Trick-Or-Treat-O-Rama 2008

Before:
Giddy with anticipation.


During:
Giddy from excitement, commotion, and attention.


After:
Giddy from:


We hope your Halloween was equally fun (and lucrative)!

p.s. Many thanks to Grandma R for the Elmo bucket, Charlton for the superhero logos, and Treva for the capes. Best $3 costumes ever!

Oh, She Loved It

Riley's a gregarious gal, so she regularly gets smiles and attention from strangers when we're out and about.

But today, on our way home from the children's museum, she got *way* more smiles and snickers than usual.

I wasn't sure why...

Until I realized it was 'cause of our favorite children's museum activity:

Yeah, mommy went a little nuts with the face paint.

Pumpkin Heaven

Riley spent yesterday morning rollicking through the pumpkin patch with her friend, Super Anna. They found the perfect pumpkins, and we found ourselves a new fall family tradition.

Matt and His Latest Mobile

Matt just finished up a great commission–a 15-foot tall version of this mobile (which is normally just 4-feet tall):
Here's Matt with one of the largest pieces:
Here's the final thing pictured in his shop:
And here's where it will end up–the offices of an insurance company in Eerie, Pennsylvania:

Seeking a Suitable Tree

Riley and I read a book today that included this image:

Here's the conversation that ensued:

Me: Riley, who are they?
R: Mommy. Girl.
M: What are they doing?
R: Walk.
M: Where are they going?
R: Potty.

(Hmm. Except where's the mom's panicked expression?)

Laziness: Not an Option

I haven't run much lately, but this morning, I took Riley for a spin in the jogging stroller. After 4 1/2 miles, I was wiped out, so I decided to walk the last mile home.

Except Riley had other plans. Every time I stopped to walk, she yelled out, "No Mommy! Run!"

*sigh*

She's right though. Can't slow down. I've gotta be able to keep up with her.

Toothy Grins

Which one's toothier?

The Entourage

Riley Runs

When Riley turned two, her friend Anna gave her these super-cute shoes:

But when Riley turned two, she also became awfully particular about her clothing. (See proof below.) And despite my encouragement (ok, cajoling), she wouldn't wear them.

Until yesterday. That's when I caught her admiring the runners (and their shoes) in my Runner's World magazine. And I reminded her of her *own* cool running shoes...

She's been running in them–nonstop (sorry downstairs neighbors)–ever since. Many belated thanks, Anna!

Rest of outfit: duck sticker with missing head (on forehead), Halloween necklace, flapper-style purse, and Elmo underpants. Yes, she dressed herself, and no, I don't let her out like that. Very often.