Halloween

This year Izzy dressed up as a zombie ballerina...

and Dylan decided to go as a Ducks football player.

They had tons of fun trick-or-treating, and came home with way too much candy! I was in charge of Dylan's class party. We played games, ate healthy snacks, and carved faces into apples to make shrunken heads. It was so much fun! The middle schools don't allow dressing up, so Izzy didn't get to wear her costume to school. Fine by me...I'd like to get rid of the holiday altogether, but that's not going to happen. I'll keep hoping in the meantime!
We hope you all had a happy and safe halloween :)

First Swim Meet

Today was Izzy's first swim meet. She competed in the 50 Free, 100 Free, 50 Back, and 100 IM. She did awesome!

Starting block

A quick breath

Tired girl and her proud dad :)

Pumpkins

Izzy and Dylan and their favorite little green guys!

Mike Wazowski

Yoda

Fun Run

On Friday, Dylan participated in his school's fun run. It was so much fun! I went to volunteer, and I was blown away. There was a giant arch of green and white balloons at the finish line and a sound system blaring songs like "Eye of the Tiger" to get the kids pumped. Parents lined the course with cow bells and signs, there were aid stations along the way, and snacks for the kids at the finish. They all got swag bags filled with prizes for participating, and there was a raffle after the race. Dylan won a really cool new lunch box. A big thanks to everyone who donated money in his name; he was so geeked out and took the race very seriously! He and his friend Codiac ran 11 laps in 20 minutes--the best in their class. Way to go!!

Kayaking

It's been a while since we took the kayak out for a spin. Since the weather was perfect, and we live less than two minutes from the river, we decided to spend an afternoon on the water. I wish that I could describe the smell of the junipers and do justice with pictures to the fall colors, but it's just not possible. Luke soaked in the sun and read, the kids played until they were ready to drop, and we all went home happy and hungry. Long story short, it was an amazing day!

Dylan tried his hand at skipping rocks

It was his first time in the kayak alone, and he did awesome! It seemed every time I looked over, I was watching the back of his head as he paddled away.

The sun on the water was brilliant. A big dose of vitamin D was just what the doctor ordered!

The kiddos wanted to pose on the otter. Isabelle LOVES otters.

Izzy shared the water with a paddle-boarder and her dog for a bit

While I was out on the water, the kids made little boats.

Dylan's boat :)

Unicycling

I couldn't help sneaking into the gym this morning to take a picture of Dylan during unicycling. What a stud! His elementary offers free unicycle classes before school, and he is loving it. Unicycling teaches things like centering, concentration, and neuromuscular training (linking the brain to the body to develop good nerve function). Dylan doesn't care so much about the benefits; he just thinks it's a riot. He was able to get up on the first day, and has been able to ride about 5 feet. It will take some practice and patience, but I know he can do it!

October Road

Izzy and Dylan in October 2007
Mike and Lori's cabin

Fast forward 6 years to October 2013
Shevlin Park