Halloween - take it or leave it, apparently.

What was Erika for Halloween? Not interested that's what.

I'm wondering if Jackie and I didn't really sell it properly. Despite the "news" reporting that Halloween is the new Christmas, we spent less than $10 this year including candy. Besides our lack-luster approach, having just returned from our Boston trip yesterday, Erika is still short on emotional resilience, enthusiasm for novelty, and tolerance of any inconvenience.

I can't blame her since I don't really have much enthusiasm for the holiday myself. This is not because of an affected piety like that sported by the neighborhood evangelicals in the face of a decidedly non-Jesus-y holiday, but more of a realization that it's cold and dark outside and there is plenty of candy already within reach. Why dress up for it? I think this sentiment is well captured in the photo above.

The one thing about Halloween that Erika does enjoy is the cat imagery. Thanks to all of you who sent her Halloween cards! As a side note, be assured that no card goes unnoticed. They are discussed often and recycled- recycled as just about anything. Standing on them is big right now. Some favorite cards are considered as books and need to be read and re-read aloud. One particular "Happy 1st Birthday" featuring the Care Bears is still going strong after nearly 2 years of use.

Visiting Aunt Kimi

Hard to believe we made it all the way to Boston this weekend. Aunt Kimi showed us a density of things you don't get to see in our usual suburban environment

We got a chance to visit with Jackie's long-time friend, Juliette, who happens to have a daughter also named Erica. The East Coast Erica and the West Coast Erika finally meet!

Uncle Chris played a key role in the fun on Monday night. Kim, delirious from pharmaceuticals after her hand surgery, shows Erika art someone gave her.



Getting around Boston is easy if you master the "T". Erika is not much for the noises, so it will take a bit more practice.

Halloween fun?

Erika has yet to enjoy a pumpkin patch. We are 0 for 3. However this year there was a giant, inflatable cat at least.

20-20-21

Mommy was measuring herself and Erika wanted to be part of the action. For those interested, Erika's measuremeents are 20-20-21.

Autumn Sun

This photo has a very 1960s feel to me. I played with the color focus for dramatic effect. I wish the weed bucket and other stuff was not behind there, but oh well. It's hard to plan photo ops!

Pensive in the park

Trying on Dresses

It's certainly autumn now; best to stay in and try on summer dresses.

Erika's wings

The theme for today is wings!
And magic wands if you have such a thing handy.

As often happens, Erika is not interested in being photographed right now; being discovered after the first flash, I received a rather harsh wand pummeling.

In fact, if you have never had an angry 2-year-old try to beat the snot out of you with a magic wand then you, my friend, are missing something.

She has blue wings too. I only watch about 15 minutes of TV regularly. Here Erika is as fascinated as I am with uncle Jimbo and his Mad Money show on CNBC. Dow 14,000! Wow! Again.

Who wants cupcakes?

It's finally Autumn! Time to stay inside and bake cupcakes! This is the first time that she is truly helping in the kitchen. She dumped the ingredients in (she's an expert at dumping things) and mixed everything together as best she could. Licking the spatula followed.

I would also like to record here one of our many seemingly random conversations with Erika. While we were eating dinner on Saturday, the below conversation transpired:

Erika: Mommy, mommy, mommy!
Jackie: What is it, Erika!?
Erika: When is my birthday!?
Jackie: Your birthday is in December.
*pause*
Erika: I want a candy cane.
End conversation.