Primary update...

Callie is my little smarty pants. The speaking parts were handed out for the annual primary program. Callie's part this year was, "When I came to earth, my spirit joined with my body." This seemed so much shorter than last years. "As a child of God, I know Jesus created the earth, as part of Heavenly Fathers plan." Which she memorized when she was 3 years old. Well, she had her new part memorized that day in the car ride home from church. The next week the children had their 1st practice for the program. Callie was the only child out of the entire 150 children primary, who got up to the microphone and did her part from memory. Then two weeks later when they did their program in church she seemed so confident. She said her part clearly and completely all by her self. I was so moved I had to wipe away a little tear of joy. The rest of the program she squirmed and laughed and sang, while we made faces at her. It was such a great show.

Halloween 2009

Callie and Ella at Ward Trunk-or-Treat

Another LaDuke Halloween adventure. Yes, we still went to too many parties, and yes we still have way too much candy, but it was sooooo much fun. I love the dress up fun of Halloween. I don't really like the scary stuff, but I do like the neighborly charm of giving candy to kids and walking door to door, or car to car. I love ward Halloween parties. With the cheesy games and prizes. Most of all I really love watching my girls get excited about dressing in a special costume. This year Callie wanted to be Tinkerbell. Since I have a secret disdain for all costumes with a portrait of the character plastered on them, I found a fairy costume and wings and bought the Tinkerbell shoes without her face on them. Even though Callie's costume was purple and green, we still did a Tinkerbell hair do, and called it good. We had another fairy costume that Avery could wear so we were all set for two fairies. I love that in Arizona you can have perfect weather on Halloween night. Honestly we did no need sleeves or tights because it was that warm. We went to our wards "trunk or treat" and had a great time. Callie thought that dad needed to be Peter Pan and mom Wendy to match the two Tinkerbells. I did not think people would recognize my character if I just wore a blue night gown. Which I could not find anyway. So I decided to be Captain Hook. I bought a $5 pirate kit and called it good. I bought Cameron a green Shirt which I cut to look like Pan's and made him a felt hat. There were no tights to be had, so poor Cameron had to wear his trade mark cargoes. I think he was secretly disappointed. Callie also had a ballet Halloween party where she was Belle and Avery was Cinderella. Then there was her preschool party. As a family we went to the annual Law School Bar Association party. This party is always fun with lots of kid activities. Callie enjoyed having her friends Eliza, and Katelyn there. Elia was smart and bold enough to say to, "Callie your costume is not modest." I had to laugh, I guess that was my fault. Callie did not care she really doesn't know the meaning of the word yet. Halloween night was the best. I took the girls out in our neighborhood and there were tons of trick-or-treaters and people sitting out and passing out candy. Callie would walk to the doors and on cue say, "Trick or treat." Avery straggled behind and would finish the meeting with her tiny voice and interpretation of "Thank you, Happy Halloween." Which sounded more like, "dank jew, happy ha-wo-ween." She is so tiny it was adorable. After it was too dark and we had too much candy to carry we went home to join Dad. The weather was so perfect that we sat out in our driveway put on some music, and passed out more candy while the fairies took turns dancing with dad.

"I'm funny."

Avery had turned into a little comedian. I really don't find all of her jokes funny, but she sure does. She seems to think if she does something naughty it is OK because she is just kidding. For example she might run out to the street, or hide from me in the store. Then when I grab her or scold her she laughs and says, "I'm funny." Oh, so not the jokes you want from a 21month old. We are trying to not laugh at naughty things and emphasize the silly things that are funny. Oh, I do hope this is a phase. Though she does make me laugh.