We had to move!!!

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BOO! We're Back!

We didn't actually go anywhere. We've just been here doin' our thing, but my laptop has been squirrely (the letter "s" doesn't always work--problematic!--for one thing), so I haven't been inclined to do any updates, but the pressure has been mounting, so here we are!

As any self-respecting holiday does, Halloween lasted a solid 6 days, with a Family Fun Night at the Y on Friday kicking it off, a Saturday night party with the friends and then culminating in the Day-Of Event: Trick Or Treating. This, of course, meant about 6 different costumes-- so many I'm afraid I didn't even capture them all on film. May I introduce: 

The Pink Unicorn

SUPER JEZZIE! 

Pinkalicious (with friend from Avatar)

Glinda The Good Witch

And their Mama Bird

As is our tradition, we also gathered with friends for a night of Pumpkin Carving--Winnie does her own all by herself now! Jez was contented to look on while I carved giving "MORE SCARIER, MOMMY!" directives.

 I had turned in my ballot that day, so a fellow ex-Wisconsinite empathized with my need to get the I VOTED! sticker (which obviously doesn't happen in a mail-in ballot state)... and so she gave me a Sharpie Tattoo, instead. 

In other news, we had our annual Dr. Appointments... and we're growing strong and healthy! 

  And this Fall has been bizarrely beautiful. Fall is known to be our best season, but 75 on November 4th was weird by anyone's standards... We got out into it to fully enjoy it, of course, feeling deeply grateful for this being our "weird"-- and continuing to send our love and prayers to the East. 

Divide and Conquer

While Mike and Winona took on the great LA this past weekend, Jezebel and I held down the fort. It's fun spending time with the girls separately (albeit a lot harder--You want me to do what? Where's your built-in play mate?) Jezebel was such a chatter box all weekend long, highlighting how much it is, really, that WINONA talks (and talks and talks and talks) not leaving enough air time for the wee one to get her words in edgewise. I'm not worried-- when it comes to vying for her way in this world, Little Jez is up to the task. Here's what we did while she chattered: 

A little frozen yogurt goes a long way to ease the sting of not getting to go on an airplane. 

 Canning jars (and their lids) kept me busy for a loooooooooooooong time. 

 Mason jars are more fun than UO Volleyball, but the popcorn was good. 

 To find chestnuts, one must put nose VERY close to earth. You don't SEE them so much as you SMELL them.

 We came home with no fewer than 50 chestnuts. Jez got right to work on laying out the painting gear while I did some yardwork.

 And then, we made chestnut critters! 

 Winnie and Mike arrived home in time for W's first rehearsal of The Elves and the Shoemaker-- this fall's production!

They had a fabulous time in LA, and it was fun to have time with Just Jez... but we're all happy to be reunited. :)

Falling Into A New Season

Let's just start with this one and get it over with. I attended a work event on Thursday evening at a local bank, where it became known that I have lived here for 11 years and never attended a Duck Football game. My phone rang at three pm the next afternoon. It was the bank calling--they thought it was time I get addicted to quack. (I cannot make this up. People say this sort of thing 'round these parts.) I swung by the drive-through bank teller that afternoon and picked up two tickets--45 yard line, 8th row. Biggest game of the year against arch-rival Washington Huskies...

 My friend Kari--not a football fan, but a lover of adventure--was the perfect date. We rocked the tailgate scene and dove right into all things YELL-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for a blow-out 55-14 game. Was great fun. Think I can consider that checked off my list, though... :)

 This, on the other hand, is happening a lot this fall.

 Lots of trips to local farms... this last weekend for PUMPKINS! 

 

 It has been stunningly gorgeous these last few weeks. Bizarre and beloved weather... 

 Today, a walk in the woods...

 Ahhh, we love fall! 

Lovely September

The First Day of School seems like years ago already, but here are the wee Grossmans, 

heading off to pre-school...

 And 1st Grade! 

 They made their own pizzas that night to celebrate another year of fun and learning.

Preschool is a little bit exhausting. 

 Mom was in Chicago for a few days for work...

 ...and heads out tomorrow for a few days in San Francisco for some more work, so we three are doing a lot of this these days: 

 This month has been epic, weather-wise (we had it coming after a cold summer), so we went to the Farmer's Market this weekend to celebrate the first weekend of our most beautiful season.

 And, then, our annual trip to the orchard for some apple pickin', followed by some applesauce and apple crumble makin'... yum. 

 This morning, Winnie had a date with a little friend to go to a bakery and play in the sandbox, so Jezzie  and I had a date of our own. It's so fun to spend time with the girls separately-- their little personalities shine all the brighter... and this little one just chattered, chattered, chattered the whole bike ride to the library and back--so many stories to tell and questions to ask. Hilarious.

Wisconsin: The Movie

Our trip to Wisconsin...click here!

Winnie Improv

Summer Play

New shoes. Check! First Day of School Clothes. Check! Crayons. Check. New Teacher's Name. Check! (Ms. Anne!--yeah!) Packing in lots of summer play...Check, check and check!

 We discovered a couple of great "close in" lakes this summer, making for great day trips and picnics.

 What we haven't done a very good job of is getting Winnie out on her bike. I was sure that by the time first grade began, we'd be riding off together in the mornings, but alas, living on a hill has its drawbacks... we don't get much practicing in. Maybe this fall...??

 

 Daddy took us camping! (While mom had the house to herself for two whole days... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.)

It's been a happy, hilarious summer...with lots of adventures, big and small. Winnie is very excited for first grade. Jezebel is non-plussed that she has to head back to the same old pre-school room (even though she really does love it) so we're focusing on how she'll be one of the Big Kids this year and, as such, a Very Important and Highly Responsible Rainbow.

 Ah, Summer!

Wisconsin!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then here is our trip to T'rivers in 30,000 words! 

(Narrative to be added later, when time allows!)