halloween at the woodmark

This year for Halloween we went to The Woodmark, where Nana lives, to visit with the ladies and pass out some candy. It was kind of a last minute plan amidst several busy days, so the costumes were created after the soccer games, and right before leaving. The girls wore "fairy" dresses, put some glitter on their faces, and made wands out of dowels and aluminum foil with ribbons taped on the end. Josiah- usually not one for costumes- just put his Jedi robe on over his clothes and called it good.

Nana and the other ladies were pleased to see the children, as usual, and enjoyed all the chocolate. All three of the kids are finally getting more comfortable at the Woodmark, and more understanding of the people who live there. Even Josiah patiently answered Marilyn, who asked him about four times, "What is your name?" "Josiah." She told him it was a good, strong name and he would go a long way with that name. He was even willing to hold her hand- a big development!! The kids also enjoyed playing with Aunt Leslie, who is a great liaison between them and the residents, as sometimes it is hard to know what to say or do with them... She knows them all well and can get through to them much better than we can.

Nana was tired, as she is becoming so more and more, but she still made us laugh with her silly faces and hand motions. She just loves to be a little clown now and then.

I won't pretend that the visit was completely pleasurable, because there is a lot of sadness there and it is so difficult to see. But the kids ended up feeling like they helped bring a few smiles to these ladies, and they had a good time overall as well.