I’m back! The past two weeks I’ve been gone getting hitched, and then enjoying a beautiful honeymoon in Costa Rica. But as much as I loved paradise, lounging on the beach all day, checking out the rainforest and wildlife, marinating in a tropical spa…. Wait, where was I going with this? At any rate, it’s good to be back…I think. 😉

While I was away, several of the moms and dads kept the conversation flowing on the forums. Here’s what’s going on at SantaRosaMom.com this week:

Dad the Commissioner
A dad was left feeling like a tyrant when he took his son’s last few baseball games of Fall Ball because of some less-than-worthy grades. And while he feels he made the right decision in stressing the importance of his son’s academics, he also feels like the worst parent in the world. Do you ever struggle with disciplining your child?

Kid-less Halloween
A mom who shares joint custody with her ex is feeling sad about the fact that this year her 2-year-old daughter’s visit with her father falls on Halloween. This means that mom won’t be able to take her toddler trick-or-treating and enjoy a night of dress-up. She’s looking for alternative Halloween events that fall around Halloween, and a lot of parents have suggested a bunch. Can you relate with missing out on holidays with your kid due to a divorce?

Speaking of Halloween activities….
Don’t miss the list of kid-friendly Halloween events we have listed at The Village in the days leading up to Halloween. The list keeps changing as more events are announced, so check back often. And if you have an event that needs to be included, leave it in the comments.

$3 movies
One of our moms reminded us on the forums that Third Street Cinemas is offering $3 movies at their theater. With the rainy season upon us, this is a great way to do something fun with the kids for very little money.

Pumpkin Hunting
Still need to find that perfect pumpkin? Looking for a place to take gorgeous harvest photos with the little ones? Check out our guide to local pumpkin patches in Sonoma County.

Halloween costume ideas

Don't forget to share your Halloween photos at SantaRosaMom.com!

What are your kids going to be for Halloween? Are you dressing up too? Share your costume ideas, either past or present, or receive a little inspiration if you’re still struggling with what to wear this year (like we are!).
Tip:  Check out the Halloween photos some members have posted in years past.

Halloween Recipe: Mummy Dogs
Ever since I introduced this recipe to the kids last year for dinner, they’ve been begging me to make them even when it’s not Halloween! You’ll love this really cute idea for mummifying your dinner.

And finally…..
While I’ve only been doing Santa Rosa Mom for about 3 years, I’ve worked at the Press Democrat for 6. During these past 6 years, my family and I have experienced an incredible journey along the way. I share a little about that in a more personal blog at the Village. Thank you everyone for all your support and love over the years! I love you all back!

Family Events

Halloween events: village.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10651/kid-friendly-halloween-2012

Oct 26-Nov 3
Bay Area Science Festival: This week there are dozens of fun science-related events happening all over the Bay Area. Locally, there will be a Bay Area Star Party at SSU on Friday, Oct 26, Discover Day party at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Saturday Oct 27, a presentation on math and cinema with Pixar’s Senior Scientist Tony DeRose at Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, and more. CLICK HERE to get the full scoop on these events and more.

Saturday, Oct 27
Wee Three Fall Event: One of our favorites when it comes to finding gently used clothing, kids items, and everything you need for a young family at only a fraction of retail cost – plus new items too! 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wells Fargo Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. http://weethreechildrensstore.com/

P.S. Keep checking SantaRosaMom.com for tips on Halloween at http://bit.ly/a03eoD

Have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you in the forums!

Crissi Langwell (check out the new last name!)
SantaRosaMom.com

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