November 20 - Otter's Thanksgiving Feast

I know Christmas is hailed as 'the most wonderful time of the year' but for me, fall definitely takes the cake. Today we had a Thanksgiving feast with Julia's class and had a great turn out. We had a full spread of food (turkey, stuffing, potatoes, fruit, veggies, rolls and of course, apple and pumpkin pie). The kids were all dressed up in vests they made and had either pilgrim or Indian hats. Adorable! All the kids had a blast and the parents too. 

The Feast

Julia and Luke making a rocket ship the other morning before school

November 12 - Uncle Christmas

Uncle Chris (or Uncle 'Christmas' as Luke referred to him a few times) came to visit last week and we had a blast! First of all, let me thank Chris for making the trek to good 'ole Texas. He drove from NJ to Houston..over 3k miles round trip!! Yes, our family loves a good road trip. Even though it was cool, windy and misting, Chris and I took the kids to Kemah Boardwalk last Monday. The good news? We were practically the only people there. We had the train and carousal all to ourselves! We also ate at the aquarium and had the place all to ourselves. Fantastic! Later on in the week, we took the kids to the park, soccer, ballet and overall had a super fun time. Chris even had time to go antiquing around Houston and spoiled the kids with fun presents. A new Cars memory game for Luke and a porcelain tea set for Julia. She LOVES the tea set. Chris-you are welcome back anytime!! Luke said to me this morning: "When is Uncle Christmas coming?" 

And for those of you wondering about the bandage on my forehead (you will continue to see a band-aide there for quite awhile) I recently found out I have skin cancer. It all started with a tiny mole the appeared on my forehead about 2 months ago. I went to the dermatologist and had it biopsied. Turns out it is basal cell carcinoma. It is the most common type of skin cancer and rarely metastases, but still needs treatment. I had MOHS procedure last week (outpatient surgical procedure) to remove the cancerous skin. Fun times, fun times. My advice to all of you, especially my fair skinned friends: spf 30 or 50 every day and reapply every 2-3H. No joke (my derm recommends CeraVe spf 50, available at most drug stores). You do not want someone cutting into your face (or body). 

Windy Train Ride

Park Fun

Luke opening his birthday present

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's fairy Julia flying!

Tea Party time!

November 6 - Spooky Halloween

Halloween 2013 was awesome! We had a great group of kids including Hannah (Jedi), Evey & Lauri (power puff girls), Jewel Mae (leopard) and Koan (werewolf). Julia was a bumblebee and Luke was Frankenstein  Everyone came over around 5pm for pre-trick or treating pizza. After eating and playing for a little while, we headed out in the neighborhood. We went up and down three streets and went to the coolest spooky house ever. Truly, the pictures don't do it justice. Overall, great weather and great fun! 

Pumpkin carving time

We all dressed up!

Our trick or treating crew

Luke and Laurel like to travel in style

Julia and her friend Siddant (neighbor and school friend)

Spooky House

Digging into his candy

Sitting outside waiting for trick or treaters

Okay mom-where are those kids? We have a lot of candy to give out!

Post trick or treat snuggle with Amelia