Happy Halloween

For the past 3 or 4 years we've been trick or treating with the kids' cousins in the suburbs. This year the cousins are also sick so we decided to stay in our neighborhood. We had a record 15 trick or treaters come by. I took Emily and Liam out for about an hour which was plenty for them. A good thing about living in a neighborhood where there aren't a lot of kids is that the ones that do go out get a LOT of candy at each house.

Full moon above the kids

Tired vampire boy

Sleepy vampire girl

Down and Out

The City of Calgary and actually the entire province of Alberta seems to be in a flu/H1N1 panic. Vaccination clinics have at least 6 hour waits and many are now closing early due to the volume of people. Emily fell ill this week with mostly a fever and a headache so missed three days of school. Then the germs invaded Liam and now it seems Todd is down. Although I don't think anyone has/had anything too serious. Amazing that I am still fine (knock on wood). Hopefully everyone feels fine for trick or treating tonight. If not, we can give out candy to the little goblins and ghouls.

Pumpkin Carving

Each year we get together with friends of ours for a pumpkin carving contest. This is the 7th year of the competition and it has become quite the anticipated annual event - judges and everything. Since we have kids and our friends do too, the children have joined in on the fun. Strictly fun on their part. Unfortunately we ran out of time for the adults so we hope to carve our masterpieces by week's end. If not, Todd and I might have to compete against we each (as we did 8 years ago) and have trick or treaters cast their vote.

Becoming Dracula...

Carving Ichabod Crane

The Headless Horseman...

A sampling of the previous year's entries..

The Sod Won

After much debate, we decided to put down the sod. Todd and his dad worked all afternoon Saturday (after the morning's snow melted) and laid down the front. We both took yesterday afternoon off and put down our backyard. We need a bit more top soil for the spec side so depending on the weather we may wait until spring to finish it off. The sod that's been laid looks great; fingers crossed that it will live and become a lush green lawn come spring.