10 lbs!

Yep, that's the amount of candy Bryson got trick or treating. Do you have any idea how much candy that is? About this much...

I'm not sure whether 4 or 5 kids had their candy out at this point.

They were allowed to go out from 6 to 8:30pm and they made the most of every minute, including stopping by to switch parent chaperones and drop off their candy several times. Once the clock struck 8:30, they were headed back to count their booty. Then the negotiations began. Trading least favorite candy away for their favorites. Like one parent commented, it was tougher than Wall Street in there.

Earlier in the week the kids participated in the annual Trunk or Treat at the church. Bryson was a Storm Trooper this year as was his friend, Duncan.

Parker helped run the mummy wrapping station while McKay ran the fishing booth.

What a great Halloween!

Adventures in Cooking

So I've obviously been working way too much and haven't had time for blogging :( or sleeping, reading, or much of anything I enjoy. My project at work is in full gear and will be heavy for another couple of months. Phase I Go-Live is Dec. 2. Then it will begin to slow down to a good part-time, why-the-kids-are-at-school, pace...hopefully.

But I couldn't resist posting this one. David's out of town at a School Board Conference in New York City (on his Birthday - Happy Birthday Honey!). When he goes out of town we eat Mexican food because he's not a fan. First on the Menu - Taco Salads. Bryson is 10 now, and I want him to begin to cook simple meals, so an easy chili sounded just about right for him. When I explained to him how easy it was, he claimed, "It's not as easy as it sounds." I reassured him it would be fine and it was really easy. So he was rounding up cans of beans and tomatoes when he knocked a glass jar of fudge to the floor where it, of course, broke. He got the beans and tomatoes on the stove and started them cooking then went to address the fudge mess. He was cleaning up the fudge and went to get another paper towel when he noticed something burning on the stove. He pulled some papers away from the burner where the chili was cooking and called out in a panic, "I hope you don't need these Important Tax Documents". He was really nervous. From the picture below you can understand why.

He was worried, but luckily it was just a copy that Parker needed. No problem...once the adrenaline rush was over. Bryson's famous last words for this cooking adventure "See, mom, I told you it wasn't as easy as it sounds." Not when you break a glass jar in the process, then start a fire while you're trying to clean it up!