Halloween Happenings

Our neighbor's house was super spooky! They put up the decorations the beginning of October and most days the kids would want to walk over to take a look. They were constantly changing and adding things to the decor. They also handed out candy and rubber ducks! The kids loved Halloween. Our neighborhood was so fun with so many people out trick or treating. William also had a very fun Fall Festival at his school where they got to Trunk or Treat and they had a great time!

Carved Pumpkins

We carved pumpkins tonight. Oliver call pumpkins, "Hams." It is his modified version of pumpkin. I kept lighting Oliver's candles inside his pumpkin and he kept singing "Happy, happy,happy..." (Happy Birthday) and blowing out his candles. Eliza and William were very excited about carving pumpkins until they remembered they must clean out the insides first. Lots of moaning and then laughter from those two. Ben was home which was fantastic. 

Pumpkin Picking

I had no idea until we arrived at the garden store that William had brought a tape measure 

to measure pumpkins to find just the right one. He is a hoot. 

Mackinac Island

 Mackinac Island was unreal in its beauty!

More and more I am learning that Michigan is such a beautiful state.

 No cars- just bikes and carriages.

We rode around the island. It was my favorite thing.

 The scenery was breathtaking,

 The kids loved the high speed ferry to the island.

 Eliza is so fun and goofy.

 The water surrounding the island is so blue!

 The Grand Hotel is amazing!

 This is my favorite image from the day. We had just ended our bike tour around the island. Ben and the kids are headed to the Grand Hotel. The horses and bikes create a real charming atmosphere on the island and it feels so relaxed there on the island.

Traverse City

 Best little fans out there.

I was so happy to see my little crew while running.

 We spent the weekend up north after the race and it was fabulous.

 Eliza in her element! 

Best friend and the beach- seriously doesn't get better.

 Love this crew.

 Darling Smith family.

The Snowman

2013

Happy 2013

Merry Christmas!

 Waiting ever so patiently to come down stairs for Christmas morning!

 I loved the laid back day. 

We had such a sweet day opening presents and eating delicious food.

The kids were so engaged in their new toys!

Christmas Eve

 Delivering gifts to the neighbors, and it started snowing. It was a magical Christmas Eve.

 Ben went around right before dinner and took pictures of our home. 

This home was so cozy and fun to decorate for the Holidays.

I love seeing William's little arm poking out behind the red chair. He was always under the tree playing trains.

 Dinner time!

 We had a delicious dinner. Eliza always has a little friend or two near her.

 This girl is a shrimp lover! Look at that pile!

 Christmas toasts! This guy laid in to the "spicy drink." (Gingerale)

 

 Acting out the nativity.

Christmas pjs and off to bed! 

Thanks Grandma Care for the pjs!