System Reboot

We've been together as four since Monday afternoon, and it's been a little bit crazy, but mostly wonderful, ever since. Between a sick dog, two kids going in and out of fevers and gross coughs, and a planned medical procedure, I wouldn't exactly say it's been smooth sailing. But, as they say, everything is better together...and that includes normal, daily routines, sicknesses and everything else.

Gavin, especially, has turned a corner since getting his dad back under this roof. His mood is better and he's sleeping more too, though I'm 97% sure that has more to do with the ongoing low-grade fever than anything involving our family dynamic. D has covered Gavin's school drop-off and pick-up, and he's even been picking up Graham early, too. That has made my Tuesday and Thursday mornings much less hectic and my afternoons much less stressful. G has taken on the role of Dylan's sidekick for just about everything, and I am G2 is enjoying putting D back into the rotation for bottles, naptimes, bedtimes and diaper changes.

We've caught Halloween fever this week and kicked off the events with our annual pumpkin carving and chili with cousins across the street. We also squeezed in a run to the Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktackular on Friday night. Gavin had a blast on the very wide variety of blow-up slides. We checked in with our friends, Eric and Anne, and stuffed our faces with lobster mac and cheese and soba noodles. After sitting and enjoying the hot air balloons for a few minutes, we packed up our early-to-bed crew and headed home while many of the event patrons were still finding parking. Maybe it was just that we got out together, or perhaps the delicious food, but it was such a perfectly perfect night. Gavin finally, finally, got to put on his BB-8 costume, and he was obsessed. In fact, he was pretty thrilled about our Star Wars theme, and we'll be dressing up at least two more times before Halloween has come and gone.

Just doing what he does best

Dylan and the boys did the Halloween parade and haunted house at swim class while I checked into Dynamite Animal Hospital with the mutts.

Falling asleep on the couch (day or night) has never happened in the history of his life. So something was up with him.

Five cousins, all boys. The best!

Practicing ballet barre moves

Convalescing. The placement of the green ice pack is not a coincidence. Family of four, don't want no more.

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BB-8 and the Ewok that won't wear his mask.

Trying out every single slide.

I was Darth Vader, naturally.

Someone loves his Dad

Helping with projects at home

A huge help in the kitchen, too!

Praying before he eats, like he does at school. Except he says the Pledge of Allegiance instead of a prayer.

Watching Star Wars together for the first time!

And the best news is that it's only Saturday afternoon. We're not even half way through our 4-day weekend, and everybody's health is on the upswing. Stay tuned for a follow-up on our Halloween adventures. I've got nothing else to report, but no news is good news!