Week 43: Pumpkin guts

The week in photos:

Zach went to a Pokemon themed birthday party (again at the bowling alley).

Charlotte is obsessed with pointing out certain things, including shadows and especially stop signs.

And she loves to tell us "This/These are MINE FAVORITE!" about many, many things.

On the topic of favorites, the boys were excited to get a new book written by their favorite YouTuber.

We hit the playground after school one day. Of course they want this to be the everyday routine.

Lunch out with Daddy. Charlotte still needs to learn the shape of Texas; she kept calling The Texas Roadhouse logo a cowboy chicken.

Pumpkin carving. Charlotte wasn't sure about sticking her hand into it, but thumbs up for Daddy doing it. Zach and Charlotte (I) used patterns for Mickey and Minnie; Gabe made his Pac-man.

The boys and Frank saw a movie Saturday afternoon. Charlotte helped me make banana bread.

Trunk or Treat at the school Saturday night. We don't even need to go out tonight -- we already got so much candy!

Week 42: And we regroup

It's always nice to finally find some down time after busy weeks. Last week was full enough but without anything big happening. Time to catch up on paying bills, looking through photos, shopping, etc. I moved the boys furniture back and thought about my next steps for painting. I dug out Gabe's creeper costume from last year (he wants to re-use) and added some details to Zach's rather plain pikachu that he wore to his cub scout Halloween party. We hung up Halloween lights. Charlotte is talking to me non-stop lately (cute, but headache!) and Gabe is really enjoying his birthday gifts.

It takes forever to walk up to the bus stop with Charlotte. Sometimes I'm able to trick her into wanting to ride in the stroller. This day she stopped to talk to the skeleton.

Showing off new pajamas

Adventures with minecarts

Week 41, Part 2: Hershey Park

Lisa had the great idea for us to drive up to Hershey for the end of her visit. We decided to keep the trip a surprise from the kids until we picked the boys up from school on Friday.

Cruising in the rented minivan. Turns out Frank gets a little carsick...we didn't know because he always drives!

Breakfast at Bob Evans Saturday morning before hitting Hershey Park.

Unfortunately Hershey's adorable street lamps do not make up for their poor signage. But we made it there eventually.

I love his excitement!

Chocolate World (store plus simulated tour) opens before the park. We scoped out stuff to grab on our way home. Off to the park!

The day was rides, rides, rides, with a couple of food breaks and a trick-or-treat event. The weather was nice but a little chilly until the afternoon.

The kids roomed with Lisa.

We enjoyed the hills and fall colors. It was a nice weekend trip!