Halloween

It has been a busy last week of October for us. Last weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch and each child picked out a pumpkin/gourd. The rule this year was you had to be able to carry your own pumpkin. Here is what each one picked out.

Since it was too hot (92-93 degrees most of the week, pumpkins rot very fast in that heat) to carve the pumpkin, Joo came up with her own solution to making a jack-o-lantern.

Thursday was Joo's I Love A Book Parade at BME. Unfortunately, I had a workshop off campus so I missed the parade, but Mr. Cash was there to take pictures for me. For first grade, Joo had to make a story board about a book. She chose a Junie B Jones book, of course. We had fun making the boards and here is the final product with Joo dressed as Junie B Jones.

Friday was Min's Halloween Parade and Carnival at LHPS. The parade started at 8:15 so Mr. Cash just stayed after he dropped Min off and got a seat in the gym. All grades from pre-k to 6th paraded around in costumes. The seniors were sitting on the floor watching the elementary students. Min was the Star Wars character again.

Mr. Cash's favorite costume was a fifth grader dressed up as a blind ref. Very funny for us football fanatics!! Since Joo and I didn't have school, we went and had lunch with Min and then checked out the Halloween Carnival. The seniors ran all of the booths, which were different games, food and bounce houses/obstacle courses. They even had a rock climbing wall. The students could win prizes at the game booths. Each grade has a certain time to go during the day. Min went after lunch and liked the food, especially the cotton candy, the best. Here is Joo with some cotton candy from the carnival.

LHPS had a Halloween fun day today too, so Min spent the day up there having a good time again. Tomorrow we will walk around our neighbor for trick or treating, then it's time to start thinking about Thanksgiving.

First Grade Show

Wednesday night was Joo's first grade show at BME. At first all of the students from the six classes were on stage singing together.

Then the classes seperated and two classes did one book together. Joo's class went last and they did the book Swimmy. They did their story in the dark using blacklights and glowing puppets, which is why she is in all black. Joo was a jelly fish, then had to hold the big Swimmy sign at the end.

After her class finished, then all the classes got together again for the conclusion. Joo was one of the students who got to carry a "magic" carpet out onto the stage. They lifted it up and glitter flew off the carpet.

We sure are glad that Mrs. D, the music teacher, returned this year. She always puts on a great show!!!

Fall

The weather has finally gotten somewhat cool here so we have started venturing outside for some activities. Friday night we went to EPCOT for the Food and Wine Festival. It was Min and Joo's first time at the fest and Joo definitely enjoyed it. She loved the Fried Ravoli in Italy and the Cheese Fondue. My favorites were the Braised Short Ribs in France, and all four of us loved the Chocolate Lava Cake in Ireland. Min has his usual Orange Chicken from China. We were also excited because South Korea was one of the countries this year. Mr. Cash and I hope to go back and sample more foods without the kids.

On Sunday while Min was at Lacrosse and a birthday party, Joo and I ventured to the Halloween Spooktacular at Sea World. Apparently, we weren't the only ones with that idea. It was very crowded. We managed to hit all of the candy stations. Sea World was pretty stingy with the candy, however, only handing out one piece at each station. Very much unlike Mickey's Not So Scary which gives you handfuls at each station. After getting candy, we visited the sharks, penguins and dolphins. We wanted to see the Sting-rays, which are Joo's favorites, but the pool was closed for refurbishment. I guess we'll have to see them next time.

Next week, we hope to make it to the pumpkin patch.

Minivan Mom

After driving to downtown Orlando and back for a month and a half with Min and Joo, I realized that my SUV just wasn't big enough for my two growing kids and all of their stuff so I have become one on those moms who drives a minivan. We bought the 2011 Sienna Limited. I have to say that I am loving it. I like all of the features that my van has like satellite radio and the back up camera to name a few. We also got the dual dvd player so both kids can watch their own movies. The drive home in the afternoons are now a lot quieter too since there is no more fighting over space. I also love the automatic doors, no more wincing everytime one of the kids open the door hoping that they don't hit the car in front of them. We'll see how I feel once the newness wears off, but for now, I highly recommend the Sienna minivan.