A Week of Fun Through Pictures!

After our exciting trip to Nashville we arrived home to a full calendar of fun events. Check it out!

Russell had his first school field trip to the farm. Aron chaperoned the event and was put in charge of Russell and his friend Mitchell. The boys had fun picking pumpkins, taking a hayride, playing on the playground, and having donuts and cider! Both Russell and Aron were talking about the trip for days after.

Our beloved Mac spent a week with my parents since he was unable to join us in Nashville. We missed him greatly, but my mom was sure to email this picture so I knew Mac was in good hands and having fun with their dog Crockett! Sloane was so happy to have Mac home. She cuddled him and kissed him over and over.

Russell began indoor soccer this weekend. It was his first experience on a team. He was so excited for this day, but could not overcome his shyness once he was on the field. Aron helped him along and remained on the field with him. Hopefully Russell will warm up over the upcoming weeks.

We had "movie night" Saturday evening complete with the DVD, Clifford's Halloween Party and popcorn!

Terrific ending to a fun week... Aron's Dad and his wife Bev came for a visit Sunday. We carved pumpkins and had a leaf throwing match outside! The kids had a ball and loved hanging out with Papa and Bevie!

A Weekend of Fun in Nashville, Tennessee!

We just returned from Nashville and have so many terrific stories to tell! Aron's best friend Gregg got married this weekend to wonderful, sweet, and beautiful Allison! Aron has known Gregg since the 5th grade and we have known Allison since our wedding 6 years ago. She is a true Southern beauty with a personality that shines just as bright. Gregg is equally as awesome! Aron was honored to be the best man while Russell held the duty of ring bearer. We arrived to downtown Nashville Friday evening after an 81/2 hour car ride through some beautiful countryside. We worried for weeks about the long drive with the kids, but it was a piece of cake! Upon arrival to Nashville, we enjoyed a visit with Gregg and Allison where they gave Russell and Sloane presents. Russell was overjoyed with the bat mobile Gregg picked out for him while Sloane was all smiles opening the princess crown and jewels that Allison chose for her. Saturday brought us fun in the hotel swimming pool! Russell jumped in the pool at least two dozen times and swam from the shallow end all the way to the deep end!!! He amazed me with his swimming skills. Sloane enjoyed the water just as much and tried her hardest to keep up with her big brother. After the pool we headed to Opryland Hotel to visit with more friends. By the evening both kids were whipped and crashed within minutes of letting their heads hit the pillows. We woke up Sunday and started the day with more poolside adventures and then headed out to explore Nashville. I let the kids (and myself) indulge in room service for Sunday lunch and then was fortunate enough to get them both to lay down for some rest time before the evening wedding. Russell was so excited to get his "wedding suit" on and Sloane just loved her "princess" dress. I can not say enough about the gorgeous setting for the wedding. It was in Nashville at the historic Cedarwood estate. Candles were lit, music was playing, flowers were in bloom, and happiness was exploding everywhere. Russell and Sloane were marvelous from the time we arrived at 4:00 until the time we left at 10:00. Not one tear. Only laughter and joy! Sloane truly believes that Allison is a princess. She had to know where Allison was at ALL times and when she got near us, Sloane would begin clapping with glee. For doing a great job at the wedding, Aron and I gave Russell a real "Nashville" guitar. He held that guitar almost the entire evening! It was a hit!!! I could go on and on and on about our adventures. I must say that traveling with kids is not at all relaxing and at times I really thought I was going to lose my mind. A big fancy hotel is not really the most kid-friendly atmosphere, however I would never want to replace the memories that we made as a family over the last four days! Thank you Gregg and Allison for including us in your special wedding weekend! We love you!!!

HALLOWEEN at Greenfield Village

Tonight we joined our neighbors for another great adventure at Greenfield Village for their annual Halloween nights. Thankfully the weather was great. A little cool, but NO rain! We arrived during the last bit of daylight and began the walk through the jack-o-lantern lit pathway. As it became darker, it also became spookier! The kids loved every minute of the dazzling costumes, smokey buildings, screaming monsters, dark forests, and fighting pirates! The fan favorite was the pitch black covered bridge! Luckily our kids were outfitted with glow sticks and flashlights. They also loved the trick-or-treating stations located throughout the path where they collected apples, candy, cookies, and potato chips. I recommend this event to everyone!

Russell was thrilled to be in his Batman costume and even more excited that his buddy Antonio was also Batman! (Russell is the Batman on the right) Sloane opted for street clothes which made it easier for me to keep her warm. I had to layer sweatshirts under Russell's costume in order to ensure his warmth.

These boys were side-by-side most of the night and flying high with excitement!

Sloane was thrilled to meet Little Bo Peep! She would have stayed with her all night if allowed. It was very sweet!
The Headless Horseman! Sloane walked right up with no fear to pet the horse. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to snap her picture.

The ride home...It didn't take long for Sloane to fall asleep. She refused to let go of her pumpkin pal.

Pumpkin Picking Time!

Today was our annual neighborhood trip to Westview Orchards for donuts, cider, and pumpkin picking! It is hard to believe that this was our 4th trip to the orchard with our terrific neighbors! The years have flown by!!! Michigan weather will never stop amazing me. Every year we visit the orchard at the beginning of October and every year the weather is different. Two years ago, it was 90 degrees and the kids were all crying within 30 minutes of arrival due to heat exhaustion. Today it was only 55 degrees and extremely MUDDY!!! I must say I will take mud over humidity. The kids had so much fun running around the farm, climbing hay stacks, looking at the animals, eating warm donuts, and pulling wagons while searching for the best pumpkin. Upon returning home, we stripped off our muddy shoes and clothes then enjoyed warm bowls of Aron's homemade chili! Mmmmmm!!! October is here! We have lots of fun planned for the rest of the month so stay tuned...

All the kids lined up with their donuts!

Buddies!

The Girls!

Trying to find the biggest one that he could carry without help!

Helping Daddy push the wagon through the mud.

We attempted a family photo, but the kids were more interested in climbing on and off the hay!