Election jitters

no matter what the polls show, i'm still a little nervous about today's outcome. this election has been quite exciting. i tried to vote early, but couldn't because the wait was so long and it would have been impossible to wait so long with Claire in tow. so i went to vote today and was pleasantly surprised to not wait at all. i went in the middle of the day, so that helped too. but i think most of Madison voted early. i don't remember the last elections being this way. when was the last time Americans were so eager to vote?? it's exciting to say the least. Phil wishes he could attend some of the election parties - the one in Grant Park, Chicago sounds like the place to be! but me, i'll be happy to roll into bed tonight knowing that Obama won!

Skye had to vote at school today too. her school apparently always votes for the school mascot on election day. they had to "join the arrow" to make their vote, just like the big people! :) Skye jumped off the bus, excited that the mascot she voted for won! i hope i feel the same way at the end of today!

Halloween

Fall colours

the colours are changing quickly and casting a warm glow all around us. it certainly would be worth your time to visit us here in Madison in the fall! :)




what a cutie!

Claire's latest words

"Go away!"

yep, it makes me sad to hear them, but she says it many times a day. :( it's usually when someone is coming towards her to get her to do something she doesn't want to do - like wash her hands, go potty, take away whatever she is playing with, etc. i know it's just her starting to express her own self and her wishes, but still it was rather shocking when i heard it for the first time!

Last apple picking

yesterday, we went and picked apples for the last time this season. we always like to go one more at the end to pick the Empires which are my favourite. they have just the right amount of tartness and sweetness. Claire had fun reaching for the apples that were low enough for her and Skye enjoyed riding on Phil's shoulders and picking some of the large apples way up high.

Last warm days

here are some photos of Claire enjoying the last few warm days. the weather has changed quite a bit lately. all the leaves on the trees are falling down. we had our first frost the other night.

Claire at the zoo with her friend, June.




Claire and i enjoyed some time by the lake


Claire playing at the fountain on UW campus


And Skye has been busy with friends...here she is at a friend's birthday party


and another party


Claire gets her first taste of face paint!

Hmmm...ice cream made with human breast milk?

ever since i read about the PETA letter to Ben and Jerry recommending them to use human breast milk for their ice cream, i've been wondering what that would taste like. you can read a copy of that letter here. images flash through my mind of women attached to breast pumps, pumping out milk for Ben and Jerry...!!! i don't think our society is ready for something like this!