Halloween and football

We had a great night for trick or treat in our new neighborhood. We didn't think that too many kids would make the walk back to our cul de sac so we just left the bowl of candy on the porch so we could all go out walking. I was right as more than half the bowl was still left. Matt and I decided to dress up this year which was a lot of fun. I chose my costume based simply on the fact that it was one of three costumes in the store that didn't make me look like a- hmmm - how do I say this - in any case, I wanted to be covered! Lucky for me I was Wonder Woman two years in a row as a child so it was the perfect costume for me. There were actually a lot of parents dressed up so that made it even more fun.Matt looked dashing as a night and the kids were Fancy Nancy, a football player, and I am still not sure what Andrew was - a zombie motorcycle dude? It took him three stores, and an hour and a half to pick out his costume. This has been the case since he was three years old! The boys played there last football game (they lost)that afternoon and then we dashed home to change for a beautiful ( a little chilly!) fall night for trick or treating.

Mom's Birthday

It isn't often that we are able to celebrate birthdays together so we were very excited that Mom and Dad arrived in Columbus on Mom's birthday so we could celebrate with her. In fact, the last time we celebrated Mom's birthday with her she had just turned 60 and I was due any day with Brooke. I had the flu and couldn't even go out to dinner with them as they took her to Papasitos for a birthday celebration. She stills remembers wearing the sombrero while they serenaded her in Spanish. Then I gave her the flu for her birthday! This one 7 years later was a little more enjoyable. We had a great meal, enjoyed cake, gave her gifts, and Brooke made sure she had a crown to wear!The next night Matt and I were able to take my parents out to dinner downtown. Columbus has lots of good restaurants and we are trying to try experience them all. Happy 67th Birthday Mom!

Brooke meeting Jane O' Connor

I found out that Jane O' Connor was coming to Borders to read her latest Fancy Nancy book so I, of course, decided to take Brooke. She wore her Fancy Nancy clothes and listened Jane talk about how she was Fancy Nancy as a child. This was actually our second time to meet Jane. We met her three years ago at the bookstore in Copley. I was a little starstruck this time around. Maybe it was knowing how much Brooke has loved the books. I picture her reading them to her children someday and maybe even her grandchildren. Hats off to Jane O' Connor for writing such awesome books and giving girls a vocabulary lesson as well.

Raking - Family Style

We'd employ Macy if we could!

Building a leaf fort for an airsoft gun war.

Where's Luke?

We have decided that the family that rakes together stays together! At least let's hope anyway because we have lots of raking to do!! Yes, we know we basically bought a tree house since we are surrounded by lots of huge trees, but when we saw the house in May when everything was green and lush we just weren't thinking about what the yard would look like in October. Actually, I did ask the previous owner how it was raking and he nonchalantly told me, "it is no big deal." LIAR!! In the meantime we will keep raking and enjoying the beauty of fall. Check out the videos below. Notice Luke is missing again!

Apple Picking and Corn Maize

When we lived in Akron we went to the same orchard every year to pick apples. It was one of our favorite fall outings. Luckily we found a place here that was not as quaint, but just as fun. And the best part is the baking that is a result of all of those apples! Apple pancakes, apple pie, apple cake!! I also had to include a picture of our outing to the Corn Maize. The boys had a cub scout outing there and it was the first time Matt has ever been through one. He has always had a fear of them but knowing that we could text for directions!! helped ease his fears. Every year they make a design in the corn maize and this year we wanderd through the faces on Woody Hayes and Jim Tressel!

Andrew's 11th birthday

Andrew began his 11th birthday with none other than some sugary goodness from Krispy Kreme doughnuts!! Ever since he was 2 years old he has chosen doughnuts for his birthday breakfast. Then, I brought him City BBQ for lunch at school. In the evening we took the family and one of his friends to Dave and Busters. No one loves an arcade like Andrew! He approaches with the intensity of a world class athlete. I just can't believe he is 11! Only two more years until I have a teenager - YIKES!! We love you Andrew! You are an amazing son and such a blessing to us!!

Ohio State Fans

Well, we were told that the town goes wild on game days and we discovered that to be true. It felt like a National holiday! The first game of the season was on a Thursday and the kids had an Ohio State spirit day that day. Luckily some friends from our old church gave us an Ohio State gift basket when we moved filled with tshirts for the whole family so we were properly suited. I happened to be up at their school on game day and I will have to say that it was pretty cool seeing 700 kids all decked out in red! Some of our neighbors invited Matt and me to a game and we had a blast! I have never seen a stadium filled like that before. The band was awesome, the weather was beautiful, and the atmosphere was electrifying. I love living in a college town! GO BUCKS!!!