Halloween

An Oompa-Lumpa, a stealthy ninja and a Frozen princess - all ready to get lots of candy.

Frozen was the big movie of the year and there was never a doubt that Emily was going to be Elsa.  Daddy and I couldn't resist the request to participate so we were Anna and Olaf.

In usual tradition, we headed off to Kristen's house where we were greeted with a delicious dinner and a neighborhood chock full of candy.  We made it to all the houses on six full streets.  The amount of candy we accumulated was unbelievable.  

We even managed to stop off at a friend's house on the way home.  The evening was a huge success!

Championship Baseball

It might be Game 7 of the World Series tonight but that isn't what we are excited about.   Connor and Needham Green are playing in the Championship game of their fall travel season.  Per the grapevine, it is the first time a Needham team made it to the final round.  This year both teams are from Needham.  What a big win for Needham Baseball!

 First order of business, good sportsmanship with handshakes for all.

 Then to make it official the National Anthem.  

 Top of the third and Connor's team was leading 5-0.  In one inning, suddenly it was a tied game.

Then in the fourth inning the heavens opened and it was pouring.  The kids continued to play.  They played through some of the worst conditions I have ever seen.  Connor pitched the final three innings and it was fantastic.  Unfortunately, the defense did not hold up due to the weather conditions.  Needham Green lost the game 7-6 but it was an amazing game which could have ended either way.

Connor, There is no loss that is easy but to know you did your best is what you hold onto.  You played hard and you had fun.  Keep your competitive streak alive and remember to work hard.  We love you!  We also couldn't be prouder of you.  

A Fun Visit and Pumpkin Preparations

Papa came to visit for Grandma's birthday and it made the weekend very special.  I even managed to get a few very cute pictures.

After Papa's departure, Grandma took on another crazy task. Grandma decided to carve pumpkins with the kids.  It always surprises me that the kids are so grossed out by the insides of a pumpkin.  They all helped draw the faces and the end result was perfect.

Apple Picking

Fall isn't official until we have gone apple picking.  So after our sports for the day, we headed off to a small farm near our house.  We got our bags and headed off with our picking poles.  

Thank goodness for Papa assisting with the poles otherwise, we might have ended up with an injury.

All of the kids were very independent in picking out apples and wanted to get them down all by themselves.

Our group did very well and ended up with two very full bags of apples.  Now only if I had Aunt Laura visiting to make some delicious apple pies.  After apple picking, we headed to the corn maze where we had a small competition to see who could get out first.  It was a fun time running through the maze and hoping to find the end.  In the end, we all managed to get out which wasn't simple.

Our Soccer Star

As you can tell from all these pictures, we are so proud of Emily trying soccer for the first time.  During the course of the season, we found out that Emily is very good.  Here are some pictures from the season of our little girl.  Emily-we are so proud of you and are so happy that you had fun all season.

Bike Rodeo

Third Grade holds a Bike Rodeo where the kids learn all the rules of obeying traffic and hand signals.  We had promised Connor a new bike for his birthday back in February - better late than never.  We went and purchased it this weekend.  The proud new owner of a very nice new bike.

The class gathered and was ready to do the obstacle course.  Connor was so excited that Grandma was able to go and participate.  Connor had so much fun and has now mastered all his bike hand signals.

Pumpkin Picking

Columbus Day brought us to the pumpkin patch to prepare for Halloween.  

The kids really got into picking out the perfect pumpkin and loved searching through them all.

It was another great day outside and we did find the pumpkin that we could all agree on.

Army Ten Miler

Our friend Chris Fernandez signed Brian and I up for the Army Ten Miler in Washington DC.   We arrived earlier than the others so we were able to explore and found quite an exhibit of Army equipment.  On Saturday night, we (Chris, Andro, Jason, Holly) all met up for dinner and I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard.  

The next morning we all woke up bright and early and headed out to the race.  It was an absolutely perfect day for a run (even for those who didn't train- mommy).  The run was absolutely inspirational as wounded veterans were running as well.  There were many moments where I actually had tears running down my face as I watched men and women struggle to keep going.  So inspiring.

What a great weekend and we couldn't wait to show the kids our Army medals for finishing.

Big 7!

My beautiful birthday boy is turning 7.  

Garrett is the most social, charming and fun little man.  He will cartwheel and flip his way into your heart.  With a wink and koala hug, G always shows us love and affection.

Lots of love from all the family.  Presents, cake and family games made for a perfect evening to celebrate our 7 year old.

Seriously Garrett you are a super star.  We love you with all our heart!

Fall Sports in Full Swing

It is impossible to write about all the sporting activities going on this fall so I thought I would take a couple photos and share them.  To summarize our weekends:  

• Connor is playing flag football, soccer and travel baseball
• Garrett is playing soccer, flag football and is now a member of team gymnastics.
• Emily is doing dance, gymnastics and is trying soccer for the first time.

Our little soccer player was a little hesitant but once she was on the field, Emily was fantastic.  We couldn't believe how coordinated and aggressive she was on the field.  So fun to watch.

Team is huddled up for warm ups.

At the end of the game, they line up for hand shakes.

Look at my girl running and dribbling the ball.

Look at Garrett's hot pursuit.

Ready for game time.

Garrett carrying the ball and scoring a touchdown at the end of this run.

Connor running down the field for a reception.  He is in the red shorts.  Connor's games were so fast paced that it was impossible to get a photo.

Garrett's team

Having fun on the sidelines of Connor's fall baseball game.