
<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15734584490_699cd26be8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Cute Boy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15734584490_36e4dabd1d_t.jpg" alt="Cute Boy"/>
</a>

This month the children have made huge strides towards being mature children rather than babies. Nora has always been very sensitive about sleeping alone. She likes to have someone in the room with her both when she goes to sleep, but also if she wakes up during the night. While Marga was pregnant with Ian, I spent most nights in Nora's room, so if/when Nora woke up during the night, the pregnant lady was not disturbed. After Ian was born, we switched, and I was with the needier newborn. Ian has been doing a lot better about sleeping through the entire night without needing a bottle, and Nora has been getting braver and better, in general, about sleeping. So early this month, Nora requested that she and Ian sleep alone together in the same room. I was skeptical that such a plan would work, but _it did!!_ \[launch the streamers and balloons and confetti\] It's SO much nicer to be a hallway away from a sleeping toddler than in the same room, because he's got to _really_ want something to wake you up, rather than just his 5 second "Where's my pacifier? Oh, there attached to my chest!" crises. It's working out splendidly. 

### Dance Class

[Previously](/2014/10/31/state-of-the-offspring-address-october-2014/), on State of the Offspring...

> It’s difficult to draw the line between “It’s okay, sweetie, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do” and shoving our little bird off the branch for some terrifying free fall that may lead to a necessary survival skill. Everyone can probably remember something that they were forced to do against their will as children that they were later glad they had been forced to do. I think we’ve decided to make future dance classes mandatory, no backing out. We’ll see how that goes.

This approach has been a _resounding_ success. Taking away the option of backing out was all that was needed. She hasn't had a problem going since. The class is working on two choreographed routines which they will present just before Christmas. I haven't seen any of it, as I don't take her or pick her up from dance class, and Nora refuses to show me, but a couple times I've caught her stepping and arm thrusting in rhythm, practicing.

One day, when Nora came home from dance class, she asked me to download the songs they are "studying". With just a few lyrics remembered by my wife, it was pretty easy for me to find the songs on YouTube. Pressing play on the video was the first time my "Like _hell_ you're leaving the house dressed like that, young lady!" neuron twitched. Here's one of them:

<iframe width="505" height="284" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e3wPBbm9RE4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I do take solace in several things: first of all the terribly stupid Spanglish lyrics are relatively clean, and second of all I've seen her outfit for her dance performance, and it's not remotely sexualized. Today's twerking is like yesteryear's hip-gyrating Twist.

Actually, Nora got caught in dance class singing along to some of the English lyrics, and was asked if she spoke English.

### Screen Time

Ian has grown very fond of the television. Whenever we come home from daycare or wherever, he walks into the living room, grabs the remote, and hands it to a grown-up and says "Telly!" We do our best to minimize how much television the kids view, but it's just an unavoidably easy distraction sometimes, when it's important to, you know, not have a toddler directly under a frying pan full of hot oil. A lot of the programming on the _Disney Jr._ channel is actually pretty decent, and Nora is all the time demonstrating that she's learning many new words and concepts from it.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15725152130_da9c0fa548_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Watching TV">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15725152130_50c4127058.jpg" alt="Watching TV"/>
</a>

Watching cartoons.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15911801792_6644c8e8ca_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="iKids">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15911801792_1e1cf15a25.jpg" alt="iKids"/>
</a>

Much to Nora's chagrin, Ian has also learned to like the iPad, although he plays _Candy Crush_ [the way he plays the piano](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv9miW6PskQ), more like a carpenter than a surgeon.

### People Skills

Ian is a total champ at going to daycare. Sometimes I think that if he had the lingual skills, he'd specifically ask to be taken there. He trots right in and immediately begins participating in whatever the other kids are doing. The daycare workers are pretty phenomenal about controlling the little tykes, too.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15725154720_ecb7f2c709_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Ian at Daycare">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15725154720_bb779842b8.jpg" alt="Ian at Daycare"/>
</a>

You could offer me a million euro prize to get _fourteen_ 1-2 year olds onto that 6 m2 carpet without the use of force, and I'd never be able to. That's Ian in the white t-shirt sitting towards the back. I took this photo about 20 seconds after opening the door for him. I couldn't be prouder of his social skills.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15726424229_91d0d73a1d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Handsome Ian">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15726424229_593585a37a_z.jpg" alt="Handsome Ian"/>
</a>

Whenever we walk into an establishment, like a store or a bar, Ian loudly announces "¡Hola!" to everyone inside. The little dude's dripping with charisma.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15292796123_7443ba867d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Hang In There, Kid!">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15292796123_cfa1569761_z.jpg" alt="Hang In There, Kid!"/>
</a>

He's also strong in his little primate desire to explore the world and swing from everything.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15734584490_699cd26be8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Cute Boy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15734584490_36e4dabd1d_z.jpg" alt="Cute Boy"/>
</a>

Here he is a little dressed up for Photo Day at daycare.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15302239833_d9e2137236_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Boxed Boy">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15302239833_34cc048776.jpg" alt="Boxed Boy"/>
</a>

One day this month, during our daily visit to the local grocery store after dropping Nora off at school, Ian's friend, Andrés, was emptying boxes of eggs onto the store shelves. Ian took an interest in the box, so Andrés put him inside the box and carried him around. Ian _loved_ it!

### Stoner Kids

Both kids are getting pretty good at rolling their own joints, but we still don't let Ian light his own. That would be irresponsible parenting!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15725149780_9dd393f6d5_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Stoner Kids">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15725149780_3f391611d9.jpg" alt="Stoner Kids"/>
</a>

I'm joking, of course, but how totally baked do they both look in this photograph? You couldn't get them to do this again in a million tries.

### Backseat Shenanigans

Here's a little video of the brood being adorable in the car.

<iframe width="505" height="284" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dl9M1R82hes" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

### Boredom

One day this month, when I picked Nora up from school, she had a big frown on her face. When I inquired, she told me that she was getting really bored in English class because she already knew all the words they were trying to teach her. I asked her if the teacher knew this, and she expressed some doubt, saying that she rarely speaks up in class. It will be interesting to see how this pre-knowledge of a required subject plays out in her scholastic career.

### The Prince and the Peas

And now, for your viewing pleasure... Ian eating peas.

<iframe width="505" height="284" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KFC4HdokCqk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

### Christmas Approaching

Nora is totally caught up in the phenomenon of Christmas this year. She's been listing things that she's going to ask the Magi Kings for for weeks. Some of them we've already bought, and some of those were even before she expressed interest. Soon she and her mother are going to sit down and iron out a final draft of the list to lock things down. Although I think she's getting most of her Magi King stuff from school, Nora is only slightly confused about how the other two mythical gift givers, Santa Claus and the [Olentzero](/2009/12/30/a-basque-chrismas-with-olentzero/), from her father's and mother's respective cultures factor into the season. Ian, of course, has no clue about the past or future yet.

The State of the Offspring is strong!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15726689907_ecf0b9398d_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Ian and Nora">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-30-state-of-the-offspring-address-november-2014/15726689907_df3a181673.jpg" alt="Ian and Nora"/>
</a>


State of the Offspring Address - November 2014


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15167453213_2e6819dfce_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15167453213_49fc419aa2_t.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

As I do most mornings, weather permitting, I took my son for a 2-3 km walk around the port and tidal bay of the little fishing village we call home. Today the tide was high, and the water was particularly calm, which made the walk extremely photogenic. I really wished that I had my proper DSLR camera with me, but I thought I'd give the iPhone 6 camera a chance to shine. It definitely held its own. Most of these were full scenes that I wished I could zoom and frame, that I have just cropped afterwards. Even so, the picture quality is impressive. Come take my morning walk with me.  <a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15166947484_7659b7d4bc_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15166947484_442355a63c.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

The old iron bridge that separates Colindres from Treto. In olden times, it used to be able to spin open to let bigger boats through.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15167453213_2e6819dfce_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15167453213_49fc419aa2.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

Sometimes these boats look just abandoned, but today there were two old men out on their respective boats with fishing lines in the water, so perhaps they are more used than I think.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15785020421_0cf7b962b7_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15785020421_b2d8074e9a.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

The two masts holding tori (life preservers? tires?) connect to a rotting ribcage beneath the water that is completely uncovered at low tide. I love how hard it is to find the water line when following the vertical poll on the right.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15788466882_c76b11ecb1_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15788466882_ba7432abcd_z.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

From the side with the bridge and Treto in the distance.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15763212236_096b547bf4_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15763212236_50921ca28b_z.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

Fishing boat at the dock. The fishermen were pretty busy today, preparing stuff on their vessels.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15601735837_a21f1b5ae3_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15601735837_0841382a4f.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

Gulls, mid-flap.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15601736597_945b80b35e_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Morning Walk Reflections">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-14-reflections-on-a-november-stroll/15601736597_190e5cce7e.jpg" alt="Morning Walk Reflections"/>
</a>

Mount Buciero on the right, and the town of Santoña in the flat bit between the mountains.

It was a lovely walk. Thanks for joining me.


Reflections on a November Stroll


![](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-10-la-sagrada-familia-barcelonas-iconic-basilica/320px-Sagrada_Familia_01.jpg)After seeing an impressive 3D animation recently, which I will include below, I found myself reading, with interest, the Wikipedia page about this interminable building in Barcelona. Ever since reading [_The Pillars of the Earth_](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TO5GXU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003TO5GXU&linkCode=as2&tag=eriksblog07-20&linkId=ZTSQFSPHV3JHJU6X) and [_Sarum_](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IEGUDY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005IEGUDY&linkCode=as2&tag=eriksblog07-20&linkId=6NHRSX55VPU6XN6B), I've been fascinated by cathedral building and the knowledge that most cathedrals in Europe were built, not just over many years, but over _generations_, always adds to my appreciation of them as human accomplishments. There are, however, very few modern projects that fit this traditional mold. The _Sagrada Família_ is one.  The building is an "expiatory temple", which means that, like many of the great cathedrals, it was originally funded by The Church officials guilt-tripping rich people into paying for a golden ticket to heaven. You can get so much done when you convince everyone that you know what the all-powerful vengeful deity wants.

They began construction in 1882, and Gaudí, the famous Catalan artist, got involved the following year, and directed most of the design and construction. The name, _Sagrada Família_ – which I originally thought was misspelled because "_familia_" doesn't have an accent mark in Spanish, but apparently does in Catalan – means "Holy Family", which refers, as you might have guessed, to Joseph, Mary and their only "son", Jesus.

[![](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-10-la-sagrada-familia-barcelonas-iconic-basilica/589px-Sagrada_Familia_1915.jpg)](http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Templo_Expiatorio_de_la_Sagrada_Familia)

Man, Barcelona looked different back in 1915.

![](https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-10-la-sagrada-familia-barcelonas-iconic-basilica/Sagradafamilia-model_background_adj.jpg)

Gaudí's model of the completed church.

I'm not a big fan of Gaudí's work in general, simply because our sense of aesthetics don't align that much, but I regret not going [to see this one-of-a-kind structure](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Barcelona.d179992.Holidays-City-Breaks). I hope to find some time for some Barcelona city breaks sometime soon. Until then, I'll continue to marvel at the 3D modeling magic that is this video that got me interested in reading about this project recently.

<iframe width="505" height="284" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RcDmloG3tXU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

As you can see, there remains a lot to be done to reach Gaudí's original goal.

Here's what it currently looks like on the inside.

<iframe width="505" height="505" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?layer=c&amp;panoid=Q3bkz5jTyBarx8hGc4WLfw&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;source=embed&amp;output=svembed&amp;ll=41.403286%2C2.174673&amp;cbp=13%2C27.208399999999983%2C%2C0%2C-19.97"></iframe>

[Views](https://www.google.com/maps/views/u/0/): [Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia](https://www.google.com/maps/views/u/0/view/streetview/spain-heritage-monuments-and-landmarks/templo-expiatorio-de-la-sagrada-familia/Q3bkz5jTyBarx8hGc4WLfw) by [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/views/u/0/streetview)


La Sagrada Família – Barcelona's Iconic Basilica


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2014/15521875419_fb3ebf45f5_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Pumpkin 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2014/15521875419_8d57cfcae6_t.jpg" alt="Pumpkin 2014"/>
</a>

Having done it for the previous two years, [2012](/2012/11/02/teaching-spanish-kids-about-halloween/) and [2013](/2013/11/05/halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2013/), it was assumed that I would be carving a pumpkin at my daughter's school again this year. Now veterans at this, my daughter's teacher and I decided it would be much better to do the "performance" in the cafeteria/auditorium, because in past years it's been tough squeezing all the kids in. My daughter's 5-year-old "kindergarten" class stayed for the entire process, but during the cleaning and later the lit presentation, the 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes came in to participate.  Halloween in Spain, or at least in my neck of the Iberian woods, has changed _immensely_ since two years ago when almost no one knew about Halloween apart from what American culture had been rammed down children's throats via cartoons. This year, almost every store in town decorated its shop window with a skeleton, pumpkin or faux-spider web. There as a children's costume parade, and in the nearby town of Laredo, there was a big zombie crawl – or whatever those are called – for young people over 18.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2014/15088384973_5b11139e34_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Pumpkin Carving at Fray Pablo 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2014/15088384973_94d021036b.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Carving at Fray Pablo 2014"/>
</a>

Each child got a turn pulling out some of the gourd guts. They varied widely on the spectrum of barely wanting to touch it – some declined the opportunity entirely – and really grabbing a big handful. That's Nora in the back loudly projecting her "OMG, this is _so_ boring!" body language.

The five-year-old class did the pumpkin cleaning first. They are learning their alphabet, so they went in alphabetical order (little Álvaro must be loving that). After the three Marios went, the teacher skipped right to Paula. Nora stood up but was too timid to say anything. I said to the teacher, "What happened to N?", and immediately regretted it, because she had intentionally skipped Nora both to see if Nora would notice, and because Nora was going to be given a special place during the rest of the "ceremony" up with me in front of everyone. But after I opened my mouth, she had to let Nora take her turn as well as be the special helper later.

I wanted to set up my GoPro to capture a timelapse of the entire event, but apparently I hadn't turned it off the day before after I charged it, and it had no battery left. Grr!

My daughter's teacher recorded a video of some of the carving.

<iframe width="505" height="284" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JOxOaZGAR3Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I suppose that I probably won't do this again next year, as I won't have any children in preschool, but I may start again the year after that when I do again.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2014/15521875419_fb3ebf45f5_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Pumpkin 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-halloween-school-pumpkin-carving-2014/15521875419_8d57cfcae6_z.jpg" alt="Pumpkin 2014"/>
</a>


Halloween School Pumpkin Carving 2014


<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15088624293_094daef0eb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image post-thumb" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15088624293_2f406bddd3_t.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
</a>

This year the pumpkins we got for carving at home were the smallest they've ever been since I began this tradition [six years ago](/2008/10/31/halloween-traditions/). However, on the plus side, the walls of the pumpkin were very thin and easy to carve. It was a bit like playing an electric guitar for the first time after learning on an acoustic.

Like [last year](/2013/11/05/pumpkin-carving-party-2013/), we invited Nora's friends, Carmen and Claudia. Last year, Nora's and Claudia's siblings, Ian and Mara, had to take a break during the party to breastfeed. This year, they were racing around like the little toddlers they are. They know each other from daycare. It was fun to see Ian interacting with a kid his own age. Although Marga is a month or two younger, she's got several kilos and centimeters on him. This year, I decided to cede the pumpkin carving to my disciples, Marga and Bea (Claudia and Mara's mother). Exactly what I expected happened: their designs were both more creative and better executed than mine ever have been. Teacher pride.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522103219_c8aff47587_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522103219_0095f54ef8.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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Carmen, Nora and Claudia are all very similar in personality and get along swimmingly.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522782007_799eddf040_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522782007_2afa7af09a.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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It's too early to judge how similar Ian and Mara are, but they do enjoy stealing toys from one another.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522568888_32f342c160_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522568888_95803cc153.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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After being told they couldn't use the knives to cut the pumpkins, the threesome lost interest in the Halloween part of the party and began playing amongst themselves. Every time we have a friend or two over, I'm struck by how much easier – if louder – it is to watch after two or three kids than it is for one, who is constantly seeking attention from the adult.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15088617413_023192c0d8_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15088617413_a586da3c66.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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Gourd artists at work.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15684255296_3087008948_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15684255296_9bce5fedfa.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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Self portrait!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522111049_d500219097_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15522111049_3065428be8.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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Excellent first attempt by Bea.

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15088624293_094daef0eb_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15088624293_2f406bddd3.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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I thought Marga's addition of the scar was particularly creative. It really adds to the scariness

Here's some footage of the kids interacting with one another. It'll be cute to show Ian and Mara this when they are older.

<iframe width="505" height="284" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bQqmnwsDRnc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We had a great time!

<a href="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15707978865_d2c1c3dec2_o_d.jpg" target="_blank" class="flickr-image" title="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014">
  <img src="https://d1js6qm6cshi0v.cloudfront.net/oldblog/2014-11-04-pumpkin-carving-party-2014/15707978865_d80f340839_z.jpg" alt="Halloween Pumpkin Carving 2014"/>
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5 posts from November, 2014