Party (Upton-Style)!

This year, for Frances's birthday celebration, we had the Linfoots and Ishikawas over for pizza and a viewing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  It was so mellow and wonderful.  I got all the kids Harry Potter glasses and lightning bolt tattoos and then they made potions out of vinegar, baking soda, glitter, and dish soap.  I did print out instructions, but the kids gleefully ignored those and had a great time.  Below, we've got Frances, Peanut, Keala, Chandler and Darby.  Akea couldn't make it, but Adler was around somewhere.

After the movie, Darby stayed the night!  They've actually spent the night together before, but never for a Birthday Sleepover and Frances seemed very pleased with that part.

The next morning, the girls sewed and played Harry Potter Clue.  These are The Absolute Best Activities for sleep-deprived children, second only to flame throwing and knife sharpening.

After a bit, I made Cindy come pick up Darby so we could go back to bed.  When we'd rested up a bit, I was willing to declare the whole thing a huge success.

Halloween Itself

The Worst Witch, Belle and...

...Rapunzel.

God bless teachers, especially on November 1.  An entire school of  sleep-deprived, sugar-fuelled kids.  Imagine.

The Lantern Parade

Frances talked and talked about being Hermione or Matilda for Halloween.  Talked and talked.  But in the end, she decided to go with Chandler to pick out Chandler's princess costume (Chandler never wavered), and Frances couldn't resist getting one of her own.  So, I give you Belle, Rapunzel and their lanterns.

They added their own metallic tattoo necklaces. 

I love the lantern parade.  I'm so glad we made it this year.  Everyone with littles gets dressed up and walks around the pond.  There are bands, cider donuts and lanterns, so it's pretty much wonderful.  A little of that, and I could be done with Halloween.  I did notice this year that our kids were on the older side of the age range!  This was shocking and a little devastating to me.  I no longer have little children, it seems.

Waiting On Their Hogwarts Letters

Some days - like, everyday at 7:30 p.m. -  I've got their trunks packed and ready to go.  Just point me towards Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.  They are so ready.

They Dress Themselves

Aren't they just fashion plates?!

And so sweet, too!

Frances was annoyed I asked her to move her arm so I could see her face.  I'm so glad I bothered.

Her Very Own Field Trip!!

After being dragged along on her sister's field trips all last year, Chandler finally got one of her own!  I was so pleased for her, I volunteered to tag along.  It being October in Massachusetts, we went to an apple orchard, the very same orchard with the falling concrete blocks and war re-enactment, but this was during the week so all was calm.  The kiddos were more or less given free rein of an area.  Chandler ran around with her new buddy Leelawadee.  (If Frances gets a "Kealakai," I guess Chandler gets a "Leelawadee." I had another "Morgan" in kindergarten, a boy, so I suppose I can't complain, though it's not half as interesting as my kids' friends' names.)

Cuteness!

Chandler and Leela are best buds now, sort of like sisters in that they alternate playing and arguing with lightning speed.  Luckily, Leela's mother is very good humored and we mostly ignore their drama.  Thank goodness.

Forty-Four Months of K1er Chandler

I couldn't choose one picture.

Forty-Four Months Fun Fact:

• Path of least resistance:  This kid was less hurt by the falling concrete block than was her sister (see previous post).  Minor foot damage that didn't require carrying, which was lucky since Frances was hobbling.  And she's decided she likes her apples whole, not cut up.  This is one of those minor miracles of parenting, like when the kids start fastening their own seat belts, that nonparents can't even imagine getting excited about.  "Oh, my God!  She's eating an apple that I didn't cut up!"  "Oh, my Lord!  I only have to fasten one seatbelt when I get in the car!"  It's the little things.