Halloween 2011

The family was ready to trick or treat til we dropped. The candy bags ended up quite full.

Although we've been wearing variations on this costume for months now, the real man of steel was ready to make his appearance.


He was ready to take off into a busy Halloween weekend.


Things got swinging on Friday with a Halloween party at Culver City Montessori.


After a tough morning of preschool we needed to cool off in the downtown Culver City fountain.


After reflecting on his day he was ready for more time in his costume.


Bill's pumpkin artistry was once again on display this year.


Aunt Caroline was in town for all of the Halloween festivities.


Saturday afternoon we infested the Feinblum's Halloween party. As Mitch Hedberg would say, "It's the cutest infestation ever."

The weekend wrapped up with a Halloween party and trick or treating up the hill. In her first year trick or treating on foot Summer covered quite a lot of ground.

Let's Listen to the Land

The California Jordan's were out of town in Santa Barbara two weekends back, and that's as good an excuse as any as to why you've had to wait so long for this update.

While there we took in the 20th annual Goleta Lemon Festival. Of course there were bounce houses...

and sheep to pet.

We kicked off our fun old fashion family Halloween by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the multi-hued majesty of the fall landscape...

and select that most important of Halloween symbols.

No, Summer's eyes weren't frozen shut, she was just tired.

Carson did his best to navigate the maize maze at the Lane Family farm, but after wandering through it for ten minutes we successfully left back through the entrance.

After careful deliberation Summer eventually found a pumpkin that was perfect for her.

Fast forward to last weekend, and we were once again at a slightly more urbanized version of the lemon festival in West Chester. Of course, the carnies were probably the same.

We were joined by Summer's pals Ben & Ellie (and mom Marlowe), as well as surprise guest Shane from preschool.

Looking ahead to next week, here's a sneak peak at the costumes. In what will come as a surprise to absolutely no one, Carson will don the duds of the man of steel.

After trading out her pajamas for some antennae, Summer will be a ladybug.

Discovering Marina Del Rey

It's officially Fall in Los Angeles as it finally rained. Thanks to some hand-me-downs from her cousins, Summer was prepared.


She had carbo loaded earlier for plenty of puddle splashing.


Of course the bad weather was limited, and we were back out for sliding and bouncing by the weekend.


On Sunday Summer & Carson got to watch an open water rescue during the Discover Marina Del Rey festival. Fortunately Goose didn't have to die for this to take place.


Also at the festival, Carson got in a few kicks, but it was Bill sending a ball through the opening in the lower right hand corner on his only attempt.


It was a multi-sport day, as Carson also got to put his putting skills to the test.

PR's, Ponies, Pools & Paprika

It was so nice this past weekend that Carson and Summer were able to bond at the beach for possibly one last time this summer.


The kids were on hand to congratulate Laura after running a sub-hour PR in the Manhattan Beach 10k.


Thanks to some new hand-me-down PJs from neighborhood friends Christian & Connor we aren't just prepared for footraces.


Of course it's not all fun and games, there's also work to be done.



Like Christopher Columbus, we have a pair of active explorers in the spice trade.



They've done an excellent job of discovering new worlds.


Though sometimes it leaves the cupboards bare at home.


Of course the MB 10k also means it's hometown fair weekend.  Our newest cowpoke took her first pony ride hands free.


While our more experienced cowhands are pretty cool about the whole experience.


Sunday afternoon we headed out to the beach before the rains ushered in fall to start this week.  Summer's tongue made an appearance as usual.


Ocean temps remain warm enough to head out and tangle with some seaweed.