As per the norm, Halloween this year was filled with sugar induced highs and temper fit crashing lows haha-but all in all it has been a wonderful! This year, Addy chose to go as an 'alicorn'. She was very specific about it-not a unicorn, or a pegasus-an alicorn, as they have both the magical horn, and also the wings to fly. She loved the pastel rainbows in her costume, and was ecstatic to get to wear makeup. I think she felt very beautiful, which was nice to see, since that is what we see in her every day-and she kept running around with her arms out, trying to fly and practicing winking like her favourite my little ponies haha.





Isla went as the artist Frida Kahlo, which I so LOVED, and she rocked-the real Frida was known for her fiery passion, firm opinions, and resilience, still painting despite her many many physical ailments-to me, she defines the term 'when life you gives you lemons, make lemonade..'. So I loved watching our passionate little Isla emulating that part of her interesting life and person. I was happily surprised how many people recognised who she was, and I think much of it was in part due to the movie Coco [also a huge favourite around here..] It was pretty perfect, especially considering my lack of crafting ability and still being able to make her headdress, finding her skirt at DI for $1 and using an old table runner for her shawl/rebozo. She even carried George around, as Frida had a pet monkey she loved.





Bear held the family tradition and used the Porter's old turtle costume, which suited him perfectly. He looked adorable, and was still able to slowly and comfortably move around with his new found walking independence. I love this age, when they are willing to let me still choose their costumes and cuddle them incessantly. Never grow up please turtle Bear!

The kids got to wear their costumes for a few various things, like trunk or treating and a chili cook off with our church [which had a huge turn out-and which I was the only person who brought rice to. haha!], some costume parties with friends, and of course Halloween itself. I felt like I was in a movie or something when we went with a friend to old downtown Boise, and saw all the huge houses and amazing decorations. It was nothing like trick or treating the steep hills of the bar area haha! Definitely fun, even if Ms. Addy opted out the night of [she was SO hangry, despite being offered food and rest several times!] Daddy was even able to join us afterwards at another party, and it was a good day all around.
















We also celebrated Dia De Los Muertos, of course with our own twists haha. We painted pumpkins with sugar skulls, had some fake flowers [including marigolds] and put these alongside candles and papel picado on our makeshift ofrenda. We included several pictures, stories and memories of our loved ones who have passed on, along with a few who are still with us, since now we are living far from home and want to make sure the kids feel connected to them, despite the miles. It ended up being a very special night, in which we were counting our blessings and thinking of all that was sacrificed for us to be where we are today. So so grateful for that. [In a perfect world, I would have made chocolate chip cookies, champarado, and spam musubi to put in front of the respective ancestors as offerings..but I just didnt have the time or energy, as you can see by how I am dressed in the below pictures haha!]





Apart from all the holiday stuff, we've just been up to our usual shenanigans. Parks, school, crafts, reading, baking, cooking, errandas, etc. One highlight was seeing the girls do some tinkering with their new 'invention boxes.' Those things bought be a whole few hours people! Genius, thanks to Bravery magazine.





Now we are in full swing Christmas mode, decorating and counting down the days [its 10 people...] till we get to go home for a visit. So thats the long and the short of it for now! Life is good and we are doing well! Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are ready for you!