Pumpkin carving

It's funny to watch my sister's kids paint pumpkins or for them to
carve them for their kids! My three are doing the whole process by
themselves and of course do not want any help. They are taking on some
challenging designs, we'll see what happens!! So fun!!

Kate 5th grade

Yesterday was the kids Halloween parties at school. I was downstairs in my classroom at my student's parties and decided to sneak upstairs to see how Kate and Wil were doing at their parties. Wil was in his typical glory, getting way too much attention for being dressed as a pink lady (more on that later). He was having a great time playing games and solving puzzles. I then walked down the fifth grade hallway and it was quiet and dark. I was a bit confused, but then it slowly dawned on me that Kate was in FIFTH GRADE. The fifth graders have a huge party in the cafeteria. Although it may not be significant to others, fifth grade is a huge year here. Fifth graders rule the school and have lots of privileges that the other students don't. I teared up as it struck me that this is her LAST Halloween party at school. How did this fact escape me? I quickly rushed to the cafeteria and could not locate Kate in the massive groups of boys running around and groups of girls giggling...stations of games and crafts set up and dance party music and way too much food! After what seemed liked forever I spotted her with a group of girls decorating some crafts, she is in her sweet ladybug costume and her friends are all just like her (note the NEMO costume on Jessie). It was a huge relief to me that although she is growing up fast, she is still little enough to be a lady bug and do a craft for Halloween...don't grow up too fast Katie Bumblebee. Love u!

Happy birthday, Daddy!

We had a very busy day on Chris' birthday and he had to work late.
Bushia made a casserole and cake that we took to him at work. It was
the kids first trip to their dad's shop and they were most impressed
with the warehouse and forklift, hence the picture of them in the
warehouse. We were glad we had celebrated the weekend before with a
wine and cheese party.

Soccer tournament

Kate's team traveled to a soccer tournament in Illinois this weekend and they took second place! It was so exciting to get to go to the championship game, but we lost. The girls played 6 games in two days (2 EARLY morning games) and they just didn't have the legs to win the championship. They played super hard and it was so much fun to watch!

Muddy backside

Cold, wet, muddy

And TWO wins in the tournament! Awesome job Kate!!

Wil's crazy hair