We had a super fun Halloween this year. The kids were so excited for the big day that they started playing “trick or treat” about three weeks before Halloween. They would gather up some toys and give them to me, tell me to go to Abby’s room, and then come and knock on the door and say “trick or treat”. I would give them some of the toys, and then they would come back for more. Even with all of the anticipation, I think the actual trick or treating lived up to their expectations.

A few more photos from my trip home in June.

I miss my Illustration teachers and friends. I miss the Brimhall and AKH. I miss demos with pagan brushes by Richard Hull. I miss Bob Barrett telling me to “think, feel, recheck angles, stand back, squint, feel, and think”. I miss croquet. I miss Bethanne’s ski stories and her faith in me. It was the best place on campus in my opinion! My teachers were superstars and my friends like family. So I was thrilled to be in town the same week as the opening of the alumni show at the Harris Fine Arts Center. And I miss them even more now that I’ve seen them again.

I love hiking and backpacking with my dad. It’s how he choose to connect with me when I was a kid and it still works today. We spend time in the mountains and we get caught up even after being apart for 6 months or more. Same thing with my mom and gardening. If I feel crazy I run or do yard work to get my head straight. She taught me a lot picking raspberries.

I think there should be a reality show about surviving long flights with babies.

I only cried twice.

I was going solo this trip with both kids.  Many will scoff that I define a long flight as 5 hours, but to me it is.  I will not do it alone again without a paid seat for Nabby, a portable DVD battery that lasts for longer than 2 hours and/or a transporter.  BUT, it was all worth it for parents like mine.

Over Memorial Day weekend we decided to drive to Lake Michigan. There are lots of beaches to choose from, so we went with the closest – Silver Beach. It was just over 2 hours from our house. The weather was beautiful, the sand was perfect, and we had a great time.

Moo, Baa, La La La! There are all kinds of free family activities set up for the grad students by the Rackhem school each year. Recently we went to one of these at the Dominoes petting farm just outside of town. There were LOTS of animals including peacocks, buffalo, guinea pigs, lamas, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Nabby liked the rabbits and baby ducks. Oliver liked the pony and tractor. It is Dominoes farm as in Dominoes Pizza so they even served us a pizza lunch at the end. So much fun! I loved the baby rabbits. (Don’t you miss them Kevin?)

Jas will be done with classes next week! I doubt I’m as excited as him for finals to be over, but I’m REALLY excited to see him more. He’s my best friend and I miss him. (baby step to April 28th!!) The kids miss him too, but they might have to fend for themselves. I won’t hesitate to get a babysitter as often as I can. Kidding. I guess I can share him…a little. Here’s photos of us around the house hanging out with Dad. Life is always better when he’s home.