Trick-Or-Treat!

 What a fun Halloween night!! The kids were anxious to get dressed up in their costume and get the night going!

 

 Zoe's costume changed quite a few times over the last few weeks, but she ended up throwing this doll costume together and I think she looks pretty cute!

 She really struggled this year with whether she should stay home with us and do our traditional dinner and trick-or-treating, or go with some of her friends in their neighborhood. She decided to stick with us and ended up having a great time, but I worry this may the last year with our little girl!

 Cooper picked out this zombie clown costume, and once again, was pretty cool with half mask, half make up.

We did our annual chili and cornbread dinner (and some hot dogs for the kids that don't eat chili!) with a bunch of neighbors. We had quite a few kids and parents this year and enjoyed hanging out for a while before we headed out.

 The trick-or-treating began, and the kids found lots of friends throughout the neighborhood. I think there were more kids out this year than we have ever seen!!

We even went down the road a bit and went to the very spooky house that we have avoided for years. The kids loved it, and can't wait to go back every year. They had some fantastic decorations!

 The best part...sorting through their candy!

 Todd always hosts a post-trick-or-treat neighborhood party. The kids run around in the cul-de-sac, eat candy, and the parents hang out around fire pits.

 Happy Halloween! Now comes the long job of putting away all of our decorations and getting ready for the next holiday!

Almost Halloween!

Where did the month of October go?? Besides the small pumpkin patch we visited while apple picking, we haven't had much free time to hit the local patch. Since Zoe's dance studio is closed for a few days this week, we had a free evening to head to Peltzer Farms so I could get a few fun photos. To my surprise, I didn't have any complaints, and we had a fun time walking around.

 

 Love that they will still let me take these measurement photos...

 and that they still make some funny faces!

 It was pretty fun watching them try to balance each other on the wheel barrows!

 We even got to catch the pig races!

 Once home, we got right to scooping out and carving our pumpkins.

Finally ready for Halloween!!

Family visits...

We were anxious to visit Sonya and Morgan now that everyone was home from the hospital and settling in. We couldn't wait to hold the baby and visit for a while. What a precious little boy!

 I took my turn first, and could've sat with him all day. He was quiet, sleepy, and cuddly!

 Zoe wanted her turn and sure loved spending time him. Cooper liked to watch, but wasn't too interested in holding him yet!

 Time for Grandpa to get his turn!

After leaving Sonya's place, we headed to Newport to spend some time with my family and enjoy a delicious early Halloween dinner! Even Cole, and his girlfriend Maddie, joined us.

 These too just can't get enough of each other!

 It was such a fun day visiting with family, and relaxing!

Last Jog-A-Thon!

Today was the the Tony Tobin Jog-A-Thon. Cooper always enjoys this day and was looking forward to running as many laps as he could! I was able to work a 1/2 day and meet him out on the field to show my support for him and his classmates.

 He was determined to get near the school record of 64 laps. He ran, ran, and ran some more...

 only stopping to grab a quick sip of water and get his lap tally marks.

 He made his goal and tied the record of 64 laps! Not sure if anyone got more than that later in the day, but he was pretty happy with himself, and we were quite proud!

As I was leaving the field, I found myself getting quite sad that this was the last jog-a-thon for us. This is a year of so many lasts, and I've been so involved with this event through the years. It was nice to be able to enjoy it as "just a parent" this year though! Way to go Coop!

Welcome to the world Morgan Lee!!

Sonya and Camillo have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little boy! They had a beautiful photo shoot done a few weeks ago and I just love this shot...

 Baby Morgan was past his due date, so Sonya was scheduled to be induced on Monday. After checking in at 5am, she spent the next day and a half waiting, waiting, and more waiting. Early contractions began around noon. Joe left work and headed straight there. After another full day of labor, Morgan Lee finally made his arrival at 3:15pm on October 16th. He weighed in at 7lb., 11oz., and was 21 3/4 inches long.

Unfortunately, Sonya spiked a fever and they were worried about infection, so after spending only a few minutes bonding, Morgan had to be sent to the NICU for some tests and IV antibiotics.

The kids and I got there not too long after the birth. The kids were so bummed that they weren't able to see him or hold him. I was thankful that I was able to get into the NICU with Camillo and at least meet him and take a few pictures. He looked absolutely precious, and I can't wait to actually hold him. I was bummed not to be able to get pictures of him with Joe (who is very excited to be a Grandpa, by the way!) and the kids.
Sonya got moved into her recovery room, and we decided to head back home and let her rest. They were able to go back in later that night so she could begin nursing him. She also sent a picture of Camillo holding his new baby boy.

 What a beautiful baby boy he is! Congratulations Sonya and Camillo!!

Bountiful Fall!

We were running out of weekends to do our annual trek up to Oak Glen for Fall apple picking. The weather has finally cooled off a bit, and we talked Mimi, Gramps, Jeff, Cathy and Jax into meeting us there for a fun Fall day!

 We started in one of the many apple orchards and picked some Double Red Delicious.

 Zoe got help from Gramps and Daddy!

 We walked on a beautiful trail and checked out the tall pines.

Uncle Jeff took the kids through the corn maze too.

 

 Next, it was time to pick some raspberries. The season is pretty much over, but we were determined to find some!

I don't think any of Mimi's ever made it into the basket! We all ended up eating quite a few right off the vines.

 After picking raspberries, we headed over to the pumpkin field to pick up a few cute little pumpkins to bring home.

 It was lunch time, and getting crowded, so after tasting some delicious apple cider samples, and waiting almost an hour, we enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch under the trees. 

It turned out to be a wonderful day, and I was spoiled with even more birthday gifts...a new purse, sunglasses, bracelet, and gift card. What a great way to end such a fantastic birthday weekend celebration!