Halloween!

We had been told before that Jonah looked like a hobbit so that inspired our decision for this year's costume. Ryan actually wanted Jonah to be Gandolf the Great and for us to be hobbits but we knew Jonah would not tolerate the beard and hair necessary to pull it off. So Jonah went as Frodo. We used the fabric from an old vest that Grandma Jill had lying around to make Jonah's cape and lined it with green felt. It felt good to be behind a sewing machine and it made me wonder if I could actually get into sewing! We also took a denim vest and painted it with fabric pens to look more hobbitesque. Jill found a leaf shaped clip-on earing that we used as his vest clasp and then we bought a small chain to hold the ring, tights, and some fuzzy yarn for his hairy feet. We weren't hard core enough to die and curl his hair to really make him Frodo (I hope you know we would never do that) but we were still pleased with our adorable little hobbit. I thought of him more as Sam. Sam held the ring for a short time, right?

Here is our very happy hobbit:

We had to sew the cape and the necklace directly to the vest. He just wouldn't wear it otherwise. Here are some pictures from our trunk or treat in Castro Valley:

The cousins didn't seem that excited to see each other but I was very happy to see Merilee and Ashilene!

Look at Ashilene, the cutest Raiders cheerleader!

They did have fun in the ball pit.

There were a lot of fun games.

But Jonah just kept pointing to the ball pit.

He had a huge cup of jello.

And went back to the ball pit.

He took a short candy break.

And where did he go? Back to the ball pit!

We may have to get him a ball pit. It was a very successful event. Jonah couldn't have had more fun. But I must end with this picture. There's just something about it that cracks me up!

Friends

Jonah has made some great friends in the ward and so have I. My friend Bethany and I have been doing babysitting trades for a couple months now and it has worked out really well. I watch her daughter, Nevaeh (heaven spelled backwards), while she works a couple nights a week and she watches Jonah so I can attend art classes or work on the building for my studio trade. Nevaeh is almost one and is heavier than Jonah and almost as tall! It's been fun to see her progress from a crawler to a toddler. She has helped Jonah learn how to share better, though he still has his moments of weakness...like stealing her sippy cup.


We are very sad that they will be moving to Ohio in October but it definitely seems like the right place for their family. They will be missed!!!


The Andre's recently moved into our ward to start medical school at UC Davis and they have a daughter named Emree who is just a week apart in age from Jonah. When I ask Jonah if he wants to go see Emree he immediately grabs my hand and drags me to the door to take him at once. It's really adorable. They live just two minutes away from us so it's convenient to carpool to activities together. We have a great time with them!

Jonah's weakness with Emree is stealing her binki.

Fortunately Emree takes it pretty well.

Thank goodness for friends! We have seen Jonah improve socially through his interactions with his new friends. He is doing a lot better in nursery and we think by next week we may be able to leave him in there! (Fingers crossed) I enjoy the time with other moms too. I have learned a lot from them and appreciate their willingness to share rides, advice and time with me.

Utah trip

In April we had many good excuses to go to Utah: My sister, Christi, was graduating, as was Ryan's brother, Jeff, and Jeff and his wife Lili were having Penny's baby blessing the same weekend! So we caravanned with Ryan's family to Utah and had a splendid trip.

On our way back to California we stopped at the Salt flats and got some memorable pictures:








Yes, my husband walks on water.

WARNING!

The following photos may increase Jonah withdrawal:

I apologize for my long absence from the blog. There were many contributing factors but the three most significant were:

1) Jonah broke my computer

2) My camera charger disappeared

3) Our Flip video camera broke

While we have not fixed my computer (it is beyond repair) the Ribeiras have graciously given us one of there old desktops so I have access to internet again during the day when Ryan has the laptop. Woohoo!!! I also bought a new camera charger so I am taking and downloading pictures again. We can't replace our Flip yet so don't expect videos any time soon.

Sharing with George

Since we don't have kids around for Jonah to play with, George is the next best thing.