Happy Halloween

Love the tail!
We had a great time trick or treating with our friends Oliver, Gus, Johan, and Anja. The older boys ran ahead and chose the houses they wanted to stop at...they all gave a hearty "Trick or Treat" and even remembered "Thank you" quite a few times.

Sam made it out to Trick or Treat at a few houses tonight. He even ran a bit. I heard him saying "ribbit" a few times as he galloped between houses. It was nice to see him upbeat for awhile.

Charlie was Diego, an animal rescuer. Ben was his baby jaguar, and Sam was a frog..

"Where's my candy?"

Our conversation as I put Charlie to bed tonight:

"Mom, I had fun trick and treating with you tonight."

"I had fun with you too."

"I'm going to be six when I go trick and treating next year."

Turns over, covers himself up with a grin from ear to ear -already dreaming of next year.

Love this age. Charlie was an angel today! Everyone woke up way too early. Charlie's first words, "Ben, it's Halloween today. Sure is Ben." Everyone was back in bed taking naps by 7 this morning. Charlie quietly played legos for over an hour while we all slept. Ben and Sam were both very needy since they don't feel well and Charlie was so patient all day long. He helped Chris clean downstairs, helped rake leaves, and did some "really hard work" designing patterns. He was so excited about Halloween and was so excited about his costume, Diego. He helped color patches and make props for his costume. I expected a major break down at some point today since he got up so early and had to be last in line when needing something, but he was an angel. Thank you for your patients today Charlie....and thanks for all of the big smiles. We needed them today.

Poor Sam

Sam's flu turned into pneumonia this week. We spent 5 1/2 hours at Children's ER Wednesday night. He had an appointment early Thursday morning, but his little body couldn't wait. The next day, he seemed to be feeling better from his neb treatments and drugs, but Friday and today have been a different story. Lots of sleeping, lying around, and lots of crying. He just doesn't feel well. Being sick is never fun....being sick on both your birthday and Halloween is a even more of a bummer. Poor little guy.

Pumpkin Time

The boys had fun on Thursday carving pumpkins. Charlie designed his own face for Chris to cut out. The boys have been waiting patiently to carve all week and enjoyed every part of the process. Sam enjoyed drawing on his pumpkin. He drew numbers, his name, and letters on his pumpkin, at least that is what he told us.

Ben modeling with Sam's pumpkin.

More from Sam's birthday

Sam showing off his 3 fingers...on each hand.

Sam actually had the flu on his birthday. He was so sick he didn't feel like opening presents at first. It took some drugs and laying on the couch to get him ready. Once he started to feel better he enjoyed his cake and played with his presents.

Charlie's Outdoor Playgroup

A mom of one of Charlie's kindergarten classmates has put together an outdoor playgroup. We've tried to meet every other week to let the kids play outside. On a warm Monday a couple of weeks ago we had an impromptu meeting at a local park. We all had a picnic and then the kids played. It was fun to let Charlie get to know some of his classmates and make new friends. I really enjoyed meeting the new moms too. I look forward to our future get togethers.

Our first get together was at a nature center. We played in their outdoor playground. The kids all enjoyed making a beaver lodge with logs they collected.

October Fun

Ben was all smiles on a beautiful October day earlier this month. The boys decided to do a little rough housing with Pa out on the front lawn.

We took a hike out on Pike Island a couple weeks ago. The boys geocached and found the treasure hiding in a log.

It's been rainy and windy this past week. The leaves are almost all gone. It was nice to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall colors earlier this month. I love fall.

Happy Halloween - From the past...

This is my favorite Halloween picture of Charlie. He loved zebras and dreamed of being a zebra once the leaves started changing color. We put this costume together and he was proud to wear it even if everyone thought he was a skeleton!

Click the link below to see more Halloween inspired photos at I Heart Faces.