Happy Halloween

and Holden's First Plane Flight

My parents came to visit for Halloween and got a taste of what it is like on Clark Street.  The only downside of my mother being present for Halloween was the Winnie the Pooh outfit that I was expected to wear... and the subsequent pictures on Facebook.  I had students coming in to class the next day chuckling over them.  The lesson they took from class that day: your parents are never finished embarassing you!

Mariel was Belle, Noella was a ballerina, and Holden was a hippo.  By the end of our very short trick or treating spree (about 5 houses) Mr Holden was a very tired and angry hippo, so he missed the rest of the night.  We had our usual fire out front to greet the 200+ trick or treaters who came by with their jokes.  I should mention that we don't even live on the "busy" block of Clark- the one where there are actual lines to get up on front porches, a cotton candy machine, and other excitement. 

My two favorite jokes of the year:

What do you call a fish with two knees?

A TWO KNEE fish.

and

What is a rabbit's favorite restaurant?

IHOP

The next weekend Holden and I headed to Alexandria, Virginia for a quick getaway with some of my dear friends from graduate school.  They are four bright, interesting, and fabulous women who I truly wish I could spend much more time with- harder now that we live scattered across the country.  It was a wonderful, relaxing, and much needed getaway.  It was also Holden's first plane flight, and he did very well.  He slept most of the time in my arms and when he was awake was captivated by the arm rest.  The only frustrating part of the journey for him was that I refused to let him lick said arm rest... but luckily I had other toys that he could play with, too!

 



Happy Birthday to Patrick!

Patrick's 36th birthday is today.  He had a nice week of celebrations.  Thanks in part to a generous grant from his sponsors (aka his parents), he went to a World Series game at Busch stadium on Wednesday.  The best part- the Cardinals won!  This weekend was a trip to southwestern Missouri.  Bennett Spring State Park is known as a mecca for fishing (at least I am told it is by Patrick, since I do not often discuss the best places to fish) so we headed to Lebanon, MO and a rented cabin.  The "cabin" turned out to be pretty darn nice, with king beds and a whirlpool tub.  Mariel wondered if we should just move there.  It was a beautiful setting, very close to the park itself and right on the Niangua River.

He got in lots of fishing time, with several trout to show for his efforts.  The girls and I adventured around the cabin and worked on craft projects.  Holden took naps, hung around in his Snugli carrier, and looked cute.

 

 

Two Cardinals and a Rally Squirrel

We are ready for the baseball game tonight!

We just came home from church, one of Noella's favorite weekly activities.  Several times a week she asks if it is church day, and she is always excited when that actually comes.  She loves singing and the sharing peace.  I think she also knows that she is incredibly cute and enjoys the attention from other parishoners as she kneels and politely folds her hands in prayer.  Her favorite song these days is something she calls "Lu La Pre Sa."  It took me a little while to figure this out, but it is her version of "Alleluia, Praise the Lord," which Mariel has taught her from the Children's Liturgy. 

Today, the congregation was schedule to hear the choir sang a new song for us- many responsorial psalms and such will be changing soon due to a new translation from Rome.  The church all sat quietly listening, with the exception of one small 2 year old, belting out her own version of "GOD GOD LULA."  She keeps us smiling!

Holden at 5 months

Here are my attempts to get a picture of Holden with Puffalump for his monthly shot.  He is a baby on the move, so Puff suffered quite a bit during this photo shoot.  You can see we have quite a happy, pudgy baby on our hands.  He is starting to roll and scooch himself all over, too- very fun, unless you are trying to take a picture!

Some scenes from the past week:

We went "camping" (we stayed in cabins) at Meramec State Park last weekend.  It was a gorgeous weekend, with lots of friends, beautiful weather, and the chance to hike, fish, and play. 

 Mariel got to bring her class mascot, Truman, along.  He is also the official mascot of our state university, known around here as Mizzou (which at least helps to explain the football uniform).  Each night he gets sent home with a student and the family gets to document Truman's adventures.  He kept up well and had fun with all of the crafts!

 Holden took it all in a stride.  He had fun being spoiled by assorted friends, and Patrick and I enjoyed being spoiled by not having to hold him all of the time!

The activities for the weekend included Beatrice's fifth birthday, complete with a pinata and a borrowed bounce house.  Linda organized a relay race for the families with little kids (three families), and we all got our own team colors.  Here is Noella with her bandana, Truman, and medal around her neck.   

 In other news, we have started to give Holden a few tastes of cereal.  He is in the grabby phase, trying to snatch everything off of the table, plates, and out of our hands.  He is a bit uncertain about actually swallowing the cereal, but seems to be interested in the idea of it. 

 And, since today starts the next round of baseball, here is an obligatory post-season father and son photo op.  Go Cards!