Fall flying by...

 As usual, time is just flying by around here.  We had a good streak of weather for awhile, but now it looks like it will be gloomy and rainy for Halloween.  Oh well!  We've been spending time outside with friends... 

 and inside too!  Epic Minecraft playdate!!!

 The leaves around here just beg to be jumped in!

 And tossed...

 And used as camo!

 We took a crack at homemade baked donuts.  Noah and I agreed, these are NOT your dunkin donuts, but still pretty good!

Cape days are normal around here.

Sam builds Daddy a "weight kabob" which I'm sure he struggled to lift! 

 Last use of bubbles this season!

 Noah did a pumpkin book project for school.  He read a book about Iron Man and War Machine and painted this masterpiece (with some help from his artistic father sketching the outline).

 Ellie lets it all hang out.

 No, this isn't his Halloween get up, this is just a normal Friday around here.

 Bamma and Bampa's recent trip to Denver resulted in new headgear for all!!!

 Bamma project: creepy halloween hand...

 We dog sat for our friends Kelly and Ginger last week, Boots was a very patient house guest!

 Not to leave out Ellie, we tried to do a picture with her too.  End result depicts everyday life beautifully!

 Sam did a nice job of walking the 2 dogs together, he was pretty proud for the 2 minutes I let him do this!

 Pumpkin carving time!

 Guts are gross!

 This face...terrifying!

 Isaac's Minion, Sam's Ultron, and Noah's Clone Trooper!

So, off we go to brave a couple Halloween parties at school on Friday and then trick or treating on Saturday.  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Here comes fall!

Well hello there fall, it seems you came on rather fast!  We went from shorts/tshirts to coats in a matter of a few days.  Oh well!  We had some last few summer like outings.  Isaac has been enjoying some one on one time with Mrs. Laura when his brothers are at school.  Last week, they took in a bike ride!

 We get some impressive insects around here!  This praying mantis was just crossing our path on our way to play some football.

 We enjoyed the triumphant return of my parents from their 3 week trip to Africa.  I think Sam was a bit worn out by his first Tuesday back with them!

 The cooler temps really settled in this weekend, when we hit the apple orchard!

 The boys had a blast filling their bags with Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonamac, and other types.

 They all ate plenty of the fruits of their labor too!

 We didn't last long outside, but we gathered up enough apples for several baked treats!

 Mike found the fudge shop (his happy place) and taught the boys about the joys of fudge.

 We tested out some tractors too!

 Then on Sunday, I was lucky enough to check a box on the bucket list: attend a Bears game at Soldier Field.  Philie was kind enough to share some tickets her sister was able to get as she works for the Bears.  They played the Raiders, it was so much fun!

 Some of the Blackhawks were there with the Stanley Trophy!

 The team entrance was pretty exciting!

 Gotta get a jumbo brat!

 We did find Molly, who was busy handling some fan issues.  I'm sure she was super glad to see our ridiculous selves there!

 Halftime show featured a local college band!

 I love this city! (and lite beer and a bavarian pretzel too!)

 It was a nail biter at the end, but Robbie Gould nailed a FG to secure the win!

It was an amazing day, I'm so glad I was able to go!