Tar Beach

Yesterday, the morning after our great country saw its first African-American elected for President of the United States, my heart was overflowing with hope for my children's future. I read them a book called Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold. Folks, run, don't walk to your local library to check out this fantastic book.
Whether or not you have children, and whether or not you voted for Mr. Obama, this book will bring tears to your eyes. It's about an African-American little girl and her dreams for both herself and her family, despite the fact that her family lives oppressed by segregation and racial barriers. The optimism of a better future for her family is exuded not only in the text, but through breathtaking illustrations.
What an exciting time we are experiencing now...and what hope the future can, indeed, realize!

Vote!

All 5 of us headed out to the polls Tuesday evening just before 6:00 pm, expecting long lines and LOTS of whining. Elijah and Callan packed a bag before we departed and were prepared for a long wait. Unbelievably, we walked right into the polling station, signed in, and voted. The entire process took 10 minutes!!! What a blessing!!

Halloween Adventures

Our three little goblins enjoyed a memorable Halloween this past Friday evening. Elijah was dressed as Mr. Incredible (who could have seen that coming?!), Callan dressed as a princess, and Baby Aedan was a bat. Of course, all three were simply too cute for words!!!
We enjoyed the annual downtown Halloween festival and trick-or-treating in our little town - it truly was a picturesque, small-town event. Families gathered to share food, fun, and candy. The little ones walked beautifully up and down the main street, which was blocked off for the festivities, and all had a ball!
After the downtown celebration, we headed back to our neighborhood, which was a festival in its own right. Every year, some of our neighbors build a haunted tunnel through which the children walk to have fun and be spooked. Let me tell you, I think our Mr. Incredible jumped out of his skin at the surprise sight of some gorillas in the tunnel. Gorillas might not sound too scary, but in the dark tunnel, combined with the sights and sounds of Halloween in a four-year-old's mind, well...you can take it from there!! Mr. Incredible did, indeed, make his way through the tunnel, despite the kick from his fight-or-flight response to the gorillas!!
We departed for our home after this, eating candy and watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. We had a wonderful time.

Kite-Flying Allowed

Yesterday, Daddy and Mommy took our three little ones to the park for a kite-flying adventure!!! Elijah was given a dragon kite by his grandparents and, so far, has not had the best luck getting it to fly. Yesterday, though, the dragon was a-flyin'!!!! Elijah and Callan both tested their hands at kite-flying, and both did beautifully!!! Aedan sat in the grass, surveying the scene, and had a blast!
After the kite-flying, we took the kids to the playground at the City Park, and Aedan enjoyed swinging on a playground swing for the very first time!! Big brother, Elijah, proudly helped push him.
A fun time had by all...