Hayley's Halloween House Party

Our Little Devil

You know, as a parent, one of the most exciting times of year is Halloween. At least when you're in our family. We can't get enough of it. The decorations, the fall air, the candy (which my hips actually celebrate for months following). And, as a parent, one of the most anticipated conversations each year is that of the Halloween costume. Each year you see how your child's little personality has changed, how their interests have evolved and how their selection of Halloween costume has matured from one year to the next. Three years ago, Hay was Dorothy; two years ago she was The Wicked Witch; last year she was a cheerleader...

So when this year's costume conversation came around, we were stoked.

Do you think she'll be a doctor? She likes caring for her little stuffed animals. Or maybe she'll be a copywriter like mom! Course, there's no definitive costume that says "I have a mediocre salary and no byline so I'll never really be famous." She likes Harry Potter, maybe she'll be Hermione? Eh. Too overdone. Ooo! I got it: maybe, MAYBE she'll be God's little angel..."


Well, I don't need to tell you how that played out. Let's just say, Hayley subbed out the halo for a pair of horns and a wench dress. I mean, it's cool; we can handle it. She'll just go on and mock us with this blatant foreshadowing of her teen years.



Here's Hay as a teenager. I mean a Devil Princess.




I stopped by Hay's class for some pictures and a slice of pizza.


This is Hay's adorable teacher, Ms. Keovanpheng. I'd tell you how to pronounce that, but instead I'll let you share in that initial panic we experienced when we first met her, knowing surely she would hate us for screwing up her name. (Ms. Who? Maybe we can call her by her first name. What's her first name, Hayley? DaoKham. Crap.).




She's a chess board. Chess player? A ref? Something about chess.



This was the most well-behaved, quiet class I've ever seen on one of the most highly caffeinated days of the year. Ms. Keovanpheng had these guys under control. Totally amazing.

This is one of Hay's besties, Jessica.

Seriously, all quietly eating. As spooky as it gets.

The Dryzga Family Photo Shoot by The Shooting Gallery Photography

Built-in Re-Finish

Mary's Painting came back to re-stain our built-in entertainment center last week. We're very happy with the turn-out (as is Polski).

Hayley Hoop and the Escape from Sideshow Bob

Hayley would just like to thank all of her wonderful family members for their generous birthday gifts. She has saved her money to spend it throughout the year on life's little necessities.





Like this mega-light-up hoola hoop.











She is a hula master. These pictures hardly do her unrivaled talent justice.











We've affectionately named this tree "Sideshow Bob" (for obvious reasons).




Or is "Audrey" more appropriate. (FEED ME.)




In a MacGyver-like moment, Hayley instinctively moves to the cartwheel as her go-to getaway move.

Father's Day

The Man of the Hour just after opening his awesome card with #1 Dad stickers in it. Hayley is touting her subsequent sticker: "My dad is my hero."

Here's how this photo session went.

Meghan: Everyone smile!

Meg: Troy, worst Father's Day smile of all time. Try again.

Meg: HAYLEY!!

Meg: Thank you.

Um, do you hear that? What's that noise?

Hayley: The dog's choking on a carrot.

Troy: Somebody grab him!

Meg: YOU grab him!

Troy: UGH. Fine I have him. I think he's ok.

Meg: Alright, look alive. Literally.

First Warm Weekend

Kitchen Progression