Devils Night.....

Literally..... It is the one time that moving to the Michigan bible belt has worked to our benefit. Our neighborhood decided to celebrate Halloween on Saturday and it was PERFECT! No rush, kids got to stay up late, decent fall weather, we had campfires, pizza parties, the kids were B-A-N-A-N-A-S as they should be, and I say it every year, but seriously Halloween is one of the most coveted holidays with our kids at the ages they are right now and the neighborhood we live in. It just doesn't get any better!

So we headed out on Devils Night and it was very timely as our little one decided to be a devil this year! Brady branched out and left his Robin and Batman suit in his costume chest and dawned a whole new superhero that I had to keep locked up for the past 2 months so he wouldn't wear it, but he complied and waited to introduce Bruce Banner to the neighborhood last night!

Uh oh don't make the Hulk angry! The mask kills me.
If the shoe fits.
When she asked to be a devil, I inquired on how she even knows what a devil is and she just replied, "not real sure but I know he's bad!"

The Hulk didn't stand a chance ....it was devils night.....right?

Brooke begged me to be her counterpart, and again if the shoe fits :)

I like to title this one......."APROPOS"

The kids had their buckets and were ready for take off......

Brooke was semi obsessed with her evil bling.....

Brooke and some of her gals......

Brady taking a break to fight some tree crime....

Group Photo.....it seems to be getting bigger every year!

nice pipes.

OH MY GOODNESS.........THEY GAVE ME CANDY! Brady lost whatever shyness we normally expect and went 90 mph....still about 100 mph slower than his sister but he did us proud!

Off leading the troops.......

And like clockwork........"Mom, I have enough candy can you put me to bed now....."

Thank you God for him......seriously.

He gave up the last half mile.......

Oddly enough he pepped back up when he got word that he could hand out candy for a while.

Brooke gave out two pieces and goes "Mom I am going back out to trick or treat again......"

Halloween 2010.

The night was perfect but even more so was the next morning as we were lying in bed listening to them wake up neither of them came into our room to wake us up or even say hello (which they always do).....all we heard were tiny footsteps sprinting down the stairs and then a splatter of candy tossed into the hall as they immediately started sorting and trading....... Most of the trading went something like this.....

Brooke: Now Brady I have 3 jolly ranchers how about you give me all your kit kats and peanut buttercups for them.....(knowing full well that Brady is a sucker for Jolly Ranchers)

Brady: okay sure .....good deal.......thanks.

When I saw Brady's pile of suckers and jolly ranchers and nothing that resembled chocolate I just smiled......and thought...... that is why she dressed as the devil......

I caught some of the trading on film

Fall Facts.

1. This has been one of the nicest fall seasons I can remember, warm temps, sunshine, kids at a great age to enjoy all it has to offer etc. etc.

2. Each season seems to go quicker than the previous one…..

3. We have been extremely fortunate to get 3 hall passes for some adult free time! California, Traverse City with the girls, and Free Choice Saturday!

4. The colors have been gorgeous!

5. Pumpkin carving has not lost it's luster and continues to be looked forward to each and every year! Brooke carved her entire pumpkin by herself this year and didn't want to put the knife down!

Always anxious for the salty seeds to be done!

6. We try and take advantage and soak up all the fixings fall has to offer in Michigan which include:

Lions games & tailgating

with Sticky Icky....don't ask Chris seems to attract the strange.

Orchards with superhero buddies.

The funny part about this is when I told Brady we were meeting a friend the first thing he said is "oh no what am I going to wear? We have to call his mom and see what he is going to wear?" They apparently worked it out.

Relaxing before they take off on the bumble bee express.

Artprize

It is turning out to be such an impressive event, the kids couldn't get enough of it, after dinner tonight three weeks later Brady asked "can we go down to artprize" Mom these are to show you what I was explaining to you......

all made out of crayons with the wrappers off.

Wood carving....ocean, land air animals from bottom to top...

A penny made out of pennies.

The winner.......all done with a pencil.

And of course the kid pleaser.....

Suddenly Seven.

And Just like that another year has passed by in a blink of an eye. Here you are Seven .....sweet....and strong!

Strong willed.
Strong sense of humor
Strong sense of self.
Sweet friend and sister.
Strong opinions.
Sweet sense to help others.





You never cease to amaze us with all that you learn and comprehend and you always make us laugh until our sides hurt. I only wish for one thing, that you stop growing up so we can savor every ounce of that strong sincere girl you are today! Happy Birthday Brookie!





Brooke had a pretty fun filled weekend (family fun night, sleepovers, soccer games, bounce houses), capped off with a Birthday Party down on the Farm! The kids had a blast and got to enjoy so many fun things all on a GORGEOUS 70 degree day!

The kids were able to ride ponies!

Her pony was named "Little Dude"

Feed the animals with farmer Mary at the petting zoo.

Pretend to be cowboys!

Brady even gave the Pony a shot as long as his wingmom joined....check out the claws digging into my forearm!

They went on a hayride!

Mom and Dad took a breather on the ride while the kids were all contained :)

Brooke giving mom some snuggles on the ride.

The kids enjoyed the view

Brooke and Dad taking a break.

Brady loving on his Birthday girl!They got lunch around the campfire.

Group photo

Yeahaww.....

Sack races! For little and "big" kids.

Sack Race in action.....

Being Silly.

The pony and his posse.

Happy birthday my sweet baby girl!