Trick or Treat!

 Elsa and Captain America.  we left our bowl of candy out for the kids to take as we walked around with the kids.

 I carved a pumpkin like Elli wanted to say Trick or Treat but then Micah tore out the parts to make the letters.  Oh well:)

 Cuteness.  He said he was all done getting candy that he had enough.  So he would walk up to the houses and just talk to the people and let them know he had enough already.  So cute.

 I want to remember these days forever because they really are so very fun.

 We went to mom and dad's as is the tradition.  I love it:)

 I tried to get a good picture of Rett, Rayna, and Seth but it was a little dark.  Rett is a dragon, Rayna a kitty, and Seth a Ninja Turtle.

The Masters and Raymonds met up at our house for a few more houses of trick or treating, then just hanging out.  Caleb, Benjamin, Lily, Caroline, Emma Grace, Malachi, Madilynn, Annalise, Elli, Andrew, and in front, Elijah, Cody, Micah.  Love this tradition too:)

IHOP for Free Scary Pancakes, Elli's class party

 The kids were doing their best to patiently wait.  We had them count, sing, make faces, everything we could think of.  we were there for two hours!

 Finally, deliciousness;)

 The crew, minus Elli.

Micah wanted to go to Elli's party with her.  He also wanted to wear his costume and just knew everyone would think he was so cool when he walked in the room.  He actually walked in and waited for them to see him:)  Elli is always so good with him when he comes to her events.  I think she loves having him there.

Science Fair, Oct 30

 Elli was ready to present her Lava Lamp at Science Fair.  She did a great job.

 Some of the kids were excited to watch it work.

 She enjoyed the attention.

This is one of my former students checking out her lava lamp.  Elli was very happy to see her and to show her how her lamp works.  I was proud of her.

Cans for Candy at AWANA, Oct 28th

 A spa girl and Captain America.  Elli was teased by the boys in her class about being elsa, so she decided to change it up.  we came up with the Spa girl idea at the last minute, but she was much happier about it knowing she wouldn't be teased about being a princess.

 Micah saw me when he was walking with his cubbies class.  He is just now able to go to cubbies without crying.  He asks me to stay with him each time, but is doing better going and staying without crying.  Look how excited he is to see me!

 So excited to get candy.

 Here is sweet little Blueberry Muffin, aka Gloria.  Wish I had a clearer picture, but she was so cute.

 Little Strawberry Shortcake came by as well. (Francine)  She was so adorable with those red curls and tights that were slightly too big:)

And then there was my spa girl.  Happy and having fun.  Makes me sad that she is already experiencing how kids can be so mean.  I wish that were not the case for her but we are talking it through and learning strategies to help her handle meanness.

Annual Leaf Raking in Michigan, Oct 23-25

 Absolutely love this picture of these little cousins all brushing their teeth in Nana's bathroom.  They also all slept in the basement in sleeping bags.  Such fun memories.

 We went to an Apple Orchard on Saturday and all the kids were mezmorized y the goodies.

 Great picture of the kiddos.  We sure did miss Aria and Colette though.

 I really love the ages of these two right now.  Micah is so fun and Elli is also fun, but in a new independent way.

 She still loves horses and takes every opportunity to ride one when she can.

 Micah also thought it was pretty cool.

 Fun in the leaves.  It was too rainy on Saturday to rake much but Sunday was perfect.

 Being silly with Megan.  She is 20 weeks regnant bit Lana and I were showing off our bellies as well.

 The boys.

 We were able to celebrate Rett's 2nd birthday while we were there.

 Cupcakes for all.

 Sweet boy.

 We got him a couple of new books for his birthday.  He is such a fun little guy.

 Leaf playing time!  Love my girl.

 Look at Liam's leap!

 His sweet little face.

 One of my favorites from the whole weekend!

 Hehehe

 And....jump!

 Getting ready for the leaf boat.

 Pile in the kids and the leaves.

 All together and loving it.

 This was forced but cute.

 Little handsome Luis.

 Sweet boy, Rett.

We not only got to rake leaves, but we got to hear Lane talk at West Rome Baptist Church as well.  It was good to visit with Lance and Lana and kids.  I love this picture of Lana and Luis.

Cheering on Cody

We made it to Cody's last soccer game of the season.  it was so fun to watch him and Micah really wanted to play too.  These two are such cute little friends.

Hiking in The Narrows

 We took off on a Monday afternoon for a quick hike in the woods

 Micah was super excited about the stick he found to help him walk.

 Checking out the hole in the tree.

 Brent put the camera on a rock for a family shoot.

 Kiddos.

It was a really pretty night and we got a lot of leaves for our yearly place mats.