Halloween and Drew's Birthday party - all together

Our hood had gotten together connecting on what Halloween would look like and what precautions to take.  Melanie drew up a flier, and one night the kids and I handed them out.  The neighbors seems thrilled and thankful to have a direction.  The evening was chilly and perfect.  

We opted to have Drew's birthday party for Halloween.  What a great chance for him to have buddies over.  Especially since so many didn't have a place to trick or treat either.  The all arrived at 5:30 and hit the yard for soccer first.

My favorite minute to win it game

Read boys?!

A fall favorite here.

Strings were wee short for some

Bobbing for apples COVID style.  

Lined up and ready to roll

It was a chilly night so we had to go back for mittens and hand warmers.  It was AMAZING how the neighborhood turned out.  So many firepits, folks outside.  The fog machine on the culdesac set a tone for the homes that surrounded it.  The perfect amount of kids!

A very boisterous swap!

Meanwhile - our little rooster was out with his other barnyard friends in another neighborhood to start.  See what I mean about chilly?

Love the one brave girl in this crew

Quite an assortment

Back in our hood

One more year for this big fid.  He was a security guard (for round 1)

Results of raging through Mrs. Cuniowski's costume bin for round 2

The photo captures the night SO WELL.  Cloudy, full moon.  SUCCESS

 

Snow in October

Is the PERFECT reason to relocate your desk

Office with a view!

 

October Favorite things

Going for a walk around Fisher meadows listening to a podcast while Nick has soccer and Nora and I enjoy the beautiful fall leaves

Finding this turkey brine at the Outlet.  I bought 2 and had to go back for more.  We REALLY loved it!

 

Normal until.......

You are having SO MUCH fun at recess that you run into the 'Spiderweb' which is made of twisted wire to climb on.  Yup, his sweet little head busted right in.  I got a call from Ryan Townsley our school nurse.  While Drew seemed to feel o.k. he would prefer we take a look at it.  This is my 2nd day in the office.  

  

We did a web video with our doctor while in the parking lot.  It was a beautiful day out.  No real need for stiches.  Just an ice pack, some Advil and an ace bandage.

Maybe a little pong time at Oma Sue's

This lucky kid is so fortunate to have his grandparents so close by.  And he is DURABLE!

 

Normal day back

 6:20 wake up

6:59 nick on the bus

7:40 Shane and drew on the bus

8:00 Chris off to a job site and Sara off to work—

No photos-no fan fare. First normal day since March 15!  

Baby Hope

I was home working when my neighbor rang the door bell.  While he was outside he saw a hawk attacking one of our girls.  He said she is trapped by the fence and wood pile.  

My heart dropped as I ran out thinking I would be picking up the remains of a sweet girl that got too adventurous.  She was tucked by the wood and not moving.  I was able to free her and I could only find a few marks and she was alive.  I was so happy and hugged her so tight! 

She spent a few nights in our garage recovering.  She looked a bit lonely so I brought baby Belle to stay with her too.  Baby Belle is friendly to just about anyone - a perfect pair for sweet Baby Hope.  Thankful my neighbor shoowed off the hawk and we saved this little one for now!
 

Lego lad

I enjoy watching these boys work through Legos' one step at a time.  seeing their focus and metal energy.  They often think they lost a piece or did something wrong, but come back to finish it.

Love that he was proud of the completion here.

Thanks for the birthday gift Oma Sue and Goomba!

 

Golfing for the whole family!

Golfing is the perfect COVID activity - this kiddo is leading the charge.  Today he managed to get ALL OF US on the course.  Its a par 3 course in Farmington.  Something we could all manage right?

Always shenangians

Randomly I managed to score my favorite family photo for the year!

Such natural smiles - hahahaha!

Chris as he starts to live his dream with 3 boys on the course (and one wife by the well packed cooler!)

With cart driving expertise

Drew's orange shirt brings out the orange in all the beautiful fall trees.

Great Sunday afternoon activity for this family.  Glad we did it!

 

Soccer Soccer Soccer

We had a soccer season - and it was pretty normal - These boys loved it!  It was great seeing Drew's team come together and Drew become a bit of a leader on the team.

He became a listener, a team player, aggressive, willing to take the shot and willing to play goal (when Aiden isn't there!)  Love that smile!!

This team keeps coming back every year.  They have all this excitement when the season starts - - This year the start was a little hesitant COVID considering. Chris dives in either way and a bit thrilled for a new member of the coaching staff!  He has coached for 4 years now he has some real dedication to these boys!  Their record isn't the strongest - but their heart sure is!

Great end of season parent vs. kid game followed by a pavilion picnic wrapping up the entire season.

Soccer Season Success!

 

Soccer game in Windsor

Soaking in the beautiful fall colors while on the soccer field with Shanes Team - see Coach Leadbetter out there?

I love games at this field where we get to see the animals afterwards.

Makes you wonder what animal they are pointing at?

Everyone looking now!

The tips of the branches are so vibrant - Love that boy and dog too.

 

Drew's Birthday

What a fun festive Wednesday for this little fire cracker.  The kid that is SO full of life.  He will not go un-noticed, His opinion will be heard.  He is perceptive, curious, athletic and smart.  He is turning NINE!  

What is his dinner of choice?  

Chicken Paprikash!  

My father came over to make if for him - the true labor of love and wonderful gift!  Nick and I came home from golf lessons,  Chris came home with the Shane and the birthday boy to a bustling kitchen filled with the most delicious aroma!

Gift time for the little guy.

Delicious treats from Grandma - oddly enough, Dad's favorite too!!

Shouldn't every birthday end with a little whipped cream?!?!

Drew felt LOTS of love today.  It amazes me all the different lives that have intersected his and how he continues to grow from each one of them.  Happy Birthday little dude.

 

Things to notice

Nick still had virtual days on Wednesday and with that, a free round of golf with a buddy he met at the clinic!

I took my afternoon working at the clubhouse.  Its amazing how focused you can get on a computer screen.  I was so THANKFUL I looked up to see this.

And went outside to capture this.  A double rainbow on the golf course.  Truly beautiful.  A moment to stop and treasure.