Last month my bestie Bridget was up in Naperville with her in-laws for a couple days and came out to see us for a few hours.  Yay!  Bridget and I have been friends for almost 15 years and it's kind of surreal to see our children playing together.  Lucky for us we had a nice warm day and were able to spend some time playing at the beach.

at least they're all looking in the general direction of the camera

We had a busy Halloween season.  To be honest, I was really glad for it to be over and took down the decorations first thing the morning after.  Between two Kellogg Halloween parties, ward party, and two trick or treats, I was Halloween-ed out! 

ward party costume parade

Lincoln was very successful at the cupcake walk

For our ward party the kids did trick or treating in the hallways of the building.  Families could sign up to decorate a classroom door and hand out candy.  One family brought a fog machine and it set off the smoke alarms-whoops!  Because it's such a big building, the fire department had to come and turn them off.  As we were walking out the firemen were just getting ready to leave and they let our little firefighter sit on the truck and gave him a fire truck card which he loves.  It was definitely the highlight of the night.

dragon and firefighter

not a fan of his costume

The boys were champs and stayed out trick or treating for about an hour.  Once their buckets got too heavy to carry we headed home!  I'm still trying to figure out our Halloween candy policy.  Right now I'm letting them have 2-3 pieces every day, but we seriously have so. much. candy (plus I'm pretty sure it's why Parker has been so cranky and ornery lately).  Do I just toss it?  Let them trade it in for toys?

Speaking of, did everyone see the hilarious Jimmy Kimmel video?  I wish I would have done this.

Apple Picking

I've been telling Sam I've wanted to go apple picking since the year we got married.  Finally, after six years long years of waiting, we went on Saturday (just kidding, it was mostly laziness on my part).  It ended up being a really fun day, despite the chillier temps, and I'm glad we were able to enjoy a fun fall activity together.  Now to figure out what to do with a peck of apples...

We decided Lincoln doesn't like chilly weather

Parker in the hay maze

I'm so proud of Parker for riding the horse, I could tell he was a little nervous

sweet moment quickly turned into this!

Fall...sort of

We have had the most GORGEOUS week in Chicago.  Sunshine and 70s, I never want it to end! PS-I just saw on the news that we set a new record in Chicago for this time of year...8 days of sunshine in a row!  My friend Heather and I bought Groupons to a Fall "farm" and decided to take advantage of the warm weather and go last week.  The boys had a great time and it was fun to get out of Evanston for the day.

There were bouncy houses, 

and a big inflatable slide.

We watched the pig races.  These were our two MCs (Billy Bob and Cletus?)  After about 5 minutes of them carrying on Heather said to me "I think we're getting too much for our money".  Ha!

There was a giant corn box (like a sand box, but with corn kernels)

We took a ride on the cow train, 

and a hay ride. 

Fed the goats (which Parker declared his favorite part of the day).  I thought it was gross.

Lincoln got stuck trying to climb between the pumpkins

With a stop for sustenance (and toys) before heading home!

One Year Down

Sam finished up his first year at Kellogg a few weeks ago and we promptly took off for Dallas for the summer.  We are so happy to be here with my family for a couple months.  Sam seems to be enjoying his job.  Parker is in heaven getting all this attention and swimming everyday!  Lincoln still isn't so sure.  I think he thinks I'm going to take off and leave him here, so most of the time he clings to me.  I will update with pictures soon (I guess I have to take some first), but here are some of our last days in Evanston.

sandy watermelon

one of our favorite ladies

I love how all the kids are doing their own little jobs

boys

after playing at two beaches in one day, the boys fell asleep on the 4 block ride home

Kellogg end of year BBQ

Some of our Kellogg friends from the ward: Sheets, LeBarons, us, Smiths, Nielsons.  I'm sad looking at this because we are the only family coming back next year!  Wahhh.  *thanks Nielsons for the photo!