After pumpkins, we went on a bike ride/hike and then enjoyed our traditional mummy dogs for dinner. Kyle whipped up a batch of butter beer to warm us before heading off for the night.
Jack opted out of dressing up and trick or treating with the family to watch War of the Worlds at a friend’s house and eat pizza. We sent Jack off with a bucket of candy to share, but I think Ava had more fun hanging with her fun family and collecting ALL the treats!!
The kids picked out some pumpkins at the girls’ piano teacher’s farm and wanted to carve them ever since. Unfortunately we waited too long and they got soggy!! Fortunately for the kids, last night after the Haunted Hollow, Kyle stopped and bought some new pumpkins and a kit for carving them.
Kyle has a side business he is starting with a friend from Texas that is a pumpkin carving tool business. With the help of the tool and the little knives Kyle picked up last night, the kids all carved their own pumpkins! They all turned out super unique and exactly like the kids envisioned! So fun!!
We carved pumpkins today and were so in love with our creations and the amazing weather, we headed outside and took some amazing pictures! I kind of love how grown up these kids are looking
So glad Kyle was able to spend some quality time with these guys, while I stayed home with Norah and Ben and watched PG scary movies!! We all enjoyed our night and Ava was even able to fit in some night driving-win win for everyone!
The kids got extremely creative with their Boo signs this year, picking out Halloween coloring pages online and adding text before printing and coloring them! Each child’s choice was very unique! We had to be selective with the families we Boo’ed, so as not to scare any little guys!
Creating these masterpieces was only half the fun, running around in the 20 degree, pitch black night on main roads, long driveways and side streets was such a memorable way to show friends they are loved!! Wish Kyle could have been with us, he is the doorbell ditch master; apparently he has taught his posterity well!
This was Ava’s second year in a row being the captain of her volleyball team. She was the right person for the job last year and this year was no different . She’s been at every practice, tournament and game and has worked her butt off in spite of the treatment she received from the coaches or other players. She’s been an example of courage and perseverance in the face of challenges no teenager should have to endure. We are so proud of our Ava and can’t wait to see what advances she will make in the off-season!! Go Ava Go!!
After our septic adventure yesterday we were all ready for a day of rest! Today included church via Zoom, donuts for breakfast, pumpkin pancakes for brunch, volleyball at the park, a walk on the beach and German food for dinner! Thank goodness for Sunday’s!
The last time Kyle and I took a picture on the shores of Lake Michigan, it was for our wedding announcements. I had Kyle sit in the sand, then got out our camera, drew a line in the sand and then asked a random to snap a picture.
The photo was picture perfect and the rest us history! Today, Ava took our picture and then Norah insisted on a kissing picture-love both!!
The last two days have been filled with trips to Target and Meijer for items to bring the house into the 21st century. There hasn’t been much time for fun and the weather has been annoying preventing much outdoor recreation. We’ve been able to watch a few movies, eat a few meals out and walk the beach twice, the rest of the time has been difficult and exhausting. These pictures turned out good though!
The house is in an HOA that includes access to a private beach with a special walkway to enter it. We found our way down here yesterday first thing and tried to take some family photos using a tripod I hefted through two airports and a layover. The wind was intense, but our smiles were genuine at least.
If this house is in need of more help than the cabin, but will yield a greater reward we are up for the challenge. There will be many long nights, and have been since our arrival, but in the end it will all be worth it!!
Kyle’s main reason for buying a Tesla was to utilize the hands free driving during his commute to and from Spice Jungle. He looks like he is pro already on day 2!!
Today I spent 35 minutes brushing out this dog!! He let me do it and seemed to enjoy it at the same time. When I was finished and was making the fur pile into a heart, he kept trying to play with it! Finally got him to lay down and took this amazing photo! The last time I spent this much time brushing him out, the result was significantly smaller!!
