Happy Thanksgiving

After watching the Great British Baking Show for some motivation, Colin and (mostly) I made a pumpkin pie and an apple pie (with "hard sauce" a whisky butter topping) for Turkey Day. My dough was too thick and hard to roll out after 2 attempts. And, I burnt my arm on the oven rack. But, the insides of the pies were very tasty! And, Colin enjoyed decorating them.

"Leaf pile" pumpkin pie

Tippies hosted at their new home. We had 20 people and two turkeys ;) . AJ smoked those birds in his smoker and they were pefection!

The kiddos entertained us with several performances and songs accompanied by Colin on the keyboard. I thought of recording it on my phone after the fact. Hopefully, I'll remember if they do it again at Christmas. Playing Apples to Apples, a favorite of Colin's:

Enjoying leftovers!

Happy Halloween 2018

The kids were very much into the maker space of creating their own ideas this year. Lots of cardboard required. After several ideas, Sydney settled on an eagle. Her favorite super power would be the ability to fly. Colin and Bill made Shuffle Bot from the 2012 LMFAO video Party Rockin., complete with red, light-up eyes. One parent actually knew who he was as they watch the video all the time with their kids. Colin was pretty pleased.

The parents enjoyed trick or treating, too. 

Sydney enjoyed the ceremonial carving of the pumpkins. She loved scooping out the guts.

As is tradition, I helped carve and Bill made the roasted pumpkin seeds. Always tasty!

Enjoying the fall

These two girls running around outside at the park -

it was not that warm. Kelly and I were bundled up!

Syd and Colin's annual leaf pile photos. 

Running Man

Colin checked out the invitational to cross country running. There was a practice where they ran a few miles and received some tips from the current middle and h.s. running teams.
Race day with the Eden Lake line up.

Getting a pep talk before the race from Hudeyfi's brother who's on the h.s. team. 

Colin finished 5th in 5th Grade Boys with a time of 7.24.4

He kept asking his friends, "Are anyone else's hands shaking?" He was worn out! 

Abby (Nathan's sis) and Syd hanging out with the Eagle. 

Oh Happy Day - First Day of School

We usher in a new school year heading off to 5th and 1st grades. Colin is fairly happy with his teacher, Mrs. Reineke. Sydney has Miss Casey. It'll be interesting to see how she navigates school with her broken arm for the next 3 weeks.

The bus stop gang is much smaller this year with several kids having moved and one going to middle school. Sydney (she IS wearing shorts), Nolan (4th) and Colin.

Just in time for the start of the new school year

...and we have a broken bone! Sydney broke the top of her humerus bone playing with her cousins at Pump It Up -a bounce house play place. After the initial shock and awe (aka pain) of the break, she's been pretty brave about the whole thing. She even said she heard a crack!

Fortunately, the doctor said she wouldn't need a cast and that 4 weeks in a sling should take care of it. Syd has since blinged out her sling with silver and gold Sharpies and a space theme.

Feeling better and smiling with roses from Lexi and Lucas. 

Car Show

Checked out some old timey and souped-up hot rods at Papa's auto club's car show. There was a great turn out of some beautiful automobiles. The kids were happy they could sit in one car in particular.