St. Louis in October

Last weekend, we headed down to St. Louis to see the family and celebrate Brooke's birthday. The weather was UNBELIEVABLE so we spent lots of time outside. Our first night down there was the trunk or treat at Tim and Krissi's church.

If you're not familiar, trunk or treats are events where people kids go from car to car in a parking lot and get candy. It's like the lazy man's trick-or-treating because it doesn't involve going up or down front steps or knocking on doors. The kids had a great time.

The next night, we went to another trunk or treat at my parents' church. Maybe this is more a St. Louis thing?

We got a great deal on Six Flags season passes for my entire family, so Sunday we headed out there. Miles loved the kiddie area, but our little thrill-seeker, Brooke, was looking for the next big ride that she was tall enough for.

This picture cracks me up. Granted, we were looking straight into the sun.

Brooke went to Luke and Lexi's soccer games on Saturday morning where she had fun reuniting with Kennedi.

On Saturday afternoon, we had a little "sprinkle" for Krissi to celebrate her and Baby Grace. The girls were the hostesses with the mostesses, complete with dessert entertainment.

On Monday (Brooke's actual birthday), Lexi had school so we didn't do anything super-exciting. Brooke, Miles and Luke played together outside - well and peacefully - for about two hours. I'm still kind of in shock, but it was a great morning.

That afternoon, we went to Suson Park with my parents.

And that night, we had Brooke's final birthday celebration.

Once again, I was proud of how genuinely thankful Brooke was about (*almost all) of the gifts that she received.

Lexi reading the card she wrote for Brooke. So sweet.

Another "Frozen" cake. Thanks, Grandma and Papa T!

Family shot. Thanks, Krissi!

Photo bomb. Thanks, Tim!

Love and miss you all already. Thanks for everything and see you next month!

October, Cont'd.

As usual, October is a crazy-busy month in our house. We have had a few down days. On one of those days, the kids decided to make a "boat" out of a cardboard box. It was cute and kept them busy for awhile while I cleaned. (The box is still in Brooke's room and she gets choked up anytime I mention throwing it away. Have I mentioned that I think she may be a hoarder?)

Paige does not lack for attention from her older siblings. It's kind of nice that she's a little more "durable" now, although I still have to keep an eye on how they're "playing" with her.

Tim and Krissi and the kids came in last weekend and we went to the Halloween event at the community center. Miles was very excited about all the trucks...

And Luke was excited about the petting zoo...

And the girls were excited about the princesses. Everyone left happy!

We had a wedding that Saturday and Tim and Krissi watched the kids for us. Mike and Jane came over between the wedding and reception.

The next day, the guys went to the Bears/Dolphins game and I took the four big kids to church while Krissi hung out with Paige. We stopped at the park on our way home from church.

Luke really cannot get enough of Paige.

He's going to be a great big brother. Selfishly, I think it'd be really sweet if he and Paige continue to have a special bond, though.

Speaking of bonds, I was *this close* to getting a pic of the two of them sucking their thumbs and looking at each other.

Not sure why I took these pictures, but the kids have been eating breakfast at the bar while I get stuff done in the kitchen in the morning. It's a nice set up and it's (usually) fun to look at these sweet faces as I begin the day.

How is it almost November already!?!