Long Weekend.

First I need to show you the cover of Martha Stewart's new Halloween Handbook.

Holy cow! If that doesn't get you geared up for Halloween, nothing will! This was last year's Halloween book (which, of course, I own and have kept with my Halloween decorations):
I realize that Martha Stewart is a bit...intense. Her decorating tips and ideas are above and beyond what a normal person should be considering to do for their home (because, seriously, if you have time to do some of those intricate, mundane things to make centerpieces, then that time could be spent doing something more productive; like reading). But, her Halloween books are quite inspiring. And, some of the ideas are simple and cheap to replicate--two things Martha is usually not. This years book is no exception. And, since Elisabeth is having her birthday party on Halloween, I have some major decorating to do. (This will be Elisabeth's 3rd Halloween birthday party in her soon-to-be-8 years. Have I ever mentioned that I do so love Halloween?)

I'm excited to get started on planning my fall decorating. I don't usually start until the week before my birthday. Which is only a couple of weeks away!!!!

Alright, enough Halloween chatter. I know you all think I'm insane. :)

It is Labor Day weekend, which means Evan has 4 days off! Hooray!!!!!

We decided to not go away this weekend. Last year we went to Estes Park and explored part of Rocky Mountain National Park. But, this year, since Evan needs new tires for his car, we decided to hang out around here. There's plenty to do here.

So, today is going to be a normal day. Julia starts her Tumble Tots class today and Evan gets to watch it with us. Tomorrow we're going to head over to the Colorado Springs Balloon Classic. Saturday night there's a Volkswagen car show, which Evan is super excited about. Then, all the hot air balloons will be filled and lit for everyone's enjoyment. Sunday morning we'll be waking up early and heading back to the Balloon Classic to watch the balloons lift off. After we ooh and ahh at the balloons and I've taken a bajillion pictures, we're hightailing it out of there for the Denver zoo. Evan and Julia have never been before and it really is one of my favorite zoos. Elisabeth and I went in 2006 when we were visiting my sister Terra who was living in Ft. Collins, CO.

So, those are the plans. But, the most exciting part is having Evan home for 4 days. It's so nice when he's home all day, and having him home four whole days in a row is fantabulous.

Now it's time for random pictures.

Here's how my cats decided to sleep the other day.

One of the reasons we always have Thursday dinners at Rachel's house is because of her awesome back yard. We push the children out the back door and tell them not to come in till we say it's time to eat. Here's Peter on the trampoline. Peter's one of my favorite people to take pictures of because he's always doing something.

When Juila's on the trampoline, the kids aren't allowed to jump because she'd just bounce right off. She likes to scream "Don't bounce-a me!" when she's on there, even if no one is bouncing. Peter is telling Mabel that having Julia on the trampoline is no fun.
This is Elisabeth. I love the faces she makes. I also love that she loves Halloween as much as me. I trained her to love it. (I'm done talking about Halloween for today. I promise.)
Julia likes donuts.
And her bench.