My friend Praise

Yesterday we said goodbye to our friend, Praise Goh. It is so strange when someone you know and love is suddenly gone. I had not seen her in over a year and I regret that. Somethings I loved about my friend...when she asked how I was, she really wanted to know and would take the time to listen...she laughed at stupid things I would say, always making me feel like she enjoyed being with me...she wasn't afraid to take risks or to challenge herself in new ways...she was faithful to her friends and to what she believed. I love you Praisy. I will miss you.

Sickos

Three of the four Westras have been feeling a bit under the weather for the past week or so. However, that hasn't stopped the smallest Westra from getting into some trouble.

Getting on the computer.

Finishing off the last of the bunny fruit snacks.

Attacking Chuck.

I know this looks innocent enough, but she's actually...

watching Blues Clues. She knows she's not allowed to watch TV.

Busy Boy

This crazy kid has been busy this week.

Jumping in front of the camera when I'm trying to get a cute shot of his sister.

Making sure everyone is wearing a headband.

Opening up a brand new bottle of shampoo and pouring all of it into the bath.


Unrolling an entire roll of toilet paper.


Dumping out a 3 1/2 pound bag of candy (this is seriously the last thing we need) and sorting it by shape and color.

He is driving us all a little crazy.

Trick or Treasure!

We had two nights of Halloween fun this past weekend. Saturday night was spent with our church friends in downtown Monrovia (with beautiful pictures taken by Megan). Sunday was spent doing a little trick or treating and then heading over to Baseline for the Annual Pumpkin Bash! So, you know what that means...double Halloween fun = double Halloween pictures. Sorry there are so many, but my kids are so darn cute I'm having a hard time not putting every picture in.

"Oh-mazing!" was Zeke's response when he saw the pumpkins Jeff carved. Doesn't my husband have some amazing carving skills?!

Eating a donut with no hands. He did a pretty good job - donuts really motivate him.

He was fascinated with Taylor's costume. He literally could not keep his eyes off of him.

Auntie Cokes was an oven. How appropriate!

Looking forward to consuming all of our leftover candy.

Wacky & Wild Wallace Weekend

To be perfectly honest, the Wallaces are neither wacky nor wild, but we are pretty fun to be around. These are truly some of my favorite people in the whole world and to have an entire weekend together was very special. We spent a lot of time singing, laughing with and at each other, eating delicious food and remembering Grandpa Tom, who passed away 5 years ago on October 16. When we gather together it still feels so strange to not have him with us, but it is wonderful to share stories about this man we miss so much.

Playing Catch Up

A few highlights from the past 3 weeks...

Pumpkin carving party at the Kapadias. Zeke and Taylor picking out their homegrown pumpkins - straight from the garden!

A trip to the Arboretum

O stayed in her stroller the entire time and even napped in it! That was a first.

Playing in the rain at Uncle Sam's football game. What an exciting game - and the good guys won!

Isn't this picture scary?

Lots of cold weather meant plenty of opportunities to wear a hat. He couldn't quite figure out how to get it on, though.

O's first haircut! Kari said we could do pigtails. Jeff said it looked like a reverse rat tail. We all agree it looks much better now.