ryan all about our family traditions. As Big Sister, I get to teach him even more with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming next!

Fall Days

 

One of my sweet friends had a birthday party at our favorite park today.  It was epic because she served Cheetos and chocolate cake.

It was so fun to see my crazy friends outside of school, they make me laugh!

Ryan came ready to play,

but got a little shy because he doesn't know all of my friends.

 

Dad and I helped him feel more at ease...

 then I had to get back to the Hokey Pokey dance.

 The party continued at home because we never want to go inside when the weather is this perfect.

 I showed Ryan how to ride my old tricycle, and started working on my very own hopscotch court!

Spoons and Baby Talk

Little Man is perfecting his spoon skills.  He's also great at dinner small talk:
Ryan 15mths Spoon Talk

Big Sister Tips

 Mom says that I'm the world's best big sister.  She's right.  My inspiration comes from the look on Ryan's face every time he sees me.  That crazy little monster adores me.  

 To be the best mentor requires commitment and passion for the job.    

 You have to be willing to share your boots and books.

You have to be selfless, really.  Be willing to hold that hug tightly, even when they're clawing at your face to escape or trying to bite a big chunk out of your shoulder.

 Sometimes it's okay to stand your ground when they want your toy but you aren't finished with it.  That's called Tough Love.

 But making the effort to find them a substitute toy is exactly what separates the pretty good big sisters from the exceptional.

 I'm awesome.

Around The House

 Living with a toddler has made life pretty interesting around here.  Ryan still loves us, but doesn't love it so much when we try to hug and cuddle him like the old days. 

 Breakfast is now eaten on top of the table,

 Snacks are served from a comfortable perch,

 And Dad has become the best seat in the house.

Pumpkin Patch