Halloween in three parts

Being the best mom ever, I made my daughters Halloween costume this year. With a purchased long black wig and fabric I had on hand, Jasmine and I decided that Pricess Jasmine from Alladin would be a no-brainer. Little did I realize…

Friday. She had a costume party at her day camp. I realized that while the Princess Jasmine costume was okay to walk around in gathering candy, it was a little too skimpy for a day playing at camp. What to do! With three tiara’s and a tub full of dress up clothes, one can always pull a princess costume together.

One crisis averted.

Saturday. With gymnastics class in the morning and a Halloween festival at the parks & rec right after, I knew she would need something that could easily fit over her clothes and her father could put together on the fly. So I converted a black velvet skirt into a witches outfit complete with hat and caplet.

Two crisis’ averted.

Sunday. Finally it is Halloween and we can put the Princess Jasmine costume on. I then realize that an exposed belly will be too cold for her out in the evening. Soooo another last minute adjustment and out the door she goes.

Next year she’s going as a ghost.

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We had a great time at Ella’s birthday party today. Safari Sam’s has lot of stuff to do – glowing mini-golf, arcade, pump-ups and the largest play structure in Oregon. Although I think we got in trouble. Emily, Jasmine, Ella and I were so engrossed in playing a safari hunt video game that we missed the speaker announcement to return to the table for birthday cupcakes. Ella’s mom Beth had to come get us.

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For those of you who follow this bog, you may remember when we first met Jasmine she was living with foster mom Kristi and foster sister Jaiden. After we adopted Jasmine, Destiny came to live there with Jaiden. So when Jaiden and her adopted mother Julie came up to visit all three girls got a chance to see each other. Destiny brought her new cousin who is also named Jaiden.

We met up at Roloff Farms. The location of the reality TV program was turned into a fall wonderland. Donkey rides, petting zoo, exotic zoo, hay tower, pump-up slides and snacks. And just look at the beautiful day we had! Perfect for picking out that perfect pumpkin.

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One of the many reasons I love living in Portland is all the great festivals. Case in point, I did some web searching this morning for something to do and found out about a Polish Festival. One look at the photos of pierogi and kiełbasa and we were convinced to go try it out. We got there for lunch and I was in sausage and sauerkraut heaven.

The place had a wonderful vibe – filled with music and happily chatting people. The stage had non-stop dancing – all decked out in colorful wardrobe. And the perfect weather was a wonderful accompaniment.

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Jasmine was very excited to start her second class of gymnastics class today. This time, its girls only. Girl power! They did lots of warming up and what looked to me physically impossible stretching contortions. Then they did various tumbles, low bars, and balance beam activities. And yes, the class actually wore her out. Jasmine had to ‘rest her eyes’ on the ride home.

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