Happy Halloween

Another Halloween has come and gone. Where does the time go? The kids had a great time. Anticipation is most of the fun. Now they have happy memories and enough candy to last until Christmas (Zac's observation, not mine). This year we had a cowgirl, a pink bunny, a sleepy head and a pirate. The celebrations began a whole week before we actually got out to trick or treat.
The Saturday before Halloween our ward had a carnival. They always make it such a fun night. The kids look forward to that night even more than trick or treating I think. We eat dinner, play games, have a costume parade and then a "trunk or treat" down the hall. I love it because it is all inside where it is warm and the kids have a blast.

Ally has the cutest little friend at church. She adores him and he does whatever she says and so it works out great for both of them. Joseph got them to pose with their prizes from the fish pond, plastic fangs! (Yeah for mom. All of the kids ended up with some. I think they will slowly "disappear.")

Brooklyn was not too sure about the party until she won a pink cupcake at the cake walk. Life was good after that, especially since Dad sat down with her and let her eat it right then.

Sariah loved every minute of running around with her friends. She made the rounds and visited all of her "people."

Later that week was the Halloween parade at school. I love our elementary school and how they make everything so fun for the kids. Zac enjoyed the parade and then was anxious to change out of his costume so that it would not get ruined before Halloween night. The costume made it just fine. On Halloween we enjoyed our visits with all of our grandmas and Emily and Chris. They all spoiled the kids rotten. I love that the kids got caught up in the magic of being a kid. This is my favorite time of year, probably because of the great childhood memories I associate with fall, like school starting, Halloween, the mountains turning red and orange, birthdays, crunchy leaves, Thanksgiving, and that slight chill in the air that means football is coming and so is the chance to wear your new school jeans. To me fall is contentment and the warmth of family. Who could ask for anything more?

Flying Zac

For the past few years we have celebrated fall/Halloween by going to a pumpkin patch with some friends. It has become a tradition that the kids in both families look forward to. Of course, there is much more to the pumpkin patch than just pumpkins. There is a maze, animals, a playground, a light display and the bounce house and slides. This is the kids' favorite part. We were too busy playing to take many pictures, but this one was too fun. You can see someone has written right on the slide telling the kids not to climb up this side. Maybe someone should add, "no flying off the slide." Zac is 100% boy and takes life head on. We love him and wouldn't have him any other way.

GOAL!

Ally played soccer this fall and I am finally ready for the official soccer post. We are not sure what drew her to soccer, but for two years now she has asked to play. In our city rec program you have to be 4 to play. This fall she was old enough at last. She was number 4 on the Boxers. She loved it. For those of you who have watched 4 and 5 year olds play soccer, you know it is more like bunch ball. The kids are really learning to actually kick the ball and not each other and to keep it all moving in the right direction. We had a ball (no pun intended) watching her play and learn. She always volunteered to throw the ball in or to kick it when the ref needed someone. (Note my lack of soccer knowledge. I have to admit I am more of a baseball mom, but I will learn.)



Ally had a great cheering section. Our family attended every game (except a when there were sick kids). Emily and Chris made it to a few games and so did Grandma, Grandpa and Nicole. I caught Grandpa and his Pal walking back to the car after a game. It was too cute.



Ally especially liked her turns as goalie. As you can see, she perfected her goalie stance. She actually did a pretty good job. I think goalie appealed to her because the expectations were a little clearer. She did get a few good kicks in on offense and even scored a goal.



And she was patient with all of her mom's picture taking and cheering on the sidelines. Way to go, Ally. You are my favorite soccer girl!



Here are some videos of Ally the goalie and a halftime interview with mom.