A Little More of Greg's Birthday

 

Because Greg really needed it, it got several new clothing items for his birthday a little early.  I still wanted him to have some things to open on his birthday...and for the kids to get to feel like they got to "gift" their dad.  So the night before while Greg was at mutual, we hit the DI and let each child pick out a gift for Dad. 

Greg's Birthday

 

One of my favorite parts about family birthdays...kids working together to decorate! 
Nathan even let Elizabeth color in his 3-D letters which is a true brotherly sacrifice.

Turn on the "Hot Light"

We've never lived by a Krispy Kreme place, and found out recently that when the "Hot Light" is on in the outside window...they give away a free doughnut to each person.  Of course Greg would never let us miss a deal like that!  He's even found us our new family theme song..."Turn on the Hot Light" by Neil Diamond.  (Yes, it's actually "heart light".)  :) Greg even downloaded a free App that notifies us whenever the Hot Light in town turns on.  So, we turn on the song on Youtube while we dash for our coats and climb in the car.    These pictures are from our first Krispy Kreme adventure.

Joshua Plays Basketball

 

Joshua is playing on a Jr. Jazz team this year!  He's got a scrappy little team that has surprised us by doing really well.  It made us laugh the other day when Joshua came home to report to me their first "loss".  He told me that Nathan thought the other team played unfairly...so the loss doesn't really count.  They're still "undefeated".  :)

Trick or Treat

 

 

We've never been in a neighborhood so "into" Trick-or-Treating!
So many decorations and "haunted houses"!  

Carving Pumpkins

 

Yard Helpers

 

We love our shady backyard, but it makes for a lot of work in the fall.
Thank goodness for our good little helpers!

Backyard Buddies

While big boys play baseball, these two are cute little buddies.  Usually playing and prince and princess (this is their throne)...having their own adventures in an orange wagon all around the backyard.  So glad they have each other!

Backyard Baseball

 

Last night Greg and Nathan and Joshua headed out to do what they love to do most of these beautiful fall evenings we've been having...play some baseball.  Before long, a cute boy from across the street opened the gate to our backyard with his mitt in hand...hoping he could play.  A few more minutes later two other boys (brothers) from around the corner poked their heads in to play.  These are the moments I think, "We are living the good life."  It's so nice to have the time to enjoy moment like these together, great neighbor kids who will poke their heads in, and a dad that makes it so fun for everybody!  (The lower right picture is Greg sending one of the neighbor boys over the fence to retrieve a ball.)

Family Halloween Party

It's a family tradition we've missed out on for years...and finally we got to be there!  The family Halloween Party!  It's fun it coincides with our niece Livi's birthday...so it's two parties wrapped into one!

Everyone dresses up...

Elizabeth as a Witch...

A really creepy one...

 Joshua as a Ninja.

We forgot Aaron's costume...but he's still pretty cute!

Max as a darling Ewok!  We was so good to keep it on too!

Chelsea as Professor Trelawney from Harry Potter.
That hair was even more fabulous than in the picture!

Mom as a Ghost Buster ... complete with a "busting" demo for the kids (she sucked up Kleenex ghost).

Nathan as a Wizard.
The beard was something Jon loaned him while we were down there...
which made the costume especially awesome! 

His staff is from our twisted willow tree in our backyard.

Bethany as a Biker Chick.

Emily as the fabulous Chloe Kashardian, Livi as Michelangelo the TMNT...awesome costume made herself, and Lexi as a hobo.

Mom always makes fun foods.  Frog eye salad with frogs hidden in it, Jiggly Jello with eye balls, the corn had spiders in it, plastic rats in the spaghetti noodles, a hand coming out of the bread stick bowl, etc. etc.!