Halloween Happenings...

I left off last with the great pumpkin carving marathon taking place on the kitchen floor. It was a spectacular sight of children ewwwwing over pumpkin guts and Carly trying to eat them. Everyone went to bed as the master carver set out to do his work. He carved an excellent pumpkin, even though I was not allowed to view the masterpiece until the very end. His multitasking skills are somewhat a struggle sometimes, since he was trying to talk to his dad and carve at the same time. He was putting his finishing touches and cleaning it up over the trash, I hear a large thud followed by a "(censored)!" Yes, the front of the pumpkin fell off into the trash... with a little help from toothpicks he pieced it back together, lit it up, and turned for my approval. It was my little "Animal" from the Muppets. That is Carly's nickname. Unfortunately, I found the master carver's pumkin face lying face down in the mulch yesterday... so much for those toothpicks.

The best part of our "Halloween Week" (as we like to call it in Findlay), is that the real trick-or-treat has not even taken place yet, but we have stories. Last night was the annual parade downtown. It is about the same scale as the Macy's parade with about the same amount of spectators. You line up for hours, and wait your turn to be called to line, then you GO! It is a mad dash down Main Street. You hand enormous amounts of candy to all the beggars lined along the street. Long story short, a two hour wait for a 20 minute mad dashing of candy tossing. Best part of the story, freezing rain... sleet... and wind. Yes, I could not let the children down as they wanted to walk with the St. Michael Float, while their digits were practically frozen off. We survived, but we thought maybe next year we would like to be a beggar. Oh, did I mention daddy was out of town so we were there without him? Sorry no pictures, my hands were similar to ICE scultptures you would find at a wedding! You know who was the best trooper of all? Carson... he never complained or moved for the matter. He was a HOT DOG in the wagon just taking it all in.

Carson has been running around listening to his shuffle and getting his groove on. He has been quite a little "rump-shaker" when the music is playing, and so has Carly. For the love of music in this house!

Yesterday, the train engineer came by and threw a sack out of the train for Carson. It was a NS railway winter cap. He LOVES it! He has become such a star with these train guys. He still does not miss the train as it rolls by.

He has also been decorating with these little Christmas lights. The kids all have these decorative lights in their room, but Carson seems to think that my kitchen cupboards need them too.

Caitlin has had two great nights because daddy has been gone, so she gets his place in bed. It seems to make it easier on her with her crazy emotions. Although, now she wants a bed warmer for her bed, since she got to control her side.

She got her first, first grade report card yesterday. It was excellent, not that I was worried... but it is always nice to have reassurance. She is now selling candy, nuts, and chocolate for Girl Scouts. Since we don't have fundraisers for her school, this is her first opportunity to sell, sell, sell! Thanks to Stephanie for her first purchase!

Carly spent some time with Uncle Jeff last night, I did not want to take her to the parade... so they bonded, ate pizza, and watched TV. She is by far the easiest going Koomen kid. Her new favorite words are "hot dog" and "pizza." Hot dog being her brother's costume and pizza being her favorite food.

Well, tomorrow Carson and I are helping at Caitlin's class party. I am sure there will be a lot to be said the next time I blog. PICTURE POSTING TOMORROW!