Family Pictures

We haven't had any family pictures taken the past few years so when one of our friends - a great photographer - gave a shout out about open sessions one weekend, we jumped at the chance.  Here's the fruit of her labor!  I love to compare these pictures to the pictures from 2 years ago.  It is amazing how fast our kids grow.  

Jelly Belly Factory

 We traveled to Chicago a few weekends ago to celebrate Matt's cousin, Jenny's birthday.  Matt's dad flew into Chicago for a high school reunion then drove out to see us for a few days.  We all drove to Chicago for the weekend to celebrate with family.  While in Grayslake, this car was in our hotel parking lot! 

We did lots of driving - letterboxing and checking out the newest additions to the area.  Many memories for Matt & his dad as we drove around!

We finished our weekend at the Jelly Belly Factory just south Kenosha.  The kids loved the little train ride and us adults found the history to be very interesting.  Of course, the favorite for all of us was the gift shop (with samples!!). 

It was wonderful to spend the weekend with Matt's dad and extended family.  It is always too short!  The kids loved having Grandpa around as well as swimming at the hotel.  We laughed and enjoyed our time and of course, ate lots of great food!

Halloween & Other Fall Festivals

My mom & I  took the kids back to Fulton, IL to Heritage Canyon.  It was "Beggar's Night".  We had just recently heard about this tradition and decided to give it a try.  While it didn't take long to walk around the canyon, it was a beautiful afternoon and we enjoyed our time there.

We chose the traditional "Little House on the Prairie" and "Davy Crockett" costumes, those seemed to fit the time frame a bit better than Hippies, Genies & Superman!

Isn't this tree amazing - look at its roots!!

 Afterwards, we visited the Fulton windmill since my mom had never seen it.  We look forward to starting this as a family tradition.

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We had a busy Halloween!  The kids' school had a Halloween Parade just before school let out for the day.

 We then headed to Matt's work for Trick-or-Treating around the office.  This is a wonderful tradition that has been going on as long as Matt has worked there (6 years).

Next stop, Becki's parents and their neighbors (we call them aunt & uncle!).  Here are the kids stopping at Grammy & Grandad's for some treats!

 We then traveled across the river to my sister's house to trick-or-treat their neighborhood.  We started this extended family tradition a few years ago and love having the kids trick-or-treating together. 

A very long, fun day!  Lots of candy and special treats!!

Be Prepared and Try Your Best!

Will and Matt recently joined a local Boy Scout Troop.  We are very proud of Will and all the he has accomplished in the last month!  He is really trying hard to learn the promise, law, sign, salute, handshake and motto.  He loves going to the meetings and activities!  There are many days he will sit and read his Tiger Cub Book.  We are praying that this is a learning experience for Will - emotionally, physically & spiritually.