Halloween Happiness

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays here in Arlington. It's the one day of the year when all the neighbors are outside on their front steps waiting to give candy to all the neighborhood kids. People are polite (everyone says "Thank you,") people are friendly (they actually speak to you), people are complimentary ("What a great costume," and "What great Jack-o-lanterns!) and people are generous, ("you may take two pieces!") It's hard to believe that on every other day of the year some of the people on our street barely look at each other when they pass by. I never thought Halloween would be the one day that people are the most friendly around here, but nonetheless I am glad for it and always look forward to this day in our neighborhood!

S was a Barbie Fairy (wings and head piece not worn, for some reason). J was a Bumble Bee. Nathan was, as one child put so aptly, "Bob the Builder!" He was actually trying to be someone from Ask This Old House (thanks to his television spot on their show), but Bob the Builder works, too!!



Nathan did not disappoint with his Jack-o-Lantern creations again this year!

Family Pictures

Recipe for a Happy Birthday

Step 1: Make a pancake breakfast with an extra-large pancake ("It's bigger than my head," said S.) Add many balloons for decoration.

Step 2: Mix in several fun wrapped presents.

Step 3: Bake a cake or cupcakes, or both! Apply fun sprinkles in a variety of colors. Have candles representing the theme of the party.

Step 4: Plan a party. Have many yummy snacks and more balloons! Don't forget the goodie bags!

Step 5: Have many friends! Note to self: 13 children is a lot - remember this for future parties!

Step 6: Mix children up during games.

Step 7: Enjoy the birthday girl as much as possible - she'll never turn 7 again!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SYDNEY! You are a joy to all of us and we are so blessed to have you in our family! I look forward to see what God has in store for you as you grow!

A Little Bit of Heaven

My new (early Christmas present) coffee machine is a Nestle Dolce Gusto and it makes latte macchiatos, which are our favorite coffee drink ever. We were first introduced to these when we lived in Germany where they are one of the most common coffee drinks. We have not been able to find the same thing here in the U.S., so have been very pleased to get a machine that makes them!

A latte macchiato is espresso added to steamed milk with a frothy milk topping usually served in a glass in order to appreciate the unique layering of each ingredient. Latte macchiatos are not to be confused with a regular latte which is steamed milk added to espresso - nor to be confused with a cappuccino which is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 hot milk, and 1/3 milk foam. Apparently there are different ways to make these drinks and no real consensus or regularity among coffee shops these days.

Even so we will enjoy our new machine and have fond memories of Germany while sipping our tasty latte macchiatos. Oh, by the way, the machine also makes mochas, iced cappuccinos, iced tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and chai tea lattes! yummy!

Movin' On...

....there is absolutely no way I can go back and fill in the gaps from August until now so the blog will get a fresh start today! I love going apple picking each Fall and tend to do so on my birthday. This year we waited a little longer until my parents came to visit so they could go apple picking with us. It was a dreary day but thankfully it didn't rain while we were at the orchard. We had a good time and as usual came home with lots of apples!