Happy Halloween!

Halloween festivities continued on Saturday, with party at the local park district.  While it was a bit chilly, we had fun on the hayride, "painting" a pumpkin, decorating a cookie, playing on the playground, and Brooke even tried the moonwalk bouncing house thing...though she crawled in the "door" and immediately froze up, so Mom had to coax her to the side then out.  Guess it was a little scary, especially with big boys jumping around.  She also could not be convinced to go into the "haunted tunnel." 

However, the highlight was the "train ride". She had lots of fun, though the pictures don't show many smiles.

On Sunday, Brooke started the day sporting her Happy Halloween shirt.

Keira wore her Halloween onesie.

Later, picture time on the porch by the pumpkins!  Brooke was an Iowa cheerleader...Fight Fight Fight for Iowa...

Then trick-or-treating! As kids started coming to the door Brooke couldn't wait to head out!  Mom had to hurry to put Keira to bed before going out with her.  Brooke REALLY enjoyed the trick-or-treating, and by watching other kids she learned to run from house to house.  After each house she'd say "No going home, next house".  We went down our street and another street, and by the time we got home she was saying her feet hurt.  But she sure was excited about the candy...which is odd since we don't give her candy.

Happy Halloween!  Note to Mom, next year, get warmer costumes!

Welcome Cousin Conall!

We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of cousin Conall -- Uncle Brad and Aunt Heather's baby.  He arrived on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 11:37am.  He was a week late.  Seems to be a common trait of the Steeves boys babies!  (Brooke, Keira and Conall all 1 week late!)

We can't wait to meet him, as evidenced by the dancing!

Treesdale Halloween Party

Let the Halloween Week festivities begin!  Brooke dressed up in her costume (an Iowa cheerleader) for a trip up to our neighborhood Halloween party.  She made a couple crafts and decorated a cookie (which I think Dad ate later that night).

Keira came along too, but resigned herself to hanging out in the car seat carrier.

In the end, there were smiles of a successful outing!

Annual Families Trip -- Diamond Lake, Michigan

We took our 5th annual trip with our good friends -- returning to Diamond Lake, Michigan (went there Aug 2008).  It was logistically the best option as it didn't involve flying and provided lots of activities to keep the kids busy.  Here is a shot of the lively crew, all dressed in their Halloween gear.  From left to right: Molly & Hailey, Sam & Charlie, Keira & Brooke.

The first day, we discovered swans on the lake.

 

Then, despite poor weather, we went apple picking (a very determined Scott was not going to leave MI without apples!).  While it was pretty windy and cold, we all had a great time and came home with TONS of apples (2 pies are in the freezer already).  (pictures: Molly & Sam in strollers, with Charlie checking up on them; Heather & Hailey, Scott helping Brooke pick apples, Jen pulling wagon of apples, Erin & Charlie by pumpkins)

The next day we went to a pumpkin farm which had a big corn maze.  The kids had to get their "tickets" stamped at each of 9 spots throughout the maze. 

 We went on a hay ride -- a "private" hay ride as we were the only people at this corn maze/pumpkin patch!

Later that night we roasted hot dogs over the fire in the backyard.

Keira loves being outside.

So did Molly and Sam.

The next day's activities included baking cookies while lots of football watch ensued.

And to top off the fun weekend, leaf pile jumping, thanks to the hard raking work of Erin!

Overall, another great trip with wonderful friends!  Already looking forward to next year when the babies will perhaps be mobile.

Keira Playing Peek-A-Boo

We've learned we must be very careful leaving blankets, shirts, pants, etc. near Miss Keira.  She has a love for pulling them over her face and then squirming around happily.  Perhaps she's playing peek-a-boo with her imaginary friends?

I truly fear she'll suffocate herself one day!

And yes, she is wearing Christmas pajamas (those are reindeer on her footsies)...this week has involved a few more than normal pj changings in the night.

Soergel's Pumpkin Patch 2010

For the 2nd year in a row, we visited a local pumpkin patch (Soergel's) to gather our pumpkins for the porch steps and the corn stalks for the light post.  This year we went on a Tuesday, thinking it was better to go during the week to avoid the crowds.  It was actually sort of boring without all the people milling about and the weekend games and activites!  Next year we'll go back on the weekend, plus, Brooke will be old enough to enjoy the activities then. 

We found it odd that we were the only ones up in the field picking pumpkins, and that we had to carry our pumpkin down the hill ourselves (or rather, Scott had to).  We were later reprimanded because that upper pumpkin patch is closed during the week.  Opps, we didn't know, and didn't see any signs!

After picking our pumpkins, we stopped by the animal barn and saw a donkey, a pig, turkeys, sheep and I forget what else.

Overall, a great day!

Pumpkin Patch 2010 - Yeck's

We went to a local pumpkin patch.  Lots of pumpkins to choose from, and great for pictures!  there was also a petting barn with Brooke like (donkey, goats, sheep, cow, turkeys).  Keira enjoyed the outing and stayed warm.

Brooke wandered among the pumpkins.

And guarded her sister from the Great Pumpkin.

Here are some "professional" pictures captured by a friend's friend:

Sherman joins the Family

Brooke (and Keira) have a new friend: Sherman.  He is life-sized stuffed dog.  Brooke enjoys carrying him around the house, sitting on him, him joining her on chairs, etc.  (aside, yes, Brooke is wearing a pumpkin bib....she riffled through Keira's drawers and put it on one morning)

Maddie doesn't seem too threatened, though we fear coming home one day and finding him a bit chewed on, by Maddie.  His large size often surprises/scares us if we walk by a room and he's in there.  You tend to think it is Maddie, when it's not!