Hallowen

We enjoyed Halloween with friends and family. We began the night with a street party. Our neighbors gathered for some good food, conversation, and costume watching. As the day turned into evening, everyone began the neighborhood walk. We figured out quickly that we had two distinct groups - the fast group and the slow group. Mighty and I became the slow group with our friends, Emily and Grace. Daddy and Aunt Brooke were the fast group with several older boys (and a stroller). Kind of like the story of the tortoise and hare, the slow group won in the end. We convinced them to skip quite a few houses so we could win the race and get home first.

The Boys

Grim Reaper - broken costume after about 5 minutes with the neighborhood boys

G.I. Joe

Some people call this the UPS man, others call it the "PS" man...we had many comments from strangers about "what Brown can do for you."

The yearly pumpkin carving contest...some things never change. The contest always involves only one man against himself and the clock.

J set up a movie screen for the kiddos in the backyard for after trick-or-treating. Carter was the last man standing. We'll have to remember this trick for next year!

Fall Festival 2009

The school Fall Festival is always fun and somewhat overwhelming. This year was a little different because Mighty was old enough to participate and to walk on his own two feet. A stroller in that place is a nightmare! It is the first year in the last seven years that we haven't had to worry about a baby during the festivities.



J participated in the hair painting. You can also get a good view of Mighty's black eye in this one. He had a small potty training incident...fell off the toilet and hit his face on the side of the bath tub. Ouch!


K ready for battle.


The battle...

One man down. I think Irecognize those tennis shoes.

Seussical the Musical

K's second grade musical had a Dr. Seuss theme. He doesn't ever overperform or even perform at these events. He is rather shy when it comes to things like this. At home he will sing in very animated ways with an audience of 5. School is completely different. We are lucky if we can see a few hand movements to accompany the songs. It was fun to watch. At least for most of us...

Thomas and Mighty

In October, Mighty and I went to Burnet to see Thomas the Train. The weather did not cooperate and I wasn't really sure it was going to be a big deal for him. In fact the whole drive to Burnet, I was almost laughing to myself about the comedy of errors this day was probably going to be. Mighty occasionally plays with the many trains we have at home, but he isn't really a Thomas fanatic. I thought he would be most excited about getting to ride a real steam train. Last year, we both missed the Polar Express train ride due to the yucky stomach virus we were passing around our house. Back to the story...

He LOVED it and discovered a new found love of Duplo Legos in the process. We visited the gift store before we left. He still wasn't really sold on Thomas, but he chose a small green train out of a crazy assortment of possibilities. It was fate. He was able to hand pick the train with the important responsibility of removing trash - Whiff. He is still my little garbage man!

I had to bribe him to leave the Legos and head for home. I promised a stop at Target to pick up a few Legos for home, as his brothers' Legos are too small and the baby Mega Blocks are apparently too big. Mighty's day got about ten million times better (if that was even possible). Target had a Duplo Lego Garbage Truck. What a day! He went on and on about what a wonderful day it had been and it was only lunch time. He rode the rest of the way home with his Boppy, Whiff, and his new garbage truck.

It was a GREAT day for both of us!

TRF 2009

At the beginning of October, we plan on a trip to Winnie for the Texas Rice Festival. This year was a little unusual. The rain got the best of the TRF, but it didn't get the best of us. We were able to spend some quality time with our family. The boys always enjoy their "cousin time!"



The Meaux and The Wilhelmi Boys (minus Mighty)



Playing Games in the Carnival Area

Nan, Gran, and BB brought our guys to the festival on Friday morning. J and I arrived later that night. Here BB, Gran, and Mighty are taking a break from the heat and festivities.

The TRF is always about seeing old friends.

K decided to ride the scariest ride in the park. I wasn't too sure he would survive, as he doesn't usually enjoy things like this. I almost couldn't watch, but...

He made it! I think his face tells the best story of all!

San Antonio Zoo

In September we made a trip to the San Antonio zoo with our cousins. We hadn't been there in about 3 years. In spite of the fact that it was extremely hot, we had a great time. The boys enjoyed seeing the animals and riding the train.

Mighty, J, and K on a Komodo Dragon

We took a cousin picture in front of the hippo viewing window.

Mighty and Hollis enjoying their thumbs at the zoo...

Friends Forever!

1st Art Show

J had his first Art Show in August. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are biased when it comes to his artwork, but we think he's doing quite well. We only intended for his art lessons to last for the summer, but it was evident that he was in this for the long haul.

After dropping him off for class one day, I called Jeremy to say I had experienced a rare moment...the kind you do not have very often as a parent. The moment when you absolutely know that what you've done is right. I know that art is right for this little guy. He beams the entire way to his lesson and is crushed when his time is over.

This is one parenting decision we will never have to question.