Halloween

Lately the kids have been all about the cars from the Disney Cars movies. So my brother in law, Luke, handmade each one their favorite Cars character. As in, cut Amazon boxes, formed the body, printed each side, handmade. 

I think we have reached our Halloween costume peak, and the kids are only 3 and 1.

L to R: Reb Meeker, Cruz Ramirez, Mr. King, Mater, and Luigi.

Luigi is too much for me.

And stone-faced Austin wearing a happy go lucky Mater...get me every time.

And every morning since, my kids have been their car, racing around the living room. Here is E this morning pretending to be Cruz who is dressed up for Halloween. (It doesn't get more confusing than that am I right?)

As you can imagine, this was quite the undertaking. I just don't know many uber creative people who use their talents so generously for others. This man is so money!

 Thank you, Uncle Luke!

Birthday Recap

I had a wonderful birthday. Our parents and several friends gave Blane, Aimee, Josh, and I 42 hours with no kids. It was wonderful. We did things you can't do with kids like enjoy a meal leisurely, take the stairs instead of the elevators, eat a meal at a place that doesn't fit a stroller, hold hands, jump out 'real quick' to grab some dessert, walk slowly and unobtrusively, eat somewhere where chicken fingers, plain pasta with butter, and/or cheese quesadilla, aren't on the menu, go to Disneyland and only ride rides with height restrictions and then browse the shops. Several of my nearest joined us for dinner at Disneyland as the grand finale.

One thing I realized is I'm too old now for roller coasters. 

My head is down because I am crying and also using both hands to brace myself. We had to buy a sprite to calm the stomach afterwards. lol

Two things about this photo - clearly I need saving (lol) but also funny is that Leah is protecting her eyelashes from the rushing wind. :)

I am grateful for the break in the routine. I came home refreshed and full of patience and abounding in love for my children. 

As I get older, life gets harder with weighted decisions, more sickness, and so on so in a way I am bracing myself somewhat for the hardships that may be in my 36th year. But also, I am hopeful for what is to come and anchored in where God has me in this season, as a mother, as a wife, well aware of the many blessings that surround me. Peaceful, expectant, grateful.