Time to Reflect

We just got home from the Reflections contest award ceremony at the kids' school. Samantha viewed it as a waste of time because she did not get more than an honorable mention. Adding insult to her injury, Patrick got a medal for an 'award of merit'. The kids did a great job with their entries this year.

The theme this year was 'Diversity means...' Bean decided to go with an entry that featured her with her bodybuilder friend, showing that people who are different in appearance can still be good friends.

Samantha went 'Warhol' with her entry, using the same photo with several variations in color and tint with the words 'Beautiful in every color'.

Patrick's entry also showed how people of differing interests can get along. He used a picture of him with his friend Max and the raingutter regatta holding up their respective boats above the title 'Love your enemies.'

A Halloween First

Halloween was a little different this year. Just like years past, we managed to get through the pumpkin carving without a trip to the ER for stitches. But this year, for the first time, I did not go trick-or-treating. Whitney wanted to take the kids around the neighborhood, so I was able to sit on my butt and watch really bad football (Chargers v. Chiefs).

I wasn't worried about Whit taking the kids out. Her 'crazy Ute' costume stood out so much that there was no chance of a car not seeing her.

Patrick opted for the hippie look. Before he dressed in his costume, Bean informed me that he would look like 'Jimmy Hendrickson'.

Samantha first dressed as a baby. As did most of the girls in her class. So before going out that night she changed into a 'dead bride' costume.

And Bean decided to go as a lamb, leaving a trail of cottonballs as she walked.

It was a good night, though we did not have many kids come to our door. I blame that on the proponents of the trunk-or-treat. But I don't mind. Less candy handed out means more candy for me to take to work...