Happy Halloween!

Yesterday we had our Halloween bash for our community.  They did a really nice job with decorating and providing a fun time for the kids.  Clara declared this was the best Halloween she had ever had and Zach thought the party was tons of fun.  The kids were able to trick or treat.  There were crafts and games, and luckily not too much candy brought home.  The Marines put on a haunted house that was a big hit (Clara and Zach did not experience it though).  We followed it up by eating pizza and pasta at our favorite place, and still made it home to get the kids in bed on time.  

Yest

Already!?!

We had our first snow flurries of the year yesterday morning.  I don't think you can even see the flakes in the pictures.  The kids thought it was cool so I let them go out and catch flakes on their tongues.  It stopped and was fairly decent the rest of the day.

 There were more snow flurries called for over night, and this is what I woke up to.  They are still coming and overnight we might get 4 inches.  It is 30 degrees F out right now, with a high of 35.  However, tonight it is supposed to get down to 23 degrees and tomorrow night 19 degrees.  Luckily, Sunday will bring warmer temps though!  Hopefully I get some cute pictures of the kids playing in it later today.  It is a good thing that Charlie had snow tires put on the car yesterday.

The costumes are in...

Although there is not traditional trick or treating here, there are several functions that will allow the kids to dress up.  And of course, both of them love playing dress up so they will be well worn.  I was quite concerned that they wouldn't 

Amazingly, they arrived today!  Clara chose to be Merida (pictured below from Disney/Pixar's Brave). 

 She has brown shoes she'll wear, but was far too excited to go get them.  Isn't she cute with that hair!  She also got a Brave tote, that will work well throughout the year.  And yes, she is speaking with a Scottish accent right now.  

Zach is very much into heroes, and opted to be Iron Man.  I'll tell you though that it was very difficult making a decision.  

Now I just have to figure out how to get them out of their costumes!

Firing up the Sauna

Charlie ordered wood to be delivered so we can fire up the sauna to ward off the chill of the oncoming winter.  It isn't cold yet, but with the perpetual rain we've been having and the temperatures dipping below 50 we thought we'd fire it up.

Believe it or not, most Estonian homes are equipped with a sauna.  We've been told it really takes the edge off after being out in the elements.

"No matter how small and simple the house in the countryside, it generally has a sauna. Estonians are fond of relaxing in a hot and steamy sauna while occasionally beating each other with a bunch of leafy birch twigs called a "viht" in order to maximise the utter joy of the cleansing ritual."  Click here for link.

I snapped these pics just after Charlie started the fire.  

 It is a small sauna, but big enough for our family as you can see.

 Charlie definitely built up a nice blaze!

 I went to snap a picture of him enjoying the sauna but it was a bit steamy by then.  I have no doubt it will do the job when we need to take the chill off of those harsh winter days.  I guess now I need to get a viht!

For more reading about the Estonian sauna, go here: