Halloween, Part I

This year, we kicked-off Hallo-weekend with a walk to the Alaska Junction to check out Tiny Tribe's new digs. We loved seeing some of our old friends and hearing how everyone was doing. The new space is really fun, and in a great location. We're looking forward to running into our friends more, now that they are so nearby!

After visiting Tiny Tribe, we headed out into the crowd to trick-or-treat at the junction. It really was SUPER crowded, but we had tons of fun and ran into lots of schoolmates and neighbors. Marley was totally into it, walking right up to the merchants with a big loud "Trick-or-treat!" followed by a "Thank you!" and "Happy Halloween!" Amelia was a little more hesitant. She walked up to the merchants with her hand outstretched, but never said anything. She really enjoyed taking the candy and carefully placing it into her "Happy Halloween Bag". We could not pry that bag out of her little hand, even after she fell asleep in the carrier on the walk home! (She finally did drop it after about a block, though.)

Tomorrow we have a birthday party, followed by a halloween party. Monday is trick-or-treating, followed by more trick-or-treating! Whee!

At the Playground

We spent lots of time visiting playgrounds while we were in Michigan. I think we went to at least four different parks, but Marley's favorite was the one closest to home.  He loved playing in the "submarine" there.

The Girls

Seeing Amelia and Lilyana together just about makes my heart explode. I love these girls!

Photo Shoot

October in Michigan makes for some great photos!

Lake Erie Metropark

Fun hats on Grandma's front porch.

I think we should wear these all the time!

Back from Michigan

We just got back from a wonderful week visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Michigan. Sarah and Brandon coordinated trips with us, so we got to see them, too. Plus, there's just something so special when all of us are together. I'm already missing my little niece, Lilyana, like crazy - and everyone else, too, of course!

Grandma dug up my old Cabbage Patch dolls for the kids to play with.

Lilyana seriously LOVES her Grandpa!

I adore this little girl!  What a sweetie!

All the kids always wanted to be near Matt, especially when he had ice cream.

Patrick was pretty popular, too.  My kids have cool uncles:)

You're doing it wrong!

Last week, Amelia brought me a Tigers hat to put on her. I guess she wanted to root for them in the playoffs. I put it on and tightened the velcro around the back of her head. She got mad, took it off, and gave it to me again, demanding "Buckle!" I kept putting it on her (like I thought she wanted) and she kept getting mad. Finally, Jeff figured out that she wanted the velcro fastened under her chin. Little Miss Stubborn strikes again!

Coffee to a Tea

This pumpkin spice latte makes me happy. Can you see the jack-o-lantern in the foam?

This is why I love West Seattle. It's totally normal to walk into a coffee shop and find a great kids play area like this. I would have included pictures of the mini cupcakes, but the kids ate them before I could even set my coffee down:)