just a picture. that's all.

i walked by the stairs this morning and saw these shoes sitting on the step. granny brought them back from spain a few weeks ago and gave them to ella. i secretly wish they would fit me. i would dance and pretend i'm a flamenca girl. i would imagine spain. the sights, sounds, smells.

and i would be home.

it was a good night.

with one princess, one ninja, one chili pepper, and one boy who wanted nothing to do with a costume whatsoever. after chasing him around the house for a good 20 minutes i decided there was no need to inflict torture just for the sake of a strange holiday. so i opted for a shirt with a monster on it. and after another struggle to get that on, he would only agree to wear it with the sleeves rolled up. (he is in the stage of boycotting clothes. you should see what it's like getting him dressed for church on sunday! holy toledo!)

the princess with her magic wand that led us in search of candy.

this next picture is so classic of our family dynamic. dallin looking at the camera with a funny smile, ella performing in full character, lincoln going anywhere but standing still, and christian just happily chubby.

good night, jack. until next year.

her imagination is vivid. her world is colorful. and she will gladly invite you to join in on her newest adventure. but be prepared. because it will be action packed. not for the faint of heart. or tired either.

on sunday, she invited granny and grandpa into her room for a tea party, complete with stylish attire and instructions to follow with delicate exactness. 

i don't know who had more fun…ella, g & g, or me watching their interaction.

i was a little weepy knowing this would be their last tea party for a few years.

but not to worry, the next time they are together, i am sure that she will have a table waiting!

the skeleton pirate is a staple halloween decoration. granny gave it to us years ago. it's the first thing they ask about when the black and orange stuff starts to surface. i'm not really sure why we like it. it's pretty creepy. maybe that's the draw. you know what's going to happen but it still scares you silly.

you push the button. he beckons you to come closer…closer…closer.

then bam!

yeah. it freaks me out every time.

this place needs no introduction. the minute you walk in, you know it's
cool. the vibe is relaxed, the food is swell. and they even give you an
apple and bazooka gum with your meal. we look forward to it every time. the kids are still perplexed as to why there is a "bee" involved. but they usually get over that within the first few minutes of arrival.

the best thing…lincoln usually sits the entire meal without too much of a fuss. this is huge. very huge. and much appreciated. thanks, busy bee!

laughter:

probably one of the sweetest sounds that could ever touch my ears. i love hearing it. when i see it in a photo, i hear it all over again. and something inside of me bubbles over with gooey, sappy, gushy love. the kind that just makes me want to go smother them with kisses and make them laugh again.

have you laughed with your kids today?

if not, turn this silly computer off right now and go do it!

i had one particular goal to achieve while in cali a couple of weeks ago:

find costumes.

check.

why california for costumes? because their thrift stores are divine. none of this being passed through ten kids first business. maybe one kid for a month or two. and the costumes? barely touched. you know? so i was on a mission to return with some cheap loot. score!

ella loves her princess dress (never worn & the tags on it for $4!) and wears it at every chance. i love it on her too. but my favorite part?

not the dress but the sparkly tennis shoes, the stripey socks she pairs with it and the bruised shins. that's my kind of princess!