Happy Halloween!!

I think we celebrated Halloween for about 2 weeks! It all started with a Halloween party at Jayden's school on October 19th, where the kids got to play games, win prizes, and candy. They all dressed up in their costumes and had tons of fun! Jayden was a ninja, Peyton was Finn McMissle (from CARS 2) and Landon was Spongebob. Then 2 days later, Jayden went to a friend's birthday party at Micon Theater and they watched "Hotel Translyvania" and wore their halloween costumes as well. Then the following weekend we went to another halloween party (where even mom & dad dressed up) and there were lots of games, prizes and even MORE candy! Finally, it was the "real" Halloween and we took the kids trick-or-treating downtown to all the local businesses. After we were done, Jayden went trick-or-treating with her friend, Katie, in her neighborhood and the boys decided they were DONE. They didn't want to go anymore - I think they were tired of wearing their costumes. We now have 3 ice cream buckets FULL of candy......everyone is welcome to come over anytime and have some. :)

Here is Corey's pumpkin masterpiece this year - "Phineas and Ferb"

Pumpkin Patch

Sorry it's been awhile since I have posted, but things have been crazy busy! Anyhow, about a month ago, we went to the pumpkin patch with the kids. They have bouncey houses, corn maze, playground, petting zoo, food and more! The kids have such a great time! It was actually one of the last weekends where it was pretty hot out, so the only bad thing was we had to battle tons of BEES! :( But we still had fun! Here are some pictures to enjoy.

Jayden's 7th Birthday

Jayden celebrated her 7th birthday last Friday - I can't believe how fast she has grown up! She is in 1st grade, LOVES reading books, riding her bike, swimming, gymnastics and doing art stuff. She also likes helping mom cook dinner and taking care of her little brothers (most of the time). :) This year she celebrated with a "friends" party at McDonald's playland on Saturday and then a family party on Sunday. She also woke up the morning of her birthday to a chocolate donut with a candle in it for breakfast (what a nice mom!) AND we also took her out for pizza that night with Grandma LoLo and Great-Grandma Riedel. She is one lucky girl - 3 days of celebration!!! :) Here are some pictures from the parties.

First Day of School

Jayden started 1st grade this year and the boys started 4 year old kindergarten. I can't believe how fast they grow up! It feels like just yesterday I was carrying the boys in my HUGE belly chasing a little 2 year old girl around! :) Here are some pictures of their first day of school. Jayden started one week before the boys. Can you tell who wasn't in the mood for pictures?? I think it gives the pictures some character! :)

Como Zoo

We brought the kids to Como Zoo on Labor Day with Grandpa Scott, Grandma LoLo and Grandma's friend, Sue, and her grandson, Triston (who is also 7 years old). Jayden and Tristan had a blast going on rides together and Landon & Peyton went on rides together. They also LOVED the animals! It was a nice ending to a fun, eventful summer. We decided to make this an annual tradition.

Buckshot Run

A few weeks ago, Corey and I ran in the 2 mile "Buckshot Run". It's a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. I reached my goal of running it in 16:00 and took 4th place for my age division! :) They also had a kids' 1/4 mile race, which Jayden and Peyton ran in. I couldn't believe how fast they were! I think we have some sprinters on our hands. :) Here are some pictures from the race. Enjoy!

Our New Nephew - Caleb

We became a new auntie and uncle to our beautiful little nephew, Caleb Edwin, on July 26th. He is the sweetest little boy and I love him SO much! He weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz and was 19 inches long. You can read all about Andy & Kristen's adoption story on their blog - http://babyolsonadoption.blogspot.com/ Here are some pictures of the little peanut - I want to hold him ALL day long! :)