Fall Raking

It's that time of year again when we get to begin the endless raking of leaves in our yard. Luckily, we don't have the biggest yard but unfortunately, we do have quite a number of big trees that like to drop lots and lots of leaves.

Hazel was super helpful.

Morgan working hard on a jumping pile.

Almost ready to jump in.
Notice that I have the kids all bundled up because of the cold weather but Cody's in a t-shirt. By the end, all the kids were taking their coats off, too.

Here's a video of the kids jumping in their first leaf pile of the season:

Trying to get a shot of all 3. Easier said than done.

Love this one of Morgan.

Hazel was not at all impressed with the leaves and was trying her best to get out of them.

Fall and Friends

One Friday night, we joined the Griesmyers for pizza and movie night. The kids were pretty excited to spend the evening with their new best friends and even got an ice cream treat to help enjoy the movie.

The beautiful red trees on our street. The cul-de-sac view.

Whoever planned out this neighborhood was a genius. Of course, all the trees in the little space between the sidewalk and road, cracking up the sidewalks and running into the power lines is not the best idea but having all bright red trees in the fall is pure genius!

I love northeast Ohio in the fall.

School Costume Parades

Finally, we got to do something Halloween related ON Halloween, which around here is pretty unusual. Pepper's preschool did their costume parade the morning of the 31st. I dressed Hazel up in her monkey costume so we could all feel a little festive.

Pepper's friend Grace as an angel and Kyleigh as a princess.

Pepper and Lafe walking along with Ms. Susan as Mrs. Potato Head.

Mr. Tom, who is the handyman for the church and school, is actually a competitive sand artist. He's won competitions all over the country and likes to design sculptures for the school. So fun.

On Friday, November 1st (yes, we got the privileged of dragging Halloween out even past the 31st) Morgan's school had their costume parade. It was super cold outside and we had to wait for both elementary schools that are in the building to go by because Morgan's class was the very last class to parade by.

My friend, Kacey and her son, Dean.

Ellie Smith the Vampire.

Finally, Morgan and friends pass us by with a big smile and wave.

Trunk or Treat 2013

On Wednesday, October 30th our ward had their annual Halloween Carnival and Trunk or Treat. We were lucky enough to have our friend, Sarah join us again this year. The kids were super excited and we all had a great time.

Hazel the Monkey, Pepper the Rockstar, Morgan the Ninja and Sarah the Cat.

Time for games.

Hugo the Honeypot, Avi the Bumblebee with Pepper.

Hazel decided to skip trying to eat the donut off a string and just went and got one out of the box. Much quicker that way.

Face painting by the Beehives.

Sarah was so determined to eat this donut with no hands. Poor girl was there forever when I finally told her to just rip it off the string. Such a sweet girl.

Heart complete with sugar glaze.

Sarah picked a blue wiener dog for her balloon.

Morgan got a black sword to go along with his ninja moves.

A happy group of trunk o' treaters.

Pepper won for cutest costume much to our surprise. Bishop Davis has a soft spot for Pepper and said she would win a cute contest even without a costume. I must agree. I love our ward, such fun people who all really care about each other. We feel really lucky to be a part of their ward family.

Hazel's Trick or Treat Birthday Party

Akron always has trick or treating on the Saturday before Halloween. So this year that was Saturday, the 26th. We decided to invite our friends over to go with us and help celebrate Hazel's turning 2 at the same time. Unfortunately, Cody was out of town that weekend with his mission buddies enjoying the BYU-Boise State football game in Provo. Because Cody was going to be gone, I decided not to have a big party and kept things pretty low key. Luckily, Hazel is 2 and was just excited to have friends over, dress up like a monkey and go trick or treating.

Pepper wanted to be a rockstar for Halloween. I picked out the costume and did her hair and makeup. Does it show that I grew up in the 80s?!

She practiced singing her "rockstar" songs for days.

All of our friends came over at 5 for pizza and to get ready to go out. We had the Smiths, Maceys, Griesmyers and Lloyds. A total of 20 guests. We were a very full but happy home.

Birthday monkey having her dinner.

After dinner, we headed out to trick or treat. Luckily, I made everyone stand still for 2 seconds to take this picture of most of the group. 

Hugo Honeypot, Avi Bumblebee, Ava Snow White, Pepper Rockstar, Ellie Vampire, Hazel Monkey, Ammon Hulk, Lafe Spiderman, Emma Tinkerbell, Morgan and Gabriel Ninjas and Eli Venom.

Right after the picture the big kids were off like a shot. We asked the dads to keep up with them because there was no way the little ones were going to keep pace. After about four houses, we completely lost them.

The baby group.

Lesli, Hazel and Kami pulling up the rear.

I love the red trees on our street!

The big kids carried on for a while longer after our little group gave up. We happily hung out and waited for the whole group to return.

The sugared up but very tired kids anxiously awaiting cupcakes.

Here is the video of us singing to Hazel. I'm not sure if it was all the people or the burning candle, but Hazel is one sad birthday girl in this video. Still cute but sad!

Feeling a little overwhelmed.

Trying to get baby Grant to smile. This was one happy, chubby baby.

Got it!

Party people!

Hazel and Ellie playing in their couch fort.

Morgan and his followers Lafe and Hugo. Deep in a Beyblade battle.

Getting the cutest couple award, Kami and Porter Macey.

I wish you could see Hugo's face. These two spent quite a few minutes blowing that toy hair dryer in their faces and giggling like crazy. They were so cute. I really wish this picture captured the moment better. 

It was a great night and the perfect way to kick off our Halloween week. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends to help us celebrate another year of our lovely little Hazel Basil!