Halloween Filled Weekend and More

Mid-week we received a beautiful snowfall so Ava jumped on the idea of building her first snowman for 2012 while Dylan was at his friends house and couldn't "bother her" as Ava put it. 

 By Friday the weather seemed warm enough to head out for the kids first Haunted Hayride! It was so much fun with not-to-much scare.

 After the hayride, this monster and spiderman enjoyed hot coco and...

 ...face painting.

 Saturday morning was Dylan's first basketball practice. He was so excited he could hardly wait.

 Ava and I laughed at all the cute kids while Dylan had a great time and made a few great baskets too!

 After bball was Ava's last but, best soccer game. She played with tons of energy and determination to score a goal and...

...she was sooooo close TWICE. Great effort Ava. I know you wanted a goal but, you really played with such a great effort this game and that's really all that matters!

That night the kids had a babysitter while I timed a really fun night-time Halloween 5K race for Simon while he was in DC.

Sunday morning Simon was up bright and early to run the Marine Corps Marathon in DC and although hurricane Sandy brought 20 mph winds and made it challenging to run a PR, Simon was still very excited to just be able to run the marathon given the crazy predicted weather plus he still ran a very impressive 2:45! Simon's now stuck in DC because of the hurricane but, we hope to have him home by Wednesday night just in time for Halloween.

 After talking to Dad about his great race we headed out to the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield for our friends private party which was filled with yummy food and drinks, more hayrides and...

 ...cute pumpkin pictures...

 ...pony rides...

...jumpy castles...

...wrestling (Dylan must really be missing dad since I've had to fill in for lots of wrestling)...

 ...face painting...

 ..and lots of delicious candied treats.

 I just love this adorable picture of Mia and Sloane eating their candy apples. Too cute.

We tried and...

...tried again for a group picture with all 8 kids but, it just wasn't going to happen. They were all having too much fun to be bothered with pictures. Thanks again Candace and Luke for spoiling us with such a great party. 

And our trooper (and very pregnant) mom, Jane, was right there for all the fun with her husband and son Milo who then the very next day welcomed their baby girl Leisel born on the 29th just 1 day shy of Milo's 2nd birthday on the 30th. So fun!