Trick-or-Treat!

Our downtown had a chili cook-off today, so of course I had to enter! I enjoyed it, and ended up winning 2nd place. I was just arriving home when I saw Jeff had the kids loaded up to go trick-or-treating. They have never gone before!

Joe wore his knight costume this time.

Kaity is again Han Solo (with a Millennium Falcon), Selah is once again "ein kleine mädchen" (a little girl) and Lauryn finally stopped crying at having to wear her skunk costume!

Fall Festival 2015

Wednesday night, our church hosted a fall festival for the kids in our area. I love dressing up, but somehow I never seem to get it together, like I don't know Halloween is coming up! Anyway, I'm thankful my kids are creative enough to make it happen!

Introducing: Kaity as Han Solo!

I'm pretty sure Joe is around here somewhere ...

BOOM. Ninja Joe!

And Selah wanted to be a little German girl again this year. (This was my dirndl from when I was a little girl.)

She was mostly excited about having braids.

Lauryn went as Jane Fonda!

Just kidding. She refused to wear her skunk costume, despite having loved it earlier in the afternoon. She ended up just going in her "adorable toddler" costume - jeans and a t-shirt.

Sisters!

Kaity is FIFTEEN!

I seriously have a hard time believing that I'm writing this post. Especially considering that the first picture I posted on this blog was this one, which was taken with a film camera, developed, scanned and uploaded - a total process that only took a couple of weeks.

April 2006 - Joe was 21 months old. Kaity was 5.

 Anyhoo ... Joe and I made the cake together! I baked a Strawberry Fudge Cake, and Joe used his newly acquired cake decorating skills to pipe designs on it. He has been taking a class through our home school co-op.

He did a green vine with leaves around the top and a purple shell border around the base of the cake.

Thursday night we had a family party at home with all of Kaity's favorite snacks! So, basically we ate bread and cheese. Yay! Feta dip (diced tomatoes, green onion, feta, olive oil, Greek seasoning); multi-grain baguette; cheddar dip with beef, tomatoes and peppers; tortilla chips; Muddy Buddies; and Savory Party Bread.

Daddy and Lauryn

Beautiful Birthday Girl

Joe

Selah

Opening presents! Joe and Selah had so much fun shopping for Kaity's gifts. Joe got her a Star Wars poster, a coloring book with intricate patterns, and new ear buds. Selah (and Lauryn!) got her purple fuzzy socks and an insulated cup.

Grammie joined us for part of the festivities via video chat! She got to watch Kaity open presents and blow out the candles on her cake.

One of Grammie and Bobba's presents had arrived, too - Doctor Who weeping angel pajamas!

Jeff and I got her a new cover for her tablet and a necklace with Link's sword from Legend of Zelda:

"Happy Birthday to You ..."

We played games until late!

Several of the girls from our church youth group organized a surprised birthday party for Kaity during the Sunday night youth service. It was incredibly sweet of them! They had cupcakes and cards and presents and the kids all sang to her. She was completely shocked! We've been blessed to be part of such a loving group.