Halloween

Our Halloween was filled with numerous fun activities.  There were farmers' markets, parades, family get-togethers with yummy chili, and of course candy.  This year I talked Lucy into being a monkey so that she and I could go as Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat.  Lila bird was a little pig, and Kim was Super Mommy.  Kim is always a super mommy so in reality she just dressed as a super hero with a blond wig. 

Here's the little one's around a huge pumpkin at the farmer's market.  Milo was the most excited fireman I've ever seen. 

The whole fam trick-or-treating. 

My Curious George.  The yellow costume said "one size fits most" - I'm a bit bigger than "most."

Kristin and Eric and Family even made a firetruck for Milo.  He received many comments throughout the day. 

More Pumpkin Farms...

One of our favorite farms is County Line Orchards in Indiana.  It has the whole package - apple picking, pumpkins, donuts, cider, and plenty of fun for the kids.  It was also fun that we had my nephews Lucas and Asher for the weekend. 

Here is the gang.  We met our neighbors the Dauphinees and their two daughters as well.

Some of the best apples where those that no one could reach.  Asher was willing to help.

On the Hayride to the apple picking.

They even had a cornucopia for pictures. 

My adorable little pumpkin.

Prostate Cancer Run

An important date in our Fall calendar was the SEA Blue Prostate Cancer 5K Run.  Given that Kim's dad is a survivor and I have a particular interest in prostate cancer research, we decided there was no better motivation to get running and get in shape.  We were all amazed at the generosity of our friends and family who donated on our behalf - between the three of use we raised $1580.  These funds will go towards Chicago organizations to help those men struggling with prostate cancer, the effects of treatment, as well as increased early detection screening.

We saw a number of families with T-shirts "in memory of" and were tremendously grateful to God for how he has guided and blessed our family through Steve's diagnosis and treatment.  Praise God he is cancer free! 

Thanks for all who supported!

Fall is Here!

Now that Summer is over, our family takes a 200% dive into fall and specifically pumpkin farms.  Kim seems to get so much joy about dolling the girls up in orange and black and soaking in the fall.  The leaves changing, pumpkins, donuts, apples, cider, gourds - you name it - we're into it.  Here is one visit to a favorite farm, Goebbert's near Kim's parents house. This one even included an exotic petting zoo.  Titi (Kristin) and Milo participated as well.    

Nice to see Lila finally getting some hair...

Can't Move on From Summer Just Yet

I admit it's hard to move into fall after such a fun summer.  My last entry (I promise) is of all our good times at the local Oak Park pools.  By the end of the summer Lucy was brave enough to swim on her own and loved playing; Lila of course loved to splash as well.  We also enjoyed spending time on a hot day with our family, including "P" and "M" Pederson, Kristin and Eric and the lovable Milo.

 

 

 

 

So Long, Summer!

As Fall is upon us and before we get to all the entries about Pumpkin Farms and Thanksgiving feasts, I wanted to look back on our Summer and say "good-bye" to many great memories.  Lucy, Lila, Kim and I had a wonderful summer and look forward to the next one.  There were days at the pool, birthday parties, a trip out west, many wonderful visitors, outdoor musical events, and fun excursions.  Ciao, Summer!

Happy Birthday like a Fish