Apple Orchard 2018

We took the family to the Apple Orchard again this year (we made it one day before it closed for the season, but hey, who's counting?!)  :)

We decided to pop the $10 and allow the kids to jump on the bounce structure, ride bikes, etc.

They had a blast and would've stayed all day if we hadn't left to go home and watch the Chiefs game!

It surprisingly wasn't all that busy - the weather was chilly but not bad.

We did the hay rack ride as well!

Always a favorite - feeding the goats!  Best 25 cents we spend!

Eli especially loves it!

My best attempt at a family selfie!

Cute kids!!

We weren't even looking into the sun, yet everyone has their eyes closed!!!

After the hay rack ride - Eli was not having it!

But he quickly perked up when we got to play in this little house with Daddy!

Another fun fall activity that I hope we can continue to do as the kids get older!!

Trunk or treating and Downtown Parkville

Somehow October just seemed to fly by and I wasn't quite ready for Halloween this year.

But, all the kids were, so we just figured it all out!

One of our friends asked if we wanted to do the YMCA trunk or treat the weekend before Halloween.  I was just going to have Maggie go, but then Eli heard the words "trick or treat" and he was all about it.

So we pulled out some old costumes and headed out the door...

Eli loved this ninja turtle costume!

And I even got a picture with them both ready to go!

However, after about 30 minutes, Eli didn't want to be a ninja turtle any longer...

So he switched to his Ewok costume from 2 years ago (picture his pants only going down to his calves, then you might know if it fit him or not...)

Amy and I patiently waiting in line with the kids...

Sorting through some candy and checking out the loot...

The next day we went to downtown Parkville and went trick or treating at the stores on Main street.

This time some of our cousins went with us!

Eli decided yet again, to be another costume - his emoji from last year!

Colin was Messi (his favorite soccer player), and Maggie was a Mizzou cheerleader, and Eli was the silly face emoji!

Silly picture!!

We love the artwork alley where the kids can pose!

Oh, Eli!

Oh, Eli!

Grammie with some of her grandkids!

And...one more bonfire picture with our good friends...

Field trips and Ordinary Days in October

Brian was able to be a chaperone for Maggie's fall field trip to Paradise Park in Lees Summit.

He had a lot of fun, but was really busy and tired when he got home. 

Don't know how you teachers do it all day long with these crazy kids!!!

Random picture, but Eli has been climbing all over Brian lately at dinner.

We obviously don't encourage this, but it was pretty funny seeing him use Brian as a climbing structure!

On the bus!

Maggie with cousin Johnny

Learning about rocks

Mining for gold...

We had parent teacher conferences a couple weeks ago and the kids are both doing great.

3rd grade is a big step up in terms of responsibilities and expectations, so we are glad to have a kiddo that is willing to work hard!

The kids had a few days off school for conferences so I stayed home with them one day and we hung out with our neighbor Sophie as well.  We made a quick trip to Hyvee and they were doing a special "KC Chiefs" promotion there with their mascot...

and retired football players...

and a couple of their cheerleaders...

It was a nice surprise at the grocery store!!

Impromptu bonfire night with friends & neighbors

Brian promised the kids a bonfire in our driveway one random Saturday after church.

In our neighborhood, that means all of your neighbors will slowly come out and join you for some fun and fellowship! :)

Silly kids!

Colin and Daddy did all the hot dog cookin...

And we somehow ended up with about 12 kids all running around our house, watching a movie, and being silly.

Gotta love a neighborhood where we all can just let the kids play and be kids.

Annual Roomie Reunion girls trip in Chicago

As per tradition, all of my college roomies got together for a girls weekend in Chicago.

It was, as per tradition, a total blast!

We actually all came in a little bit early to go see Hamilton the musical on Friday night.

I can't stop thinking about it! It was amazing! And I would see it again 10 more times and I'm sure I'd still think it was amazing!

All of us girls smushed in an elevator on the way to the theatre

In front of the theatre waiting to get in.

It was cold, but not *freezing* by any means, so we didn't mind the wait outside

Waiting for the musical to start...

Another selfie with my girls - that evening was so much fun!

Then we drove to Harbert, MI where my roomie has a lake house.

We walked to the beach and I love how it looks like the lake just goes on forever....

We drank some wine & beer, did some shopping, and relaxed a TON!

Even came away with a pedicure, too!

So glad we are all able to make our crazy schedules align for some much needed girl time.

See you next year!!