The Real Score

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

Gary's Idea of "Loot"

Gary thought it would be funny to first offer the kids things they would be horrified over ie- dried prunes, tooth brushes, floss, toilet paper and tooth paste. The joke was on him because the kids went NUTS over the stuff then started arguing over the tooth brushes. He then left the stuff mixed in with the candy and by the time we got home everything was gone except the prunes. They were scattered all over :(

Trick or Treating 2008

Our Halloween display.

Rufus in his costume. He's mortified.

Pumpkin Carving

It's heavy on the picture day!


Ansley carving the white pumpkin she felt sorry for.

Zack and Erin.

Scoop job.

Patrick and Jack right after Patrick accidentally flung pumpkin guts on Jack. Words were exchanged.

Fall Fun Day- Ansley

Ansley at the bottom of the slide. My camera didn't click fast enough to get her coming down.

Ansley's friend Samantha coming down!

Ansley and Samantha.

Third through fifth grades travel with their friends, or alone, and can go and do whatever they want. They don't have to stay with their class. Oh, they grow up so fast. Gary showed up to see Ansley, but he said he felt like he was cramping her style so he left. It was very hard on the Daddy to get that feeling - poor thing.

Fall Fun Day- Zachary

Halloween is Fall Fun Day at Vanderlyn. The kids get to spend a couple of hours going to 12 or so different activities (races, jumpy castles and slides, tattoos, tug-o-war -you get the picture.) Kindergarten through second grade travel with their classes and compete together.
Here is Zack with his scar/stitches tattoo all around his face---ohh, scary.

Zack and Nicholas (everyone needs a big friend!)

Zack at the book walk.

Dear Mrs. Wicklund

That wasn't nice at all. Must you really resort to sticking your virtual tongue out at thy neighbor?

I will go ahead and say- lovely halloween pictures posted on your blog and the neighbors of Windhaven Ct. will miss ya'll's presence tonight. It won't be the same, but we all hope you all have a spooky and fun night trick or treating St. John style.

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE!!!!!

Apology Rescinded

No Pictures = Apology

Well, the pictures won't even come close to posting, so I guess an apology is in order to Michelle. I'm sorry, you really are smart. I'll never make fun of your side ways pictures - or at least until I can post images again.

It's Not The Great Pumpkin

We've put off getting a pumpkin because they usually rot before Halloween, and well, we just haven't gotten a pumpkin yet. The plan was for me to take the kids today to actually purchase the pumkins and Gary would come home early tomorrow to carve (you know, pumpkin carving is a Daddy job.) Before school got out I was running the last of my errands and reminded myself to check the church lot for the pumpkin selection. Selection? No selection - NONE AT ALL. The patch had been closed. Okay, not having a pumpkin here is equal to no Santa Clause. I placed several desperate calls and Deborah made a drive by and found some out her way. The selection was quite picked over, but the kids didn't notice or seem to care. They had a great time picking them out. Take note of Ansley's white pumpkin. She felt sorry for it so we had to get it. (Oh, my empathetic child.)

*edit* the pictures won't post here. Michelle said she was having problems and I didn't believe her. Perhaps, I owe her an apology. We'll see! I'll try and post after.

Get Out and Vote!

I stood in line today for an hour and a half. Besides being a bit cold it really wasn't too bad. It's probably not a bad idea to go and early vote because it is going to be CRAZY on Tuesday. Do it - it's your civic duty!!

Camping Weekend

Okay, so I finally got the kinks worked out of the pictures from the weekend and now I can post a few.


Knot tying.

Gary with some of his scouts. He was teaching the fishing part of the weekend although by the looks of this picture, he perhaps was done with the teaching part. Note Mary Ellen in the picture. She was the trooper mom this trip. She told me she talked to the dads as long as they'd let her and when they talked "guy talk" she just listened.
Jack, Zack, Patrick, Nicholas and Robbie -chillin'.

Fun was had by all. The kids played football, learned to tie knots, learned to fish, hiked and ate s'mores! The temperature got down really low as the "to 30 degrees" sleeping bag was not warm enough this year.

Mom

Hi everyone,
Mom sailed through her surgery and was up and about quickly. That woman is a machine, I tell ya! We won't know anything for a few days, but for now, she's doing very well. Thanks for all the prayers, calls, emails and good wishes today. I have the best friends - EVER!

A Request

Hi all. Most everyone knows, but if not, my mom is having more surgery tomorrow. She'll be staying over night. If you pray, pray hard, if you send good vibes, send those as well. All are appreciated.

Housekeeping:

Gary and Zack had a great time at the Cub Scout campout - albeit - a cold time! If I could get the pictures sent to us I'd post them, but shutterfly doesn't want to let me open them.

Ansley had a most wonderful time going with Aunt Joan to see Kathryn and Bailey. She then spent the night and today with Nan and that is probably one of her favorite things to do. They had a great time hanging out being girls.

AND I......had a good time being all alone, but I missed everyone and was glad when they all returned.

Lastly, Zack's team had a big win over the Lugnuts. Final score 18-8.

I'll be at the hospital tomorrow so text me or call.

Thanks all.

Husband's Solution for Washing Machine Repair

I just love a husband who has mad shopping skills!

From: "ggray84556"
Subj: washing machine Date: Fri Oct 24, 2008 7:13 am Size: 242 bytes

To: "Gary Gray" ggray@graydaze.com Washing machine not working for the past few days. Agitator thing not moving. Got any repair skills for this problem? You can only imagine the anxiety I might be feeling right now.

To: "Kelly Gray" From: "Gary Gray"

Yes, shopping skills. I'll be home early so let's go to the appliance store and buy new..

No One Mourns The Wicked

Last night, Lainie, Sonya, two of Sonya's friend's, and I went to the Fox to see Wicked. Before the show we met at Baraonda for dinner. A fun time was had by all as evidenced by the following posted pictures - and some not posted as well!
The three friends still celebrating the year long 25th anniversary party. We started the celebration when we were in New York this past August.
Lainie and Sonya taunting me with their oh, so special iphones - one of which I DO NOT have.
For the past few years I've been trying to get them to go see Jersey Boys with me when we are in NY. Funny how they've never responded to my emails requesting we see the show. Hum.... Next trip girls?

Today, Sonya and her friends got passes for me and Lainie D. to go shop at the Gift Mart. Thanks Sonya. Lainie and I had a great time hauling that 35 pound plate all over the Mart and back to the car.

Happy Anniversary - again girls. What's next?

Monkeying Around

It's such a beautiful day out!

Heartbreaker

The Rockhounds took on a tough Bats team today. The Bats, coached by Zack's spring coach- Mark Julian - beat us in our previous meeting but today we gave them a run for their money. The Rockhounds bats were rusty the first three innings and the Bats were up 11-3 but the Hounds came back and held the Bats to tie 11-11 at the bottom of the 5th. Unfortunately the Bats ended up taking the game - final score 15-13. It was still an exciting game. Once again Zack's family took the entire bleacher section. Attending- Nan, Ree Ree, Granddaddy, Aunt Joan, Aunt Nanci and Uncle Robert, Grandmother, Papa, our "sort of like cousins" Brittney and Nicole and Boris the dog.

Next week is the final game for the fall season. Come on out!

Hey Zack...

Are you missing anything? This is what happens when you leave your glove in Mr. Bill's yard.

R.I.P- part deux

This morning when I checked on Zack's remaining crab, something didn't look quite right. Not only had he abandoned his shell, he was just hanging onto the side of the water dish. Upon further inspection, it was determined that Hermit II had gone towards the light. Once again, the undertaker was apprised of the situation, the undertaker had the unfortunate task of telling Zack (this is after Ansley caught sight of the hanging crab and yelled "oh my god, look at the crab!") mom was blamed for making us go on a trip last weekend, and a coffin was fashioned out of an old matchbox. I suppose some sort of crab plague hit. Rest in peace little buddy.

*edit* Gary just found it ironic that the coffin was made out of a "Bones" box.

You Know What We Need More Of?

Delicious juice cocktail! Because it's a boring rainy day, and because I've had nothing great to blog about and because I'm thirsty, I decided to whip me up a glass of my favorite concoction (no longer drinking is such a bummer). I was served this in the spa at the Mirage last time I was in Vegas. Pour some pineapple juice and cranberry juice together, throw in some ice, and voila! A little taste of the islands right in your own kitchen.

Misc.

Good news for the Wicklund's. I just got notice that they made it through hurricane Omar!!

Also, Zack's game is at 3:30 Sunday. Only two more games so come on out!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

Early this morning I received a text from Karen stating that I would be an aunt of a baby girl!!!!! Naturally, Ansley is thrilled, but poor Zack. When I told him and Ansley he broke down in a fit of tears. Poor guy, every cousin born has been a girl!!! Anyway, the rest of us are thrilled and if the way he plays with Bailey is any indication, he'll fall in love the first time he lays eyes on her. March can't get here quick enough for me. Congratulations Karen and Mike.

Disney Trippin'

On Friday night we went to the Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom. The kids got to trick or treat in the park and watch the super cool Boo To You parade. Also, since you have to have a separate paid ticket for the event, the park isn't as crowded and you can ride more rides without a wait. Tons of fun!

Waiting On The Parade

aka - Ansley being mad because we won't buy her any pink mouse ears on antenna.