Happy Halloween!

We visited our friends in the retirement and nursing homes today. Jack and I wore our costumes. He was Captain Jack and I was Angel Momma, although Jack was quick to correct me. "You're just momma."

They really go all out with decorations at the retirement home. Jack was enthralled with the spooky decorations.

When we saw the following pumpkin, I told Jack, "This is what happens when you don't brush your teeth."

It's a good thing these decorations don't scare their residents to death. At least they didn't put out the coffin decoration this year.

What's he looking at?

Momma and her new man. He's a scream!

Ghostly Tales

Jack: Ghost Hunter Extraordinare.

His mission: To tag along with mommy on a Historic Preservation Ghost Stories tour.

Be afraid ghosts, be very afraid.

We heard a few stories. A ghost named Alice lives in the Chancellor's Residence on the University of Missouri. I first heard the story when I interviewed Anne Deaton for a story about local ghosts. Supposedly, a broken Godfather's clock chimes with the help of Alice.

 

And we heard about a couple of ghosts associated with the old academic hall building.

We only made it to a few places. Then, Jack wanted to be carried for the remainder of the tour and I didn't have the energy to do that so we grabbed some yummy Mexican food before heading to church.

Bring Your Own Big Wheel

Jack joined a bunch of kids at the city's rec center for Bring Your Own Big Wheel, an event that allowed them to drive the tracks like race cars.

While I would consider some participants sprinters, Jack was more like a long-distance runner. He had fun enjoying the scenery and taking it easy.

Jack pedaled for more than an hour around the spooky track.

There were some bumps along the way. Jack kept pretending to crash his tricycle. Here's one moment.

I told him to pretend that he was sad and this is what I got.

Jack totaled 20 laps, putting in 3.1 miles on his trike.

No, he didn't have to go potty. He was in the middle of throwing his medal in the air.

One weird note: a young girl who was there with her brother, very nice, struck up a conversation with me. She had dark rings under her eyes. "I was sick," she said, "but I puked and feel better now." Oh, goodness. Nice chat but gotta run. Please don't let me get sick.

Hay Ride and Hometown Fall Festival

We joined a local group for a hay ride and dinner Saturday night. Despite storm watches and warnings in nearby counties, it was a beautiful evening. I had a blast. I hadn't been on a hayride in such a long time and I had so much fun catching up with friends.

We only had to take one emergency potty stop for someone's special boy. Wonder who that was. :)

Today, we spent some time and money at my hometown's parish fall festival. Unfortunately, the wind was a little out of control. I hope it didn't scare away too many people from the yummy sausage and roast beef. I love coming back here. It's so beautiful and peaceful. Sure wish I could win the lottery and move back, or set up high speed internet here for Mike's work. :)

Pirates vs. Princesses

What a fun, busy weekend it's been. Part of my weekend was spent shooting video for an upcoming Parks and Recreation promotion. I turned a Princess Dance Party promotion into an epic Princesses vs. Pirates battle.

At least one pirate had to sit down for a rest.

But the battle must go on.

With one pirate landing himself in jail. Security was a little lax.

Later, Princess Meaghan joined forces with the pirates.

A special thanks to my family and family friends for bringing their daughters and son to my princess shoot. And a very big thanks to my parents who let me turn their kitchen into an ocean.

The Critter Getter

Not too long ago, in a break room not too far away, an innocent person bought an item that had a small hole in it. Soon, specks of food were scattered inside the vending machine. Turns out a mouse had found the EZ street food buffet. The food was removed, the machine cleaned. Still, someone decided to play a little prank on the vending machine guy.

Notice: no mice were harmed during the shooting for this blog post. It's only a paper mouse.

Look Who's 3!

Jack celebrated his birthday yesterday. My big boy is now 3. Boo hoo. Where does the time go?

My niece and me.

Because one ball just isn't enough.

Dad took out his precious.

And the piece de resistance? Candy!