All things Halloween

We had lots of fun on and around Halloween. The younger boys and Ali carved jack-o-lanterns, but we only managed to get pictures of two.  

This year I gave in to the yearly begging to buy a Halloween blow up decoration. I set it up while everyone was at school and work and enjoyed the amazement when they each came home.

Jake loved his school's Trunk-or-Treat, despite lots of wind and a little rain, and this was his favorite trunk. I thought his Christmas pillowcase at a Halloween party was funny.

We had an amazing time at the ward Halloween party, and I was grateful that I made everyone pose for a picture because it was the only one of all the kids in costume that I got this year! We had a Grim Reaper, an Orc, Galadriel the elf, a Rapper, and Legolas (who stole the show in his amazing wig!).

I happened to have a bunch of pumpkins left in my trunk from a Relief Society activity to decorate our trunk with. Once Jake was done trunk-or-treating, he helped hand out candy, and liked how he blended in-some people didn't even see him! 

The kids went every which way on Halloween night, something that is becoming the norm around here. Eli invited all the Deacons in his quorum to come over for dinner and trick-or-treating, Ali and Logan each went to a different friend's house, and Jake and I trick-or-treated in our neighborhood. Everyone had a great time. I didn't get a picture of Logan and his friends, and neither did his mom (because, boys), but here are the rest!

At the second house Jake trick-or-treated at I heard him say, "Oh! My mom loves reese's peanut butter cups!" and he picked that, ran over to me and said, "For you, Mom!" I thought it was so sweet that he thought of me, and gave it to me so early on in his candy-getting!

We also had really fun weather this year. It was warm when we were out, maybe 55 or 60, and it sprinkled a little before trick-or-treating leaving these cool rainbows. Then as it got darker, the fog came out! So cool. It was a great Halloween.

Halloween Party

We had our traditional Halloween party. I didn't really cap numbers, and let Ali and Logan handle their own invites, so I was a bit surprised when we had 31 kids come. But, honestly, I'm just glad they still want to do it, so I was pleased.

Happy Birthday to ME

 

I had such a fun birthday. Jason took the day off, and since he'd just been running the house while I was out of town he knew the routine, so he took it all over for me. He did all the Monday chores, got the kids off to school so I could sleep in, went out to lunch with me and watched a movie with me. The kids all made me super thoughtful cards and made me feel very loved. Love this family of mine.

Through his Eyes

Life really is fun through the eyes of this observant, quirky, smart, funny boy. "Hey, look, Mom! We're twins!"

Happy Birthday Eli!

It was so fun celebrating Eli-our new 12 year old. Eli is such a fun, kind, inclusive, responsible, smart kid. Happy birthday, Eli, we love you.

Colorado

I got to go to Colorado to watch JD and Lianna's kids while they traveled to Egypt (!) with our parents. Jason did a great job-as I knew he would- holding down the fort here so I could be there taking care of these three cute kids. They did such a great job helping me learn the ropes of their neck of the woods, including which food which kid could eat (one is dairy free and one gluten free), how to take care of the chickens (kind of fun, as it turns out), and if I was driving in the right general direction of classes and such.

If my family had been there too I could have stayed a lot longer than the 10 days I was there, but since I'd been gone 3 out of 5 weeks from my family (between Peru and Colorado), I was ready to go home. I missed them!

I also had the huge bonus of getting to see my sister Emily a few times while I was there. I just love her.

First Concerts

Eli had his first band concert AND his first choir concert of Junior High. I was actually out of town during the band concert, but they live streamed it, so I could still watch it! One of the holdovers from the COVID days for which I am so grateful!

Game

Logan spent quite a lot of time making up a board game concept, and then creating it. What a cool use of time!

Church Twins

Ali has two different dresses that others in our ward have too, and it's funny how often they will wear them on the same day. Gotta love Amazon!

New Carpet

We got new carpet this summer! It was SO MUCH WORK, but I love it SO MUCH! Every time I walk around I'm glad we did it. If we, or anyone else, ever does it again, they'll find this little gem: Logan's name on the stairs.