Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a happy Halloween.  We've been spoiled that last few years, because trick-or-treating has been on the weekend the last few years.  It's definitely not as fun when you still have a bed time ; ).  But, the girls were still very excited.  They went as three little witches.  How is that any different than any other day of the week, you ask...well, they were wearing cute pettiskirts and hats ; )  Happy Halloween!

Before school this morning...

Trick-or-treat...

Pumpkin Patch...a Little Late...

We took the girls to the Pumpkin Patch today.  Typically we would have done this much earlier in the season, but it just never worked out.  Unfortunately all the pumpkins had been picked from their vines, so we could only choose from the ones there.  The girls were a little disappointed that we didn't get to go on the hayride and pick our own.  But, the ice cream made up for it a bit.  It was also fun watching daddy take a few swings in the batting cage...until he hit a ball off his ankle...ouch!  That was hilarious not funny.

Picking Pumpkins...

Go daddy!

Ice cream!

Goin' to a Halloween Party...

This evening after dinner, Logan went to Halloween party.  She was pretty excited about it, since almost all the kids in her class were going to be there--boys and girls.  We just threw this "costume" together at the last minute.  She's Robin Sparkles...you know, from How I Met Your Mother. 

"Let's Go to the Mall"...

Halloween Parties at School...

While I was out in Northern Virginia, I missed Carsyn's class' Halloween party.  (I know...another first.  I had NEVER missed a class party before.)  I felt horrible about it.  But, fortunately her "other mother" was able to come and hang out for a bit.  Carsyn was thrilled to have Kirstin there--thank you!  On Friday I got back in time to pick up Maren from Kindergarten and go to Logan's 4th grade Halloween party.  (So if you're keeping track...I went to Maren's and Logan's, but not Carsyn--I know, I'm a bad mom.)  I think all the girls had fun, with or without me. 

Carsyn at her party yesterday...

Kirstin and Carsyn...

Maren and Logan at the party today...

Carsyn and Kirstin today...

It was a sweet reunion when the girls got off the bus after school.  We had picked up some cupcakes from Sprinkles in Georgetown for the girls...and the dog.  The girls were more excited to give Pumpkin her doggie cupcake than they were to eat their own.  So, if you are trying to count the days that I was gone...yes, it was only two.  And, yes...it was a big deal.  What can I say...I missed my girls.  So good to be home!

Back East...

Barry had to go to Washington for work--and I didn't want to miss out on the fun.  So I flew out Wednesday morning.  If you know me (and regularly read this blog), you'll know that I've NEVER left the girls before.  I was pretty nervous about it.  Of course I knew they'd be fine at home with my mom (but, no one can make sure that their hair ribbons match their converse as perfectly as me ; ).  It was kind of sad putting them on the bus Wednesday morning, Carsyn and Maren were super-upset.  Logan tried to act tough, but she was the one who called me every five minutes while I was gone.  Barry and I had fun though.  It was definitely weird not being with the girls, but we got to get together with some of Barry's old Navy friends...and see Mike (the girls were so jealous!) 

 Out in Old Town Alexandria...

Kindergarten Fall Fest...

What super-fun thing did I do for my birthday, you ask.  Well, I spent the morning at Maren's Kindergarten Fall Fest, and then went to cheer practice after school!  Doesn't that sound awesome!?  Oh well, birthdays really are for kids...and lucky for me, I've got three pretty great ones!    

Maren posing for the camera...

So cute... 

Look at this girl...

Super Fans...

Tonight was Barry's office holiday party...a little early, I know. It was and 70's and 80's theme party. So, we went at '85 Bears fans. I even wore my own "Refrigerator" Perry jersey from 1985...it sure was tight! 

Da Bears...

Last Game of the Season...

Today wrapped up another cheer/football season.  Although our team didn't win a single game this year, we still had fun. 

Coaches...

Coaches' kids...

Brooks and Carsyn...



Maren's Pumpkin Play...

Maren's Kindergarten class put on their Pumpkin Play for all the parents and siblings today. Maren was excited to be a mummy, because Carsyn had also been a mummy two years ago. It was super-cute, and they all did great.

Maren was so happy that her sister came to watch...

Mummies, Witches, and Pumpkins, oh my...

In Memoriam: Dan Wheldon...

After Mass and cheer yesterday, we were super excited to watch the final Indycar race of the season. It's unbelievable how everything can change in an instance. One minute Tony was leading from the pole, the next 15 cars were in a gnarled, tangled mess. As they showed the other drivers climbing out of their machines, it became evident that it was Dan Wheldon who might be seriously injured. We waited and waited, and prayed that the news would be different, but it wasn't. What a sad day for Indycar, and the family, friends, and fans of such an awesome guy! We have always loved Dan, he was always so sweet to the girls. We are heart-broken...

*The girls and Dan at IMS in 2010.

Pretty in Pink...

Immediately after Mass this morning the girls had an away game.  Today the girls were donning their pink ribbons for Brest Cancer Awareness Month. 

Before church...

With their pink hair bows...

Gone Fishin' (No, Seriously)...

Yesterday after school we drove up to our friends' cabin at their sport and fishing club.  I know what you're thinking..."Am I on the wrong blog?"  Nope.  We actually went--willingly.  It wasn't exactly camping, since the cabin had seven bedrooms and three baths, but it was as close as I ever plan on getting.  Friday night Barry went out night fly fishing with Mr. Tony, while Logan and Lilli stayed up late talking. 

The girls...

Drew teaching Carsyn all about fishing...

Maren's first attempt...

Carsyn...

Maren making s'mores...

Yuck  I mean Yay...



Saturday morning we all headed out to fish.  The girls had a blast.  They fished for the first time, and everyone caught a trout...that we later fried and ate.  Seriously, this really happened.  They also caught tons of blue gills that we threw back (by "we" I certainly do not mean "me").  Before dinner the girls got a kick out of seeing all the deer.  One of them even came close enough for

    Carsyn to pet.  What a fun weekend...thanks, guys!

Carsyn ready for the day...

Lilli and Logan...

Carsyn and Maren...

Maren had a lot of fun with Mr. Tony...

Carsyn was super into fishing...

Logan getting the hang of it...

Logan's first catch...

The girls and their trout...



These fish were delicious...

Lunch break...

More fishing...

Carsyn and Kirstin...

Friendly deer...