Reading

I like to read, but I've never considered myself a reader. While Matt can devour a book in a night, it takes me weeks. I consistently go to book clubs having at least 1/4 of the book left to read. Recently I was pondering why this is. Perhaps it's because I typically don't pick up my book to read until I'm curling up in bed. By then I'm already so tired I don't last more than a few pages. My other favorite reading time is in the afternoon, during nap time (or quiet time for Danny). Again, this peaceful, quiet time also ends in me snoozing, rather than plowing through my latest read. I know though, that many of you are avid readers despite having young children and busy lives. My question - when do you make time to read? My two latest reads (both for book club) are Three Cups of Tea and Frankenstein. I'm enjoying both, but, I confess, not done with either. I did, however, finally complete Wild Swans, a book I started in 2000 when I was teaching English in China. It was a great read, even if it did take me 10 years.

Recently I have ventured into reading chapter books with Danny. He received Pirates Past Noon from The Magic Tree House series as a gift for his birthday. He LOVED it and was so excited to have me read the next chapter and the next. For anyone making the transition from picture books to longer books, this is an excellent series to start with. We've checked two more Magic Tree House books out from the library and Danny can't get enough of them. After finishing another chapter yesterday we had the following conversation.

"Mom. I wish my room would spin around."

"Like the tree house in the book?"

"Yeah. And then it would take me places."

"If your room spun around like the magic tree house, where would you want it to take you?"

"Somewhere really cool. Like Africa. Or McDonalds."

The Magic Tree House books have also been a boost to my reading self-esteem . . . Danny and I have quickly finished every one that we've started.

Butterfly

Our Halloween Weekend began with a Western themed Murder Mystery Party on Friday. Our friends who hosted went all out! Because Matt was getting home that night from a business trip, and we were concerned about arriving late, neither of us were assigned specific characters. Matt, however, figured out one of the most important clues to solving the mystery. Matt did look handsome in the cowboy hat and of course I love any excuse to where my hair in pigtails. It was a fantastic night of food, laughter, & fun.

On Saturday, we had a leisurely day with my parents, who had come to visit and babysit during our Murder Mystery Party. Later that night, we got dressed up for the ward trunk or treat. Cowgirl Grandma, two butterflies, Cap'n Danny, Karate Kid, and Grandpa Wizard. Excuse the AWFUL picture (awful referring to the blurriness, not the people). Our scanner is broken, so I attempted to take a photo of a photo. Bad idea. Danny insisted Grandma had a rope, but was disappointed she didn't have any rifles. Matt's Karate Kid costume was created for an 80s party we went to a few weeks ago. Grandpa's wizard wand was most impressive. He'd glued a light up bouncy ball on the end, so when he hit his staff on the ground, the ball lit up. The kids loved it. Danny played the role of pirate quite well after wearing his costume over a dozen times and practicing at his birthday party. The highlight of our costumes was little Kaylee butterfly. Last Halloween she couldn't even sit up on her own. This year the only thing slowing her down was her wings.

Kaylee quickly caught on to the concept of trick or treating and loved every minute of it.

Well . . . maybe not every minute.

It's hard to believe how fast this little one is growing!