Fall Fun 2014

Fall is my favorite time of year!  Sweaters, crunchy leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes.  What's not to love?  I think we did a pretty good job of taking full advantage of all the season had to offer :)

First, we had fun with Stevie, Lindy, Ella, and Luke..

First ever face painting.  He picked a dolphin.

balloon animals!

Wagon rides.

Carriage rides too.

A few weeks later, we went on the annual fall camping trip.  Benny continues to get anxious about sleeping away from home.  The first day, he asked me about a billion times if he could go home.  However, by day 2, he seemed to settle in and slept better.

Someday we'll have to tell him that camping doesn't typically involve cabins with hot tubs...

Or lodges with swimming pools....

I might be slightly biased, but she is just a beauty!

Next on the fall agenda was Halloween.  Nana and Papa left for Florida a week or so before Halloween, so we gave them a sneak preview of the costumes...

Nana's favorite elephant.

 Papa's favorite duck!

The Saturday before Halloween we always go to Aron and Annie's Halloween party.  We spent the morning at my parent's house.  Benny made sure the chickens were well fed that day. 

 Lots of  kids at the party!

 A herd of running trick or treaters.

On Oct. 31, we went to Lucas' house for dinner and for trick-or-treating.  (Lucas is Benny's friend.  We do BSF together and periodically have playdates together.)  It was a great evening!  That morning, we met Grammie and Grampie at McDonald's for breakfast.  This video is a testimony that Claire had a happy 1st Halloween :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-VvXcTDC1Y&list=UU2Cisduep-vZFTnr45YN1uQ

Oh the memories...

Since there really isn't too time left in 2014, I'm starting to think about new year's resolutions.  2015: blog about things more promptly.  Alas.  Better late than never...

This past June, we went on a Disney cruise and to Disney World for a day with Kevin's parents and all of Kevin's siblings and their families.  Some pics which highlight the week:

Vacationing with two little ones?  Well, it certainly changes the traditional concept of 'vacation' and has its challenges including missed naps and a stomach bug.  That being said, I think of this vacation with gratitude.  What a wonderful family I have married into.  They love me and my children unconditionally.  They pray for us and set such a good example for us.  We are richly blessed.  We embarked upon this cruise to celebrate Grammie's retirement and Grammie and Grampie's 39th wedding anniversary.  Quite joyous indeed!  Benny continues to be a big fan of Mickey Mouse.  After all, who doesn't love a little Mickey Mouse Clubhouse?