The kids went trick-or-treating two different times this year and went to a Sunday school party on the day in between, so the kids got to wear their costumes out three days in a row. They were pretty happy about that. We went around the shopping mall on Friday, and the weather was beautiful. We didn't even need coats! It rained for the harvest party the next day (and for our soccer game), but we had a lot of fun anyway. The older kids hosted the party for the younger ones, and it was so great. They all (along with their parents) put a lot of time and effort into making it a success, and we sure appreciate all their hard work! Halloween night we went trick-or-treating with some friends in their neighborhood, and then Greg took Kari and Joel around to our our neighbors when we got home. Aubrey was worn out and ready to be done pretty much from the start of the evening, but she made it. :) Grant was a champ through it all, cozy and warm in his costume.
Our crew this year: a peapod, Superman, Sleeping Beauty, and a monkey
We met up with Buddy from Dinosaur train (aka Jack, a friend from soccer and preschool) and his mom and brother on Friday afternoon. The kids had a great time running around together.
The peapod zonked out halfway through.
We met up with Brian and Emily and cousin Russell while we were there, too.
Isn't he the cutest little spider?
These two are only about five months apart. I had to get a photo of the peapod and spider cousins together in their first costumes.
Can you believe we got a tree for $10? We went to a different place this year not far from home that had a very quaint, country feel to it. We were the only ones there, and it was great. Only one kind of tree (Grand), but it's a kind we like, and you can't beat that price!
The kids couldn't wait to go out yesterday morning. I felt kinda bad that they had so little to play in after all the hype and expectation, but they were happy. They're all set to go out to play again this morning, as it is still around. We sure are loving our wood stove this week! 
Grant getting read to again--so sweet. Kari loves holding her baby brother.
so he'd be ready when the long-awaited day finally arrived. He's wearing his "Indian" vest they made for Thanksgiving week and holding his Thanksgiving placemat. 
Going...
It was a very successful soccer season, and I think we all, parents included, had a lot of fun this year. 
(and using ridiculous amounts of tape). After art time, they made a mini soccer field on the concrete (more tape) and played some indoor soccer. They had a rather large tape ball by the time they finished and cleaned up out there.
Aubrey was invited to a dress-up tea party this last week. She was the youngest one there and LOVED every second of being considered a "big girl." She especially loved the fact that Kari and Joel weren't there, that it was just for her.
All the little ladies
This has been one of those weeks where I have been one step behind instead of ahead of my children, which is never good. Monday was a terrible day at home with the kids, and I've been on the edge of insanity a few times, it seems. However, the last two days have been better. The beautiful weather has helped lift my spirits. I can't get enough of the beautiful fall colors against the backdrop of the clear, blue sky. It's absolutely breathtaking. The kids have been able (and eager) to play outside, too, which has helped matters here at home. Yesterday afternoon I looked out the window and saw this. They all had their guitars (Kari made hers herself out of wood, nails, and rubber bands) and were dancing around, belting out a song from Sunday school: "Making melody in my heart...to the King of Kings!"
