Halloween

 So I am a 6 weeks late and a holiday behind but here are pictures of the kids and their pumpkins.  Dad did pretty much all the work.  And the boys enjoyed watching.  Mom took a nap during the festivities.  Sometimes it is good to be the mom.

Beach Trip

 In October we went to the coast for a few days.  The boys alternated between playing in the water and shivering near the fire.  We were able to scavenge wood off the beach to burn.

 There was also plenty of castle building.  And don't forget the feathers to top the turrets.

 It was pretty chilly but not too cold. . . as long as you stayed near the fire.  The boys seemed to not be bothered by the cold too much.

 This was the first time they braved the water and actually played in it.  The rule was no going into the water above your knees.  They mostly obeyed that counsel.

 This was lunch in the hotel room.  There was a great continental breakfast but we used the fridge and microwave in our room to our advantage for lunch and dinner.

 In the evening the oldest and youngest stayed up for cards.  I look a little bored but I really had a good time.  I like how Q is in his pajamas.  He was so tired but refused to go to bed.  He eventually fell asleep under the table with cards in hand.  Silly boy.

Another view of the coast.  It was a beautiful day!

Reunion

 This was the summer of reunions.  We started out in California for a Hall reunion. 
The boys really enjoyed their cousin time.

 There was lots of great food.

 Not sure what this was about but I liked the picture.

 It was nice to have time to relax.

 Water balloon launching. Thanks Liesel for making the launchers.

 He was in charge of handing out water balloons.

 Some canoe time with grandpa.

 An A's game.

 He and Sabringa get along so well.

 But the game went too late for some.

Group photo.

A day on the farm

 We took a trip to Brentwood for Ben's wedding and while we were there we stayed with the Last's.  It was neat to see them.  Lori was my young women's leader for years and it was great to visit with her again.  I have not seen her for many years.  They have a few animals on their property.  Winfield had a chance to feed the ducks.

Catherine's family came out one evening to see the cow get milked.  Three of my boys and 4 of hers are watching the cow get led to the milking stall.

 Ross is preparing the cow for milking.

 Winfield having a try.

 Rhed's turn.

 And Silas.

Quinn enjoyed playing in the dirt.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

It snowed overnight.  We got about 4 inches.  It was our first real snow this winter.  And it was enough to cancel school and, according to the boys, build a fort using 5 gallon buckets.

 Each had their own method of filling the bucket with snow.

 It was light and fluffy.  But if you stomped it down it compacted OK.

 A snow shovel lets you get more snow in the bucket with minimal effort.

 He was so cute scraping his shovel on the lawn.  It was as big as he was.

 It took all his effort to hoist the shovel over the bucket.

 Mr. Q checking out his first snow.

 I love the look of absolute joy on his face.

The boys were quite serious about their mission to build a fort.  R got 6 buckets done.  W was done after 3.  Oh well. At least it kept them busy for a while

Birthdays, boy scouts, and beaches

R had his 10th birthday.  Can't believe he's been around for a decade.

 And then he placed 2nd in the Pinewood Derby.  It was very exciting as it's the first year he has placed.

 Grandma and Grandpa came to visit.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.

The handsome husband and I got away for a night.  Our good friend Jamie watched the boys while we were

gone.  We had a terrific time.  It was so nice to have a conversation and talk without interruption.  There was no whining, crying, coughing, or phlegm-ing for 24 hours.  The kids had all been sick the week before so this was especially nice.  We headed to the coast and the above was our view out the sliding glass door of our room.

This is what we look like without children around.  Do you recognize us?

 We hiked to the "Devil's Punchbowl".  It is only accessible during low tide.  It is a large area completely surrounded by rock, except for the entrance and the area behind Ryan where the ocean continues to roar during low tide.

Do you recognize him without glasses and goatee?  That is new this year too.

Here I am enjoying the tide pools.  I am wearing my ear warmer although in this picture it looks like a blindfold.

 We then hiked Cape Foulweather.  It was a short half mile hike that wound around the tops of the cliffs.  The view of the ocean and surrounding area was spectacular.

Here I am taking in the view.