"Impressive, most impressive, but you are not a Jedi yet."

What is it w/ boys (by boys I mean any males born after 1965) and Star Wars? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching the movies, but I think most boys have at one time or another been obsessed w/ Star Wars. About a month ago we began watching the Star Wars trilogy (episodes 4-6) w/ Jilli and James (one movie per week). Jillian thought it was exciting, but hasn't revisted any of it since. James, on the other hand, has been making lightsabers for each of us out of construction paper (mine is purple) and has changed all our names... Hannah is Yiota, Claire is R2D2, Jillian is of course Leia, and James responds only to Luke, somedays I'm an ewok, somedays I'm Obi Wan. This has, for the most part, been entertaining and fun, although we now have enough "lifesavers" laying around the house to equip an entire Jedi army. The best part was earlier this week when he and Jillian were picking up their belongings in the living room. As soon as I told him to clean up he dashed out of the room and returned wearing a cloak (a Harry Potter robe that was in w/ the dress-up clothes). The hood was pulled over his eyes, and from the way he was bumping into the furniture it was evident he couldn't see. He was carefully feeling around the floor w/ his feet for toys, backpacks, shoes etc. and then picking them up and putting them away. I finally asked him what he was doing. "I'm using The Force to clean up." Whatever works.
Potty talk, well actually it was a dinner conversation...some of you may find this innappropriate, but I'm recording it for posterity. The other day Hannah passed gas rather indiscretely at the dinner table. Right after Jillian asked, "Hannah, did you toot?" Hannah's matter of fact response, "No, my bum burped." Alrighty then.

Trina, this one's for you! The other day Jillian stepped off the bus and all I could say was, "WOW!" She had been wearing her turquoise sweater over the shirt, so i didn't realize how mismatched she was. I had to take a picture! Poor Jilli, she apparently has inherited my lack of fashion sense. I was lucky enough to be blessed w/ 4 younger sisters who saved me from fashion faux pas, gave me trendy hand-me-downs and took me shopping. Let's hope for Jillian's sake that the fashion disaster genes skipped Hannah and Claire.

It's been a really busy week here are some highlights: Sunday we had a ward fellowshipping dinner at our house. It was a lot of fun and we got to meet some really nice people. 25 people came, which is kind of a lot for our little house, but it was nice and cozy.

Wednesday, Debbie and I did our weekly bike ride. We went 18 miles. I'm so grateful I have this time set aside each week. There are so many beautiful areas here on the island, and Debbie and I chat the whole time...except while ascending some of the steeper hills. So far we've been blessed w/ great weather each Wednesday. As I look out at the heavy clouds and rain-soaked kids, I wonder how much longer it can last.

Friday (Halloween) we stopped by our neighbors house so the kids could show off costumes and say hi...then we headed to a Halloween Party/trunk or treat at the Keyes' house. Lots of fun. We left before making it all the way around b/c the kids were starting to show signs of extreme exhaustion, and we thought it best to leave before any had a meltdown.

Hope you all had a fun Halloween!