Halloween

It's Halloween on a school night - what could be scarier!?!

 For the first time in YEARS, Mitch went as something other than a pirate! He was a caveman and Shannon went as a firefighter.

 We did the neighborhood circuit, grandparents' houses, a couple friends and then Awana. So much candy!

The crew is growing up, but they still enjoy the costumes and the group candy walk. What a great place to celebrate Halloween!

School Pics

Evidence of another school year!

 Mitch is in 3rd grade with Mrs. Harris.

Shannon is in 1st grade with Miss Mayer.

Bryan's in his 3rd year as AD and assistant principal at EHS.

I'm in my 3rd year of ELA and social studies at Parkway. It's also a photo that I hate. Such is life.

Autumn on the Bluff

We planned a trip to Greenbluff to see family and the weather cooperated beautifully!

  There were far too many people at some of the Greenbluff hot spots and it was a challenge herding 14 of us, but we managed to get some time together in the autumn sunshine.

These boys found time to have an apple war, of course.

 It was fun to spend time with Sue, Steve and Gram as we got to stay out at their place. Lots of good food and visiting!

The girl cousins enjoyed a mini hayride around the pumpkin patch

 

while the boy cousins went through the corn maze with Aunt Rachel.

 These two met a friendly goat who wanted their snack!

 Shan got to ride Henry the horse and was delighted!

 We capped off the tour at Big Barn Brewery which was the best stop by far. The hay slide was about an hour's diversion!

Fearless, she went face first until reading the rules and discovering that wasn't allowed! Afterward we returned to Hogues for appetizers, ribs, and a nice evening. Such a beautiful autumn!

 We came home in time for our neighborhood pumpkin carve and cider press.

 Mitch was intent on doing most of the work solo this year.

 And the tongue of concentration did make an appearance!

 Shan ran the drill on hers.

And poor Shiloh was much loved.

We are blessed to be part of our neighborhood community!

Loving the Autum

The fall weather has been gorgeous this week and we've enjoyed lots of time outdoors. 

 Friday there was no school for students so Mitch and Shan got a day with the Allstot grands. They had a HUGE Alaska breakfast and then hiked up Beasley.

By the time they reached the top, they were plenty warm! Warm enough for a water fight in the nude back at the house! 

 They also enjoyed a trip to the library and the pumpkin patch. These two cuties are indeed our blessings, cheesy as it sounds.

 Saturday morning Shannon had a game. Our other coach was hospitalized with pancreas and liver problems (soccer is killing us!) so I was solo. Evidence that I'm not a cool cucumber on the sidelines...

My Pobst grandparents came to a lot of my soccer games growing up and it was important to Grama to see Shannon play. I loved hearing her laughter on the sidelines!

Here is the sweet crew: Bergen, Shannon, Harper, Lizzy, Avery, Zoie, Laney and Giada!

My husband extraordinaire agreed to give me another garden space. We tore out some fencing, cut out some sod, hauled in some dirt, plan to get manure, drew out a plant plan, and I've begun planting. I am so excited about this new patch!

October Begins!

October has begun with a flurry of colors and activities!

 These two continue to grow and I've been taken aback recently when realizing just how big they are getting. 

There isn't a lot of "baby" left in either of them.

 October began with a bit of rainy weather - a first in several months! Still, the game must go on. Shannon has been enjoying soccer and we've even notched a win!

 We played (and lost) in Quincy in the wet weather. Focused athletes? Meh - happy girls, at least!

 There was quite a fan base for Shannon, including her Great Grama Sally! We all went to dinner afterward, as well.

While Bryan and the kids went to the Fall Fest at Cloudview, I went to the Mennonite Country Auction with Mom, Gram and Mickelsen. It was lovely! Then I returned home to watch the kids and Bryan run the Orange E 5K in the sun! We finished our busy night with the Orange E Carnival - and came home with two goldfish!

Finally, we ended September with a bit of a heart episode and I'm currently sporting a heart monitor and taking meds - rocking the octogenarian life! All will be well, but this is a strange phase.