This was supposed to be Abby's last soccer game but, due to a shortage of players, it ended up getting cancelled.
We had our annual pumpkin carving/fall fiesta.
Emma and some friends went to an author visit at The King's English bookstore. Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen read the books they've written and illustrated together and then introduced their brand new book The Wolf, The Duck, and The Mouse.
enjoying a beautiful fall afternoon
Our biggest event in October took us back to Wisconsin to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday. Even though we could only be back about 3 full days, we made sure to fill every minute with family and fun.
The girls decided to take a couple of pictures while we waited to board the plane.
We always make a trip to the Mall of America. This time our focus was not on shopping but, instead, the Crayola Experience.
The girls got to make their own crayon wrapper and wrap a crayon.
Here are a few of our creations...
At one station, you could color or design your own picture and then it would show up on the big wall screen.
Andy and his elephant creation
Abby and her colorful creation
Emma and her tent creation
At another station you made designs with melted crayons.
After making a paper creature, you put them on a special stage and they would dance around like crazy.
Next...you colored a picture of either fashion or trucks and, after it scanned, it showed up on the screen. That is Abby's fashion model on the left.
Andy's truck is on the left.
Emma designed this beautiful dress on the left.
After all of that excitement, we needed to refuel with lunch at Bubba Gump's.
Then we made the drive to my hometown and surprised my grandma. I had the girls stand at the front door. Then I called her and told her we sent her a package and I just got an email that is was delivered. I asked her to check her front door to make sure it had arrived and...surprise!!! My aunt and her family made the trip from the D.C. area, as well.
The kids got right to work raking her yard.
And then played in the leaves!
The next day, we went to an amazing apple orchard with lots of activities for the kiddos.
The absolute best part was picking our own apples.
wagon ride!
This is my mom's yard. All of the kids had a blast playing in this massive "playground."
When it got dark, they even started a game of flashlight tag.
This is my amazing Gram. 90 years young and still loves her Bud Light.
family
Andy loves having conversations with Gram.
The big day was Saturday. It was time to surprise her with friends and family. We had her party at the senior center where she has been volunteering about 3x/week for 15 years.
I had all of the guests put their thumbprints on the tree and sign their names so my grandma had something to take home with her.
Abby and my sister putting the flowers in vases.
At this point, she realized what was going on.
Visiting with people doesn't always hold kids' attention so, thank goodness, they had the gym to play in.
One last evening before it was time to head home the next day.
My mom's husband was a firefighter/chief for about 34 years before retiring. Emma found his commemorative hat.
My aunt and her family who we only get to see every couple of years...the kids all had a blast together!
Abby and her buddy (and cousin), Frederick
