Super Swansons

As I have previously mentioned, Cullen and Simone are into a Superhero phase.  Cullen picked a Superman costume for Halloween and naturally, Simone is interested in being just like her brother.  We created a Supergirl persona for a little lady.  I even purchased token Superman t-shirts for Dirk and me (yes, really dorky).  We started the Halloween festivities with a walk through Myrick Park where kids could trick-or-treat in the daylight.  On Halloween night, we joined our neighbors the Griffiths and formed a superhero posse:  Superman, Supergirl, Ironman, Captain America and Wonderwoman.  Simone and Calvin tried to keep up with their older siblings, but after 4th house, they both opted to stay in the wagon and consume their goodies.  We made it to about 15 houses before darkness fell, the cold set in and a few tears were shed.  At that point, the warmth of our house and the thrill of passing our candy was a welcome end to the evening.

Boo Ha Ha Bash

Dirk and I attended a grown-up only Halloween party.  It's amazing to see what creativity the adults can come up when there are prizes involved.  Dirk and I stayed true to our family theme and dressed up as Supergirl and He-Man.  Tracy joined in with an awesome Wonderwoman costume.  Some of the other favorites: Uncle Sam, Twister, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, the Incredibles, and Dr. Evil with mini-Me.  And the winner was..... Dr. Evil and mini-Me.

I love fall.

Lark Toys = Fun

One Saturday, Annie and I road-tripped to meet for a playdate at Lark Toys in Kellogg, MN http://www.larktoys.com/.  This place is truly a hidden gem.  There's a beautiful hand-carved merry-go-round with rides every 1/2 hour.  And the store itself goes on for what seems like miles full of unique, super-cool toys.  Cullen, Mason, Simone and Dane loved their cousin time and had a blast playing with all of the fun stuff.  This is a destination we will be sure to visit again.

Can I get please get one decent smile?!

Wax on. Wax off.

Cullen started karate a month ago and is having a blast. He has been taking classes twice a week at H&H Karate. The kids work on focus, teamwork, self-discipline, coordination and basic martial arts techniques.  The best part of each class is when Mr. Hickock tells the students to give him their mean face.  All of the 4-7 yr old foreheads scrunch up and their eyes narrow -  it is hilarious.  So for the past month Cullen has worked on his punches, kicks, focus and his mean face and earned a chance to test for a higher belt.    Today he tested and passed for his gold belt.  Mr Miyagi would be proud.

A School Bus, Apples and Pumpkins

I went with Simone's class on their very first field trip to Ferguson's apple orchard.  The highlight was definitely the ride to our destination on the bus - "the orange school bus" as Simone kept pointing out.  We had a great morning - with a tractor ride, apple picking, the petting zoo, tractor trikes and a pumpkin patch.