Halloween & More Fall Fun!

On Friday, we took a 1/2 day so we could vote before we headed out of town. After arriving to a 5+ hour line, we decided to leave and head up early to Dayton to visit with Chris, Carol & all the kiddos for a short trip. Bennett's 6th Birthday was the 27th and we missed his party last weekend since I was on my retreat, so we wanted to head up and visit with them and celebrate his birthday & Halloween together. We got in early enough to hang out for a bit before eating dinner and getting the kids ready to trick or treat. That also meant we were there for the pumpkin carving - we made the boys stick their hands into "the pulp" (as Bennett kept reminding us that's what it's called) which they thought was gross. It was funny though. =)

Here are Bennett & Wilson helping Chris carve the pumpkin:

Afterwards, we had a yummy white chili that Carol had made in the crock pot that was fantastic - now I've got another recipe...woohoo! Then it was finally time for the much anticipated trick or treating.

Here's Tinker Bell, your friendly neighborhood Fireman & of course Optimus Prime with daddy ready to trick or treat.

Trick or treating on their street was kind of a bust, apparently the older folks that live around them just don't participate in trick or treating... At least the downtown was having their Pumpkin Festival and all the kids were welcome to come trick or treat in the stores. So, Chris & I headed down with our 3 costumed kiddos and left David & Carol home with Anne to hand out candy to the whopping 4 kids they had come by. While we were at the festival, the kids saw this train ride they wanted to go on, so we bought some tickets and off we went. They had a great time and Chris & I enjoyed it too...$5 well spent! =0)

Here's Chris & Mae, then Bennett & Wilson in their train seats:

David also wanted to stay behind so we could scare the kids when we got home with his scary outfit. Spoiler alert - it worked, but Carol didn't have her camera to take pictures since Chris had taken it with us!! Oh well. Mae was the only one who was scared, but once she saw it was Uncle David under that mask, she let him hold her and everything. It was great fun!!

The next morning we got up and hung out until about 11. After David had his shower, I went back to get dressed and Wilson & Mae followed me. I, for some reason, decided to toss Mae onto the mattresses, then Wilson and Bennett came running in and jump down - he's not at all one to miss ANY of the fun - and it was on. David then plowed down onto the mattresses too and it was a free for all of "Tickle ME!" and "Stop, Stop, I need a break!" while Uncle David, who ALWAYS becomes a personal jungle gym for our brood of nieces and nephews, played along. Here's just a few of the many pictures I took of all the fun:

Bennett asking for a break

Wilson enjoying a moment of freedom while Mae gets tackled

Mae climbed up into the crib & got her baby out...then wouldn't put her down!

Uncle David, still smiling!

After much wrestling fun, we headed out to Wooden's Apple Orchard for some yummy apples., and we weren't left disappointed...3 bushels later we headed out after we all had a yummy apple treat.

Here's Mae, Bennett (holding Anne) & Wilson at the orchard, just outside the barn:

I just loved this picture of Wilson. David was spinning all the kids around and when it wasn't Wilson's turn he was spinning himself. Too cute!!

We were so close to Pikeville, we decided to head down into the Valley for lunch. It was so beautiful!! The little 50's Retro diner was so fun, yummy, and CHEAP! which is always great. Then after lunch there was this AWESOME park around the corner we hit so Anne could eat and the kids could burn off some energy. I say this park is AWESOME because it was. They had 2 really cool things for adults (well I guess for kids, but totally for adults too)...a zip line type thing and an awesome 4-seater see-saw. We did both and all had fun.

Here is Bennett at the top of the ladder climb

...Mae enjoying the see-saw with me

...and David on the Zip Line thing - too awesome

When it was time to head home, Carol & I drove the Car and the hubby's took the kiddos home in the van. We stopped at various points along the way and captured this beautiful fall glorious-ness...enjoy!!

Before we left, I got to enjoy some snuggling time with Anne. I had to include both pics because they were both too cute!!

When we got home, David & Bennett went for a walk and stumbled upon the Bryant Rugby game which was ending and making way for the Soccer game. Chris, David, Bennett, Wilson & Mae headed out to the game and Carol & I stayed home because Anne needed to eat and I needed to get packed up. They had a great time and Carol & I enjoyed more sisterly hang out time which is always special too. We headed out after dinner and a great time. =) It was a shorter trip than usual since we were selfish and wanted to be in our own beds to "fall back". It was worth it, we both felt great after all that fabulous sleep! As always, we had a wonderful time with our family and can't want to see them again!

BTW - we did vote this morning. We got up at 5:30am and made it to the polling place with blankets, chairs, and books just before 6. At 7:45 we were both done voting - it was far less painless than I thought it'd be!