More Treats

One of the coolest things about working at a children's hospital is Halloween. We go all out with trick or treating for the kids, a fall festival and even a skit contest for our staff.

Because Jack goes to daycare at the hospital, he was able to participate in the big day. He dropped his monkey outfit -- mostly because he had to spend all day in his costume. He decided to be a Titan instead. Thought I'd share some photos from the day.


My little linebacker stops to say hi to my coworker, Katherine.


This Halloween, I think we successfully discovered "treats." It's all he talked about on the way home.


Since I've been at Le Bonheur, we've been barnyard animals and Muppets for Halloween. This year, we were the Pink Ladies from Grease. We should have won -- not that I'm bitter or anything ...


More of the Pink Ladies


Some of our team ...


After our big day, we ventured down our street for our first trick or treating trip.


My monkey, waiting for his treat.

He kept asking for "more tricks" after we left each house.


And once we got home, we had to check out some of the treats.


How much sugar did he consume today?

Finally, a sign

With election season upon us, I'm remembering some sweet Williamson County elections this week. During one election season, John decided he really liked a local candidate who was running for county office -- and he wanted us to get a yard sign to show just how much he liked him.

I told him we couldn't, though, given my need to stay "objective" as the reporter covering the election. All my reporters friends understand that sacred rule of staying -- or at least appearing -- neutral, especially during election season.

That was then. Now, I do PR and get to have all sorts of opinions about everything. Which is why I encouraged John to go get us a sign today. Just two weeks until the big day!


Finally, we have a sign. AND a bumper sticker ...



After we planted our Obama sign, Jack and Grammy played puzzles.

Zoo Boo!

I've been a slacker on the blogging, something I knew was bound to happen eventually. But I had to share some of the pics from our trip to Zoo Boo this weekend. Zoo Boo is the Memphis Zoo's Halloween Celebration -- the kids dress up, go trick or treating at the zoo, ride the train, visit the pumpkin patch, you name it.

Jack had a blast, and talked to me all the way home -- the sugar from all the candy got to him, I think.


Even the concrete animals outside the zoo dress up for the big night.


My monkey


Our friends Ayden (left) and Rhys joined us for the night.

The monkey took a break in the herpaterium to make sure the snakes were still there.


Our friend, Monica, and baby Rhys joined us on the haunted train ride.

Jack and I in the pumpkin patch.

Introducing Mary Beth Hancock

Our newest niece, Mary Beth, was born on Thursday. She joined us at 7 pounds, 4 ounces. My sister, Ruby, and her husband, John, are proud parents. And Jack ... well, he's a little jealous that someone else is getting attention, and not really sure why Aunt Ruby doesn't want him climbing in bed with her.

He has, however had a great time visiting his niece in the hospital -- he loves to ride the elevator and watch the water fountain in the lobby.


Mom, Dad and Baby


Ruby and Mary Beth


Mary Beth, with a full belly




Jack was happy to play with his baby cousin's balloons.


Granna, Mary Beth and Jack


Granna and Mary Beth

Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Monkeys, Zebras ...

On our way to work for the past two days, Jack has pointed out the zoo when we drove by -- a subtle hint that we're past due a trip. That led to two days of quizzes about who lived at the zoo. Wing-wings (penguins), zebras, raffs (giraffes) ... complete with the noises they make.

Memphis is VERY proud of its zoo, and rightly so. It rocks. And works well as bribery for a 2-year-old -- he'll do just about anything with the promise of elephants ahead.


My guys, watching the fish.



Headed to the monkeys, after a stop at the hippos.




Here's proof that Jack is over his great fear of carousels.





Ya Ya, one of the two pandas living at the zoo. She was taking a nap when we came by.



One of three polar bears at the zoo. He was up for swim.

Big Man on Campus

I can still remember when I was nervous for Jack to get on the toddler-sized slides at the park. Now, he wants to prove that he's ready for the big boy side of the playground. When we headed to the park this weekend, he marched right over to the big playground, climbed up and held court with the big kids.



My little monkey ...



What comes down ...




Will turn around and climb right back up ...


We always end up back at the swings, even if they ARE on the little kids playground.

Pop and Grammy's House -- Day 2

Pool and swimming: Jack's two favorite words. But he was a little leary of the waterslide. That was, until cousins Anna and Ryan came by...


"Hey Mom, I think I'll hang out over here in the wading pool with my Spiderman floaties and Diego."


"Ryan sure is spending a lot of time on that slide ..."


"Well, Mom, if Anna says it's cool ..."



"Whatever Anna and Ryan do, sign me up."