October 2016 Happenings

Although Carter was not interested in coming to the apple orchard with us this year, Lanie and her good friend Camlyn were:)  It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and the crowd was dying down so we barely had to wait in any lines.  They jumped on the giant pillow, went down the big slide, played in the corn box, went on a hayrack ride, had apple slushies, and fed the farm animals.

This year Lanie was recommended for a big buddy and we are so blessed that she has Abby, Mrs. Van Dam's daughter.  Abby spoils her with lunch from McDonalds and lots of little gifts.  I know Lanie looks up to her and enjoys that special time with her.

Mugsy's Cousin is 22!! We are thankful everyday we have with him.  He's getting awfully skinny and his breathing is labored, but we are hoping he is not in any pain.  He still loves to eat and likes to eat ON time every morning and night:)

The 4 of us went to Kim Kalk-Rickert's wedding renewal ceremony at Ames Country Club.  It was a fun time dancing and being together.

Lanie took part in a Cheerleading clinic sponsored by Gigi's Playhouse and put on my the Roosevelt cheerleaders.  They cheered, danced, and played games on a Saturday morning.  It was beautiful to watch.

That's my boy. . . number 78!  Carter's team had a fantastic football season and the weather was great at nearly EVERY game (make me happy).  He enjoys playing and is expanding his friendship circle.  Now we are on to wrestling.

Carter went to Griffin's birthday party at Hickory Grove Park.  They grilled, roasted marshmallows, went apple dunking, played sumo wrestling and just enjoyed being together.

I got to spend a beautiful Sunday morning doing one of the things I love most and enjoying time with a dear friend as Mindy and I ran the Des Moines half marathon.  I trained better than I have ever trained before and although I didn't come in under 2 hours (although I never had that as a goal, but was close) the run felt amazing!  We enjoyed the downtown area festivities afterwards. Love the half!

Can you believe this was a late October Saturday morning!  It had been a couple years since we'd rode our bikes on the High Trestle trail and wanted to see how long Lanie could go on the new tandem.  She complained a lot about her bottom hurting, but we went about 5 miles.  Might need to get her bike shorts for Christmas:)

Happy Halloween 2016!  I tried apple cookie cutters this year for a pumpkin, Carter carved his vampire entirely on his own, and Matthew and Lanie collaborated on the smiley face pumpkin.  Carter went trick or treating with Keegan "on the bus" two nights and was the grim reaper.  Lanie went with Matthew and I to the Lynch's for supper with friends and then trick or treating for a little while in their neighborhood. I was glad she got to wear her DIY Doc McStuffins costume a couple times this season.