Happy Halloween 2007! (Trick or Treating)

This Halloween (Astrid's 3rd) we went back to the neighborhood in Silverlake for trick or treating. They block off the streets so only pedestrians are allowed, and can walk the streets safely. The neighbors go all out with decorations and there are tons of kids.

This year was the first time I think she understood the concept of trick or treating and Halloween in general. It's also the first year she's shown fear of masks (similar to her fear of clowns).

She also LOVED her Veterinarian costume with all it's props. It was too difficult for her to pronounce "Veterinarian" so instead she said, "Animal doctor."


Astrid wanted to look at the jack-o-lanterns we made earlier today, (she would fuss if we moved her away from the window) so U. moved her chair up to the French doors so she would have a good view of them while she ate her dinner.

Carving Pumpkins (Part II)

Carving Pumpkins (Part I)

New Park in Glendale (Cerritos Park)

I've been eyeing the development of the new park in Glendale, (interestingly enough not called Glendale park - but instead called Cerritos Park) on the corner of San Fernando and Brand Blvd. Today I saw that it was finally opened to the public, and decided to take Astrid there after her afternoon nap.No swings, but it does have this climbing wall.And lots of slides, both for younger kids, and older kids.Riddles for kids, with answers in Braille.

Q: What has three feet but no head?
A: A Yard Stick

Q: What is lighter than a feather but hard to hold?
A: Your Breath

Q: What do you call an overactive snake?
A: A Hyper Viper
Alphabet sign language.

Overall it's a nice park, with a grass area as well, and plenty of benches for sitting. Another plus is the restrooms are still in pristine shape. We'll be back.

Counting to 20

Astrid and I have been practicing counting to 20 both in English and German. She's almost got the English part down, but still mixes up some of the teens. I can't help but smile when she says
"fiveteen". Too cute.

Pretending to apply makeup

Astrid watches me intently when I apply makeup. When she asks me to put makeup on her I tell her she doesn't need any, she's beautiful just the way she is. Occasionally though I'll brush my blush brush on her cheeks (without blush), and I let her play with a brand new makeup sponge once. (Which is/was followed by a big smile and "thank you Mama".)Today she surprised me by taking the little paper insert out of the Sparkletts water bottle cap, and using it as a makeup applicator. Above she's pretending to apply makeup to her doll.Touching up her chin. Powdering her nose.

Kids. *shaking my head*

Creative with legos & Mr. Potato Head

Astrid built these by herself. (I just assisted by putting in the arms she picked out - that part is tough)

Astrid does Yoga

Doing the downward dog Yoga pose.

Swimming at the YMCA kid pool (with her noodle)