Happy Halloween

Happy, November! To celebrate the new month, we like to dress up in costumes and go door-to-door begging for candy. It's an old tradition, some of you may do it as well. This year my children, I had hoped, were going to be Mario and Luigi, thanks to Erika...but because Jack had it in his mind (quite firmly) that he was going to be a ghost this year, my plan did not fully come to fruition. Thank you again, Erika, for the costumes....Heath thoroughly enjoyed his.
Not much is new here. The weather is starting to get cool and the leaves have mostly fallen from the trees. We are looking forward to seeing family this month on a couple different occasions. That's always fun! Stay warm. Keep in touch. Love you!

Pumpkin carving...

Happy Halloween....almost. Every year it is a new challenge deciding what the boys will dress up as for trick or treating. The boys always have ideas and it makes me wish I was a little more creative and crafty. This year, I remembered Isaac, Ian and Colby were "Mario Bros." characters last year, and hoped that I could borrow her costumes. (since my boys are extremely into Nintendo DS.."Mario Bros." in particular. Erika sent the costumes and my boys are, as I imagined, geeked!

Last night, we carved pumpkins. The boys drew what they wanted their pumpkins' face to look like and Craig drew the faces on the gourds. Jack cut his own face out, with a little help from me, and Craig helped Heath. This is the first year the boys reached in and pulled out the guts. Here are some pictures.

Klackles Orchard

Every year we go to Klackles Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Greenville, MI. Over the years it has expanded and provides neat things for the kids to enjoy. Apple picking and pumpkin picking as well. A petting farm, a trike track, with over sized tricycles....homemade donuts (the caramel apple ones are soooo good) and cider. This year I decided my parents should come with us, so I pulled Jack early from school and we spent the afternoon up there. It was chilly, but it was super fun. Here are some pictures.

A strange noise...

So the other day, I had Heath lie down for a rest. I was doing chores around the house etc. A little while after lying down, he came out and said that he heard " a strange noise..."

here is a very serious, heartfelt re-enactment of the sound...can you identify it, based on the excellent adaptation?



The weather has turned cold, as most of you are experiencing....Scott, Erika...I'm so sorry. I think we are visiting an orchard this week with my parents. Hopefully it's not too chilly. Other than that, same old, same old. Our garage is clean and ready for winter. Grass cut, toys put away...lawnmower too hopefully. Love you all. Keep in touch!


By the way, the answer to the riddle........



the dryer. Hahahaha, Heath you make me laugh!

September....October?

Greetings, all. So here it is...fall. My house has made the transition. My garden is dead, after an unexpected frost....the pumpkins are out.....all that's left is a trip to the orchard. Which we are saving until my parents come back through town.....

Let's see what's happened since my last entry.....My parents have been down to visit a couple times, as has Jim. This last visit from Jim (last week) was a babysitting visit. I went to Ft. Myers, FL to visit my grandma for her 82 birthday, a tradition I've had since my grandpa passed away 7 years ago. It takes some juggling of time and people, but it's worth it for me to spend some time with her. The boys missed me,but enjoyed the 'spoiling' that went on in my absence. Trips to Costco, for samples, trips to Menards, for ......whatever, good food, video games, constant attention on a multitude of topics.....trips to Target for coloring supplies.....thank you, Jim. For taking care of my boys while I was away! I truly appreciate it!
The boys are enjoying school, and like ever year, we always have some rigamaroll.....getting Jack settled. But this year has been the easiest yet, which we are grateful for, and expect every year, as he remediates. Heath loves school and wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't have a little crush on his teacher...(I'm not jealous...simply commenting...; ( ) Anyhoo......

Not much new, besides what I've mentioned. No new pictures. Sorry. No new singing from Heath either. Sorry.

As fall continues, I will post any goings on.....love you!

Heath

This blog is dedicated to Heath. Since his favorite color is red.... so is the print. Last week was his first week of Young 5s. Hard to believe I have a 7 and 5 year old. (I know every parent says that) Here are some cute pictures I took of Heath, plus a video. Hope you're enjoying the unseasonably warm fall.

Good bye summer

Hello, friends and family. Another summer, come and gone. Like my dad said, "Labor Day is sort of a sad day. Everyone goes home." It's true. Summer is always a mixed bag for us. The lack of routine can be great for Jack and tough on him as well. I love the warm weather and the activities that come with that. Heath is such an outside boy that he thrives in the summer. Craig takes extra vacation so he can enjoy these warm months with family as well.

Here's a visual recap....

































It was such a wonderful summer! We got to see so many friends and family. I don't want to consider this the end.....more, the beginning, of a new season. Back to school, autumn, Thanksgiving, Christmas.....I'll keep you posted on all that the Tamlyn boys (and their Mom) are doing. Love you!