Halloween

"All the adults said Dad had the best costume." 

-Firstborn, after trick-or-treating

(He may or may not have won a "close second" place at work. They aren't allowed to give prizes.)

I had a freak-out moment upon seeing this suddenly this morning -- an instant realization that there was 30 pounds of candy downstairs. And how long had he be down there? And who else was down there? Thankfully, it was 6:20am. The  big boys were asleep. And Sweet Pea, who gave the Engineer more than half her candy, had come in to snuggle.

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Packages from Michigan

"We look like stairs!"-Firstborn, who wanted everyone to tuck in his shirt.

Phone pics are what we can manage today.

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Fall Adventures: Spectrum Center

[Phone pics.]

What is wrong with this picture?

I don't want to know how much it costs to freeze and keep frozen an ice rink in this climate.

The beginning of an ice rink:

I am super grateful for my extra time with Mr. Serious. He's starting to show signs of jealousy toward our Fabulous Fifth. We had some time together last year before we pulled Sweet Pea from preschool. But this year, he truly has lots of extra time with me. He's earned it. He's gone along on so many school commutes and doctor's appointments and extra curriculars for his other siblings. I'm really glad to focus on him now.

He loved these lions and asked me to stop so he could look at them.

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Beach Love

They randomly started writing their names and phrases like "I will do what you say," into the sand. I'm not sure to whom these people belong.

They say patently false things like, "I will always be kind to you," when overcome with the joy of being at the beach.

Regardless, we are truly grateful that DH can do this type of thing on a Saturday. No need to go to work. No need to even check his e-mail. We can fully unplug and enjoy our children. We are so thankful to God for this opportunity. He has truly blown us away.

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Salt Creek Beach

[Phone pics. Forgot good camera.]

Inspired by yesterday's beach success, I took the kids to this sand-free park at another beach.

 This may be on Awkward Family Photos in ten years:

The Ritz Carlton is (not pictured) to the left, Pacific Ocean at the bottom of the hill. There were lots of little kids walking down the hill with surf boards and surf instructors. Some of us have more money than others. Haha. But I'm just glad to be able to share this view.

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Baby's First Dip in the Ocean

He was pretty chill with the experience.

We needed a break from concrete highways and homework and fighting about chores. We ran and ran. We ate a simple picnic dinner. We watched the sun set.

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Happy Feast of San Juan Capistrano!

"Those who are called to the table of thd Lord must glow with the brightness that comes from the good example of a praiseworthy and blameless life."

-St. John of Capistrano

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Tanaka Farms Revisited

[Phone pics]

We joined a school family here after drop off. Mr. Serious had fun on the tractor and digger.

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It's a Good Thing It Was Mr. Serious and No One Else!

"Mom, someone touched my walkie talkies!"

"It was Mr. Serious."

"But I made a sign that said 'Do Not Touch walkie talkies!'"

"Yes. He thought it said, 'Please TOUCH walkie talkies.'"

[Laughter.]

"But I drew a line through it."

[More Laughter.]

"Mom, I drew his hand."

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Zoomars, San Juan Capistrano

They were invited to a birthday party for which I brought my phone camera only. The birthday girl turned 4 and was the daughter of DH's old colleague, a super nice guy. Aren't they sweet?!

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Nine Years!

At this time last year, we had no idea that DH's mom was sick and that we would lose her in six months. We didn't realize how hard that would be for our kids. It continues to be difficult for us.

We didn't know that we would get pregnant and have a baby. (We had lost two babies in a row.) 

Photo taken by our Albanian waiter, who was amazed that we had five children. He said he would love four children but cannot find a woman in SoCal who would like the same. We talked about how much we liked big families. (Also, in my experience, people who want to get married will get married even if it takes longer to find the right person. God is good!)

We didn't know that DH would be elected into the partnership at his old firm, and (at the same time) receive an offer to work with the Administration.

We had no idea that he would be offered his dream job just eight months later -- or that it would be in California, requiring a cross-country move.

Las Brisas fare clockwise: Las Brisas Margarita, Pozole Verde, Filet & Lobster Enchiladas, Chips & Guacamole.

We didn't know how quickly the Lord would work out our SoCal housing, schooling, and obstetrical and newborn care. 

If you had told us how much our life would change at this time last year, we might not have believed you. We are (trying to) slow down and just be. We are okay with a slow year.

Here are our other anniversary celebrations:

Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One.

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