Election Day = Mommy's Day OFF

On Election Day, while Scott was in China, Mommy decided that it was a great day to take the day off from parental duties and her other jobs.

So after driving the morning family shuttle bus/taxi, she and Gus headed off to hike together. Less than a quarter of a mile into the trail, Gus managed to get a thorn stuck right in the crack of his nose. Thankfully, two very nice ladies out hiking with their dogs stopped and offered to help. And within just a few minutes, we were back on our way.

 Gus in his happy place.

Nat's First Independence Run

Nat's school hosts an "Independence Run" which allows the kids to raise money for the school AND have a day full of fun and exercise. But most importantly, it means they don't have to wear their uniforms. Her teacher sent home a note that said to wear neon. Natalie did not have to be told twice.

Eloise and mommy went to watch the Kindergartners (all 125ish of them) do their events in the morning...

The run started with an army crawl, then hula hoops, then toe taps on a soccer ball, then bunny hops, then hurdles (you can see in the background a little), then sack hops, then dizzy bat, then tires, crawling through a tunnel, navigating through a few bounce houses, under a rope ladder and to the finish line.

Even the brave Kindergarten teachers completed the course, some of them 2-3 times with different groups of kids. Natalie's teacher is here in the aqua shirt. Another teacher is in the yellow w orange tutu.

Some days it's pretty tough being the adorable little sister.

Thanks to all who donated to the cause. Her school raised almost $50,000, all of which stays IN THE SCHOOL and goes for technology, computers, additional curriculum materials, etc. And Natalie reached her fundraising goal which means she got a backpack, a soccer-ish ball and pair of knee high socks. Perfect!

October 2016 - over in the blink of an eye

October started with Scott and Whitney celebrating their 8th wedding anniversary over a chaotic dinner that was probably something exceptional, like spaghetti and green beans. The little kids and Whitney went to Camp Nebraska to surprise Grandpa for his birthday. Scott and Katie took a quick day road trip to Tucson to visit the University of Arizona.

Nat got some RAD new shoes from the neighbor.

Eloise got more and more clever and resourceful...

Scott and Whitney went on a date to test a new babysitter.

Eloise learned the fine art of a good tantrum in the greeting card section of Kohl's.

 The kids proved that it IS POSSIBLE for them to get along.

  We went to a birthday party at a splash pad...

Natalie entered the world of weekly testing, and has been excelling...

 

We all watched some soccer, both practice and games...

Trick-or-Treat

Halloween 2016: Eloise dressed up in Natalie's old bumble bee ("Buzz Buzz") costume and Natalie dressed up as Princess Elsa

Almost all ready in their costumes...

Another year, another hot dog.

 Ready to go!!!

The trick-or-treating crew (L to R: Eloise, Caleb, Brynlee, Nat, Nick and Connor)

2nd Annual Halloween Block Party

We are so thankful to live in a neighborhood surrounded by people who are equally as crazy as us or occasionally even a bit more crazy. This year we secured our permits early and planned things out a bit more... we had games, crafts, snacks, food, a costume parade (fashion show) and coordinated an appearance from the Chandler Fire Department for the kids.

All setup and ready to get the party started...

Eloise sported her pumpkin outfit and bumblebee pants.

The Fire Department brought a truck for the kids to check out and took time to chat with grown-ups as well. It is always such a treat to have these guys stop by.

 

Many, but not all, of the neighborhood kids. Fun for years to come!

Many, but not all, of the neighborhood moms.

 One of these things is not like the other.

And after the sun set, the costume parade began, narrated by the infamous Mark White. The kids had a wonderful time strutting their stuff on the imaginary runway in their costumes.

Vertuccio Farms

On the last day of Fall Break, we decided to check out one of the local farms with our neighbor friends...

Into the giant corn maze we go... with Natalie and Brynlee leading the way.

These two. Peas in a pod.

Natalie is a year and a half younger.