An Excellent Halloween!

Abby decided that she wanted to be a bat this year so that she could "scare Tonto!" So, a bat she was and Aunt Lisa (Tonto) was frightened!

Abby had an excellent Halloween night. Grandma and Grandpa Engelhardt joined us for the festivities. Abby told Grandma to wear a costume, so Grandma came as an alien!
We drove to some of Abby's friends' houses. This is Abby in the Batmobile (Grandma and Grandpa's new minivan)!
Our first stop was Aiden's house. He and Abby had been discussing for days the fact that Abby's Grandpa is scared of spiders (Aiden's costume was Venom from Spider Man). Grandpa played the part and pretended to be scared of Aiden and Abby and Aiden laughed and laughed!

I kept trying to get a picture of Aiden and Abby, but with no luck! And then, just as I was about to call it quits, Aiden walked up to Abby and gave her the sweetest hug!

And then Venom and the bat finally let me take a picture of both of them!

Snow White (Tara) was much more willing to pose for her picture with the bat!

Abby also enjoyed trick or treating in our neighborhood!

But I think Abby's favorite part of the night was giving candy to the children who came to our door. She greeted them by saying Happy Halloween and gave each one a big handful of candy!

And then when the group had left, Abby patiently sat by the door -- waiting and watching for the next children!

When we finally ran out of candy, I told Abby it was time to turn the lights off and close the door. Will said he could run out and get more candy, but Abby said, "I know!" She ran to her own bag and put most of her candy in the bucket to share with the other trick or treaters! We were very proud!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Halloween Costumes

Abby's had some pretty great costumes through the years!

Happy Halloween!

Abby is so excited that today is Halloween!!! Check back later tonight to see what 2007's costume is!!

Pumpkin Carving

Last night Will and Abby carved our pumpkin.

Every pumpkin carver needs a hot chocolate with marshmallow break!

Abby was impressed with Will's pumpkin gutting technique.

Will teased Abby with a handful of pumpkin goo!

Abby drew the face...

...Will carved (not exactly what Abby had drawn, but he gave it a good faith effort -- or at least that's what we told Abby)!

Abby washed the pumpkin's face.

And Abby and Will's masterpiece is unveiled! Abby wanted a scary face and if you ask me, the "W" is scary!!!!!

Abby's Last Music Class

Abby had her last music class at the end of September. She loved the class, but the time no longer worked with our schedules. We hope to find another music class that works with our schedule.

The children learned a song about turtles and wore these scarves as their shells.

Abby's New Princess Dress

Last month Abby went to a playdate at her friend Jili's house. Jili had wonderful princess dresses and Abby loved them. The next day I found myself at Target buying Abby a lovely new princess outfit!!!

A Visit to Abby's Oaks Classroom

Will and I enjoyed a visit to Abby's classroom today. She's been busy this school year learning to write her letters (here in sand) and making books about animals. But Abby also still enjoys some of her favorite activities from last year, especially scrubbing the benches!

Bobbing for Apples

Today we attended a Fall Festival with friends. Abby was a great apple bobber.

Baseball

Abby loved watching the playoffs! She cheered for "Crazy Hair Guy" (Manny Ramirez) everytime she saw him! But alas, the games were long and sleep prevailed.

School Picture Day

Abby had her school pictures taken today. Here she is pictured holding her picture from last year. We joked about different faces she could make. I recommended she pretend to be a turtle and hide her head in her shell or a pirate and make a crazy face.

When I picked her up from school, I asked her what face she made. She said, "I decided to be a human!"

Goodbye Noni and Granddad

We loved having Noni and Granddad in Rochester for the summer, but the day came when they returned to CA. Abby cried and cried, but now looks forward to seeing Noni and Granddad in California at Christmas!