Random Notes from the Sandwich Life

1. Halloween was wonderful. Leo reported that it was the best Halloween ever. We went over to our friend’s house as we have the past several years, had dinner and then trick or treated around their boulevard. The excitement took its toll on Owen so when we got home Leo wanted to trick or treat a little bit in our neighborhood but Owen wanted to go inside. So Leo and I took off only to find out there was a problem. Evidently Owen is in charge of knocking on the doors or ringing doorbells. I stood there with Leo in front of our neighbor’s house and told him, “look, you are seven years old, I’m not knocking on the door for you.” He looked up at me in agony and said, “but that’s what OWEN does.” We moved on to the next house where Jeff and Gail were waiting so no knock was necessary. Oh my gosh—–they outdid themselves—-LIGHT UP RING POPS and chocolate pumpkins. Their status as favorite neighbor seems safe….

So we got to the next house and I walked up with Leo and after a long, tense pause, he reached out and knocked on the door. whew. A few minutes later Owen came charging after us sans costume. I told him he needed to get his costume and he said he wasn’t trick or treating….he was just going to knock on door or ring doorbells for his brother. I guess he must have realized this might be an issue.

Some people found it a little confusing. Owen would knock on the door, Leo would say ‘trick or treat’ and they would give Leo candy. Then they would try to give the little blonde guy without a costume candy and Owen would helpfully explain that he didn’t want candy, he was just there to knock on doors…or ring doorbells. Ernie and I would then shrug our shoulders and put our hands up as if to say, “we’re not responsible for these goofballs.”

We went back home, lit our pumpkins and watched the guys check out their candy.

2. Today is school picture day for Leo. I told him he didn’t have to smile if he didn’t want to. He told me he NEVER feels like smiling. It’s probably a good thing for him that he is so beautiful….

3. We’ve started reading the magic treehouse series at bedtime. I read some and then Leo has to read. He reads wonderfully but getting him to do it can be tough. He’s a talented little guy but hates to try things. My sweet pea…. He seems excited about reading a couple of chapters each night though. Then he very carefully puts a bookmark in so we’ll be ready for the next night.

4. My mother got her wheelchair—now I just have to figure out the ramp thing.

5. Trying to decide whether I should change the design on this. There may be some changes. My work blog got criticized for its lack of design so I don’t know if it will continue. It’s always interesting feeling your way around a new place….