Halloween Party II

Thank you one and all for contributing to our very fun Halloween party this weekend! It was so great to have all of you in our home. We loved seeing everyone's funny costumes, eating the yummy food and playing games--it was a blast! I can't decide who's costume was my favorite-Rocky Balboa v. Drago (Dave and Mason) or the Hippies (mom and dad)--they were all great. Thanks again. ps if you have any better pics from the night, please email me--for some reason, I don't think I got the greatest pics.

Aidan was a VERY serious Jedi Knight.

Dad and Clara-the cutest little lamby ever-but what a strange picture!

This was only ONE of mom's custumes for the night. She was also Madam Tusaud-the gypsy fortune teller.

Pinata Mexican style-Jon kept teasing the kids by bopping them on the head with the Pinata.

Our friends Eric and Diane

In God's Country...

Last week, John invited us to go on an over-nighter with him and the wee-berns to Valley of Fire. We got off work a little early to pack up all our gear, threw the dogs in the car and drove out there--only four stops and two hours later than we had planned--we were in keeping with true Michaelson tradition.

When we got to Valley of Fire (about 7:30pm) we were informed that ALL of the campsites were FULL. We drove around and checked-and indeed they were. However, the park employee did tell us of an un-marked campsite about six miles outside of the National Park, that was NOT patroled by the park rangers. So, if there were to be any problems along the way, NO ONE would know about us or be available to help. (a little daunting with three children in tow). But the boys decided that they weren't put off by that spooky warning and decided to give it a go. We traveled out of the safety net of the National Park boundaries and into the wild. We soon found a flat enough area and decided to pitch our tents. It was then that Jon figured out that our lighter did not work (our two responsibilities this trip were fire and smores), so we traveled back down the bumpy road to our neighbors in a camper (who incidentally were German) from whom we procurred, after much gesturing on Jon's part, a packet of matches. From there, everything went pretty smoothly. John made a fabulous (very meaty) duch oven dinner and Jon serenaded us with his guitar.

We were only visited by one unwelcome visiter in the night-a desert fox that stole the dogs' food. I mean, he actually ran off with the bag. It was pretty neat to pear out our tent window and see him like 5 feet away munching on some kibbles and bits.

In the morning, Gracie made us a yummy hot breakfast. Then, Jon gave all of us a turn to shoot one of his rifles--even Aidan gave it a try. It was a blast-thanks for inviting us John!

The best holiday ever...

The cool weather is here, the leaves are starting to turn (not really here in Vegas, but I like to imagine they are) stores sport large crates of pumpkins, the candy isles are SPILLING over the brim with all sorts of unhealthy delectibles, Blockbuster's isles are stocked with all the spooky movies your heart could desire and adult sized costumes can be purchased at any local department store (hersheys kisses to the obscene). Yes, you guessed it, it's time for Halloween. Jon and I are really excited for the Holiday-it's totally my favorite. I just LOVE all of these different aspects of Halloween. Plus it just seems like it's the kick-off celebration for the Holiday season. Things get cozier, we spend more time thinking about fun celebrations to have with eachother...it's just a great time of year. Anyway, after MUCH debate, I'd like to announce my final pick for my own tribute to the Holiday--I am going to dress up as.......

So, I would like to issue a challenge to all you non-Halloweeners to embrace your inner child, carve a pumpkin, roast the seeds, make some Halloween cookies and dress up as ANYTHING! That's the beauty, you can be anything you want for a day-what a great Holiday.

ps, for you Felicity fans, yes, Jon and I have been watching it lately and yes, I am copying Felicity Porter, Freshman year.