September and October 2012

September 2012
This month has flown by! We ended the month with a visit from Grandma Jane. We had two special occasions - 1: Peter's 6th birthday and 2: Grandma's retirement! Yippee!  So many wonderful blessings to celebrate.

Peter's birthday on September 26th was great. We had a simple dinner and cupcakes at home on the actual birthday day.

Birthday cupcakes and a mini-cooper car

Bedtime

We celebrated with family and friends on September 28th, by having a small party at the Top Kick martial arts studio where the kids take lessons.  Master Kenny kept the kids busy with games and activities, then we had cake.  Simple. Fun.

Yummy Costco Cake! :)

On September 20th we (Jeff) participated in a cornhole tournament at our new friend's home down the street. Very fun, and relaxed event - with lots of mini-ride on cars...?

 
October 2012
This month was even busier than September! 

October 7-9 I had to travel to Denver (again, twice this year already) for a work meeting.  It was productive but travel always takes its toll on not just me, but the family as well.

October 13th we hosted a large neighborhood open house to welcome our friends the Madigans to the neighborhood. We had a great turnout, and the food was fantastic.  Lots of beverages were flowing, and friendly neighborly greetings abound.

October 14th Peter went to his friend's birthday party, and Josie and I attended a Girls Group meeting at the church.  It will meet once a month for girls in grades 2-5th. 

October 20th we visited family in Frederick, MD to celebrate two little birthdays - Patrick and Elise.  It was a dress-up party, so the kids got a chance to try out their Halloween costumes.

Not sure which is scariest - Josie's big eyes or the fact that they switched beverages

Min-Zombie Hunter reporting to duty

Birthday cakes

Bad angle, but such cute costumes!

The birthday boy, Patrick, and birthday girl, Elise with mommie flinstone

Our princess Josie Witch

This event was followed by a nice visit from Grandpa Poppi who stayed with us for a few days.  Grandpa brought with him some photos of when he was in the Navy to share with Josie, who was collecting pictures for a Veteran's Day slideshow at school.  It was so nice to see them talking and sharing together.

Poppi sharing storied with Josie

Grandpa and me

Auntie Karen came for a short visit, too

Our 9th anniversary came this month, although we have been so busy we didn't do much.  The weekend afterwards, we took the kids to the restaurant where we had our reception, Lightfoot in Leesburg.  We enjoyed a very nice dinner together - the kids really behaved fabulously!


Finally, Halloween....
Our mini-Zombie Hunter and little pink-haird witch had a great time, and of course gathered too much candy...