Halloween 2014

The boys are always so excited for Halloween.  This morning when Carter first got up, he came into my room "Mom, are you excited for my Halloween party today?"  He was pumped and could hardly wait to get to school.  I was able to volunteer at his fall party today and we had so much fun together.  Halloween Bingo, scarecrow scavenger hunt, fall leaf paintings, and a fall lantern.  I was able to watch a little of their costume parade (while setting up for the next craft project in his classroom).  I also went to lunch with both boys.  They went trick-or-treating and I had 120 trick-or-treaters (a new record) at our house.  It was a busy night!  :)

Halloween Bingo:

Carter won at Bingo :)

Carter and his buddy, Griffin:

In the Halloween parade:

Fall leaf painting:

Lanterns:

Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty:

Freddy:

Gone are the days of the cute, cuddly costumes.  This is my new reality!

Instagram

Time for an Instagram update:

I moved my fish inside for the winter a couple of weeks ago.  This one is older than Ryan, over 10 years old!

Ryan's football game, Josh scoring under the lights:

Mall of America Nickelodeon's Universe with my boys:

Carter's wiped after Nickelodeon Universe:

We celebrated my friend and coworker's 20th Anniversary at Target:

Ryan's last football game of the season:

Kyle's confirmation rehearsal and pictures:

Carter playing with his "new" Legos, passed down from my neighbor's son:

Shrubs and perennials trimmed, new tree landscaped around:

Grandpa had a slumber party with Carter:

Kyle's Confirmation

Kyle was confirmed today at Family of Christ Church in Ham Lake.  This has been our church home for the past 7 years.  He was in a confirmation class of 62.  The church was packed!  We are so proud of Kyle on his confirmation milestone!!!

Kyle's name on his chair at the front of the church:

Kyle's picture on the slideshow scrolling before confirmation started:

Kyle walking in:

62 confirmands (Kyle is the 3rd one from the right in the front row):

Kyle with Pastor Griffin, Pete Hiller, and Nate Speerbrecker:

Parents and Godparents walking up to join Kyle:

Ryan was taking these pictures :)

Blessing Kyle:

Kyle receiving his stole:

 Kyle with Evan and his Mom, Mel:

Kyle and Evan:

Our family:

Kyle with Grandpa and Grandma:

All 7 of us:

Proud parents:

Kyle and Pete Hiller.  Pete met with Kyle privately to catch him up to his class.  He was awesome to work with:

Our family in front of the church:

Celebration dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings after confirmation.  (He chose the location to watch football during dinner).  Opening his cards/gifts:

Happy with his confirmation money :)

 Opening a box with a rosary Evan picked out for him:

Evan explaining the rosary to Kyle:

Kyle with his rosary and box:

Kyle's stole and rose from today's service.  God Bless You, Kyle!!!

Nickelodeon Universe

There was no school Wednesday through Friday last week.  Most of the state recognizes MEA break Thursday and Friday, so we always hit the Mall of America on Wednesday when it tends to be quiet.  This week was no exception.  The boys could walk up to any ride they wanted and get right on.  It was great!  We had such a fun day and we were so worn out by the time we headed home!

Ryan's favorite ride - Rock Bottom Plunge.  He went on this many times!

Another favorite for the boys - Brain Surge:

At the entrance, with the bronzed Sponge Bob statue:

At Lego Land, both of the boys made 3 minifigures to bring home:

This one nearly caused Carter to get sick, he went on it right after lunch.  It is called Avatar, a giant surfboard that goes back and forth, and you spin the entire time:

Smiles once it was over for both, Carter's panic was over when it stopped.  Needless to say, I don't think he'll be going on there anytime soon:

Brain Surge:

Log Chute - the boys love this one.  It is so tough to get a good photo with the water spraying!

Splatosphere - this is one even I would love! :)