Halloween 2010: Argh Matey!

For the last couple weeks, Bright didn't want anything to do with his Halloween costume. He was cute, but he was one cranky pirate. After all of the many explanations we made the persuasion just in time tonight.

The combination of candy and cousins really made it for him, and I even convinced him to pose by our giant pumpkin.

Now after pizza and some candy, he is sqealing with delight.

Happy Halloween!

The Leaves are a Fallin'

In the Field for a Fall First

We've been doing a lot of produce shopping at roadside markets when we're with our family up north. Remember the giant pumpkin? The fruit and veggie quality, freshness, and prices can't be beat. We did that again this weekend. My dear mother got it in her head that along with all the other produce we were buying, we needed to try getting some sunflowers as bird feed. And yes, I do know who I have to "thank" for my mom's latest idea. The sunflowers were available to us, but it was a u-pick situation...a free one for that matter. We got the necessary instructions, tools, and drove out into the field. Here you have us doing our latest fall first:And after all of that, I'm not sure the birds even ate it, but at least we have a story to tell.

Love these Ladies!

Aren't we cute? I just love these ladies!

These are some of college roommates: Angela Mulder, Kim Rubin, and Jo VanderPloeg. We still get together every couple months, and I just love those times.
We lived together in a home on Ridgewood Avenue near Calvin College. In this picture we are again in Grand Rapids celebrating Kim's baby on the way - baby boy Rubin. We had a fabulous time with many of the other ladies in Kim's life.

The next time we'll see her she'll be a mama! Congratulations Kimmy!

Choo Choo hits the Civic

...so we did too.

Last weekend there was a train show at the Holland Civic Center, so yes, of course we went. We're just a mama and a daddy feeding our two-year-old's obsession.

We took in the trains with some friends from church. Bright thought the day was perfect.

These Boots are Made for Walking

I had to dust 'em off, but I wore my cowboy boots to school this week. It was for a legitimate reason too, not just because I missed them. Last week was homecoming at West Ottawa - super fun! I am wishing I had a picture of myself. Oh well, this one will have to do.

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Back to School at Bethany

Ahma took Brighton to Story Hour at Bethany CRC church this week where they graduated him from the nursery. Brighton went to church school! They sang songs, did a craft, a Bible story, and had a snack. This was a first for him, and he understandably can't stop talking about Ahma's Church. He'll even sing "YES! Jesus Loves Me" for you now. Their brain's at this age are such sponges I can hardly believe it (wish some of my students were as impressionable).

Brighton for sure wants to go back to school at Bethany. Thanks Ahma!

Peek in his Pocket

Brighton loves helping us do just about anything, but not much can beat helping his dad out in the garage. He excitedly runs out there with his plastic Handy Manny Tools (Thanks Uncle Scott & Aunt Erin!) and thinks he is big stuff.On this particular project, he attempts to use Pat the Hammer or Turner the Screwdriver to fix Auntie JoJo's brakes.

Jon thought it was also time to teach Brighton how to use a grease rag. Peek in his pocket and you will see....a grease rag. It just hangs there ready and waiting for use. How convenient! I wish it was socially acceptable and cute to hang a rag out of my pocket. I think it would save a lot of time, don't you? I think Handy Manny would be impressed with this little-grease-rag-carrying-mechanic (this Mama sure was). But Manny, you totally need a grease rag and if you ask my husband, you need an impact wrench too.

A Close Second

Brighton is obsessed with trains, but his close second is definitely firetrucks. This week Ahma and Bright timed their morning walk to the park perfectly with a call which brought all of the trucks out of our neighborhood fire station. Brighton got a Junior Firemen sticker from a fireman at some point, and he has been wearing it ever since. He will excitedly tell you about it even if you don't ask him. This firetruck excitement prompted us to take in the annual firetruck parade in downtown Holland this weekend. It was nice parade and a beautiful morning in downtown Holland.

Bright and Mama waiting for the parade to begin.

We waved to each truck, and Bright got another sticker; he couldn't have been happier.
I'm thrilled because when his first one finally falls off his coat, I can secretly replace it.