Trick or Treat.

Charlie, Paul and I went trick or treating for the first time tonight.  It has been raining for the last couple of days so we decided to go to inside venues.  Our first stop was Hy-Vee.  They had stations all around the store with apples, cookies, candy, pudding, fruit snacks, and balloons at the end.  Next we went to a local church for their fall festival.  Charlie was a bit young for most of the games but loved the balloons and sports games.  She got to kick soccer balls and throw a football.  We might end up there next year when she can go in the bounce houses.  I don't think that she knew what was going on for the most part but she seemed to enjoy seeing other kids dressed up and the treats.  

Peachtree Farms.

Super Charlie.

Like mother, like daughter.

Birthday.

 Birthdays are sometimes hard for me because I have too high of expectations of what should happen and I get upset when things don't turn out the way I hoped.  This year I need to remember to be grateful for everything that I have and for all of the people that care about me.   Being away from family and friends is hard, but I need to make the most out of our time here and build on the friendships that I have made.  We have gotten very lucky with the people that we have met here.  

Molly and my mom drove down to Columbia for my 31st.  We spent the day trying new restaurants and shopping.  Charlie loved having all of the extra attention from them and was pretty sad when they had to go home.  Paul bought me flowers and chocolate from the local candy store and took me to my favorite Greek restaurant for dinner.  

Our Saturday.

It is nice being home for the weekend without Paul on call.  Charlie and I had a fun morning.  First we went to the mall for Story Time at Barnes and Noble.  We played at the indoor playground and went on the carousel.  We made it home in time for the end of the first half.  Although the Hawks didn't win, they are still looking better than last year.

Daycare.

Charlie has a pretty good time at the gym daycare that I work at.  Lately she has been interacting more with the other kids and becoming more independent.  Her sense of style is also developing.  She loves to pick out her own outfits to wear to work each day.