Gypsy Witch

You can't just be an ordinary witch for Halloween.  Don't you know about Gypsy Witches.  We had a fun Halloween.  Byron did the annual hand out "Capri Sun" beverages to go along with the neighbors "Happy Hallo-Weiner" roasted hot dogs.  I was a witch too and went out with Ella.  We have a fun neighborhood for trick or treating.  Ella has her favorite treats, but we can leave candy out and she doesn't eat much of it.  In fact, her Halloween bag got completely emptied just before Christmas so that Santa would know there was room for her favorite treats!

I love the spider socks! 

Munckin Radio did a great Haunted House near us.  

Beautiful Utah Fall!

We had the best Fall that I can remember in a long time.  It was beautiful with perfect temperatures.  I was so happy that it lasted as long as it did.  We were able to enjoy it so much.

I'm sure Ella isn't the only 7 yo in the world that doesn't know how to independently ride a bike.  I have told her my dream was to be able to ride around Daybreak Lake and have a picnic.  My dream didn't motivate her.  So, I went a different route and thought about a trail bike.  I have seen them nearly every time I have been walking around the lake.  We asked our friend who is an avid biker about them and he replied with, "I have one hanging in my garage that no one is using.  Do you want to borrow it?"  "Yes!!!"

It took some getting used to, without Ella on it.  It put my balance off a bit.  Ella did great with it. We did some practice around the neighborhood and then I said it was time to make a mother's dream come true.  We packed a picnic and off we went.  I'm still not great with sharp turns, but we didn't crash.  It was so much fun!!  I loved getting out with her so much.  I am so happy we live so close to enjoy days like this.

We were able to go biking several times this fall and Ella loved it.  I'm hoping this will give her the confidence she needs to be a solo biker, but then again when you have someone who is doing the majority of the pedaling why would you want it to change.  Maybe we will be trailbiking for a very long time.

While Ella was off track we went to Gardner Village for the annual witch festival.  It is always on Ella's to do list for fall.  We found some items for Ella's Gypsy Witch costume and enjoyed the weather again.

We also enjoyed the Garden after Dark at Red Butte Garden.  They have a treasure hunt of sorts throughout the garden with activities.  Ella's favorite was the Storyteller.....and she was excellent.  We would still be there if Ella had her way.

Ella's first "real" lost tooth.  She was so excited.  When she came to show me, I thought she had hurt herself.  There was what appeared to be blood all over her face and down her chin.....but she had the biggest smile.  She had been eating barbecue at the time!  

Ella had an off track assignment to create a character from a book with a 2 liter bottle.  I missed out on the creativity talents and so instead letting anxiety get the best of me.......I just phoned a friend to help me with some ideas!  Ella had some ideas as well and it turned out great.

Geronimo Stilton

Happy Halloween!

I had previously bought a giraffe costume at a second hand store many months ago.  Ella found it in her closet a few weeks ago and asked if she could be a giraffe for Halloween.  Sure!!  Well, a little closer to Halloween we were out shopping and she fell in love with a mask and headband ears.....suddenly the giraffe decision was gone.  I told her she couldn't change her mind again.  There really is no point in being prepared and deciding too early.  She was disappointed that I wouldn't dress up with her to go trick or treating.  Her idea....I dress up as Mary and carry around her doll--"Sally" as the baby Jesus.  It didn't happen.

We did have a great Halloween.  We made our traditional "Dinner in a Pumpkin", carved pumpkins and went trick or treating.  The weather was perfect!  Our neighborhood was very busy.  For several years now, our neighbors have roasted hot dogs and given those out for Halloween----"Happy Hallo--Weiner".  We decided to join in the fun and hand out a beverage to go with it...Capri Suns.  We have other neighbors who give out cinnamon/sugar scones.  This year we actually got there in time for one!  Byron hung out at home....sitting in a lawn chair, with a book close by and a cooler of drinks to hand out.  I made the rounds with Ella.  We also had a fire in our "new" fire pit and roasted marsh-mellows to end the evening.  It was a fun night.  We are so blessed to live in such a great place! 

Ella in "disguise" as a leopard.   Thank you to Grandma for coming through with the tail.