Happy Halloween

I love Halloween.  Today at "school" we made pumpkin turnovers and I put on a Halloween puppet show for them.  Then the two big kids were invited down to Judy's for a special lunch.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors.



Grace and Jackson were in charge of costumes this year.  All of which came out of the dress up box or their imagination.  I love that.  Even Nora went to two houses.  Thankfully our neighbors (the wonderful ones) gave her her own special bag of animal crackers.  She seemed to think that was pretty great.



Hopefully tonight the pumpkin fairy will come.  There are two plates of candy waiting...

Pumpkins

A Night Away, Pumpkins and Birthdays

I have no photos to document the wonderful night up north I had with my friends.  I know I've said it before but it is amazing how the happiness from one night of catching up and laughing with friends lingers on even days later.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life.

Back at home Ryan and the kids barely noticed I was gone as they spent their time playing with friends and hanging out with Grandma Sam (incentive to go away more, I think so).  Then on Sunday afternoon we had a little pumpkin carving party and celebration for Katie's birthday (a long with a wood stacking assembly line).  It was such a good weekend.  More pumpkin pictures coming in the next post...

Field Trip: Aamodt's Apple Farm

(These pictures brought me back to this day...)

Recess

Back

I can't believe I let two years go by before taking another retreat here.  I could actually just cut and paste the same entry from that post two years ago and apply it to this post.  Although this years added bonus was Kirsten coming up to join me for breakfast and lunch on Sunday.  Truly it is amazing how one night away can completely fill my cup.  I am completely rejuvenated.  I will be back again, and this time instead of in two years I'm thinking in two months.

Field Trip: Pumpkin Express (Osceola Train Ride)

Happy 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad (Surprise!)

We got 'em good.  When they pulled up to the driveway and saw the line of people cheering and clapping and yelling happy anniversary they were completely, (and happily), tears-running-down-their-faces, utterly shocked.  It was so wonderful.  So wonderful to (finally) give back to them after all that they have given over the years.  

I wish I had more pictures.  Actually I have no pictures (camera still broken).  These are some of Katie and Kris's phone pictures.   Hopefully we'll get more from other people soon.

Barn Painting

Three cheers for more barn painting!  We only started this project three years ago so it makes complete sense that we are still trying to finish it.  More pictures soon...

Field Trip: Taylors Falls and Paddle Boat Ride