Trick or treating overload!!!

This year there were so many fun chances to go trick or treating we just couldn't pass any if them up!  We did Night Eyes at the Zoo, DMU had trickle treating and crafts, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lina had candy and games at there house, trick or treating with the cousins, HyVee trick or treating with Cookie Monster and Elmo, and then finally Waukee trick or treating.  Safe to say we have too much candy!!!  In fact the kids brought some of the candy to their teachers today.  All events were fun and great memories!

DMU had healthy snacks and different crafts.  We first had our snack and then got tattoos.  Hudsen made a ghost.  While we were there we stopped in Dad's office and saw everyone for a little bit.  The kids think Dad works at a pretty cool place!

After DMU we went to Uncle Jeff's and Aunt Lina's house where they had pin the nose on the pumpkin and spin the kid into a mummy.  The kids loved the games!

On Wednesday night we went to Brandon and Kari's to trick or treat with the cousins.  We are so lucky to live Di close to everyone and have these memories together!

Our final trick or treating was in our neighborhood on Thursday night.  We only lasted a short time and then the kids were ready to go home and see the cool packages our neighbors had given them. 

After a full week of Halloween fun, the kids were zonked out watching The Great Pumpkin.  Sugar crash!!!

DSM Half

On Sunday October 21st I crossed something off my bucket list...I completed the DSM Half!!  My average mile pace was 10:40.  It was difficult and draining but it was so worth at the end. At about mile11.5 I saw the best sight..I saw Jarren and the kids and my Mom and Dad. The kids were holding up signs and had the biggest smiles.  It was the extra boost I needed to finish the run.  At the end Hudsen and Eleanor both gave me big high fives and hugs.  Jeff and Lina were at the finish line too.  I have the best supporters!!!! 

It was a day I will never forget!  

Night Eyes at the Zoo!

Every year the Blank Park Zoo has an event around Halloween called Night Eyes.  This year the weather was nice the first night so we decided to get dressed up and go.  It was SO much fun!  The kids loved seeing the animals and everyone dressed up.  They also liked that there was candy too :)  

The Greatest Show on Earth!

Last year Hudsen went to the circus with Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lina.  This year I had the pleasure of having the little man as my date.  We met Kim and Vance there and had 2 hrs of fun filled entertainment!  

Hudsen and I thought the dogs with the camels were pretty funny.

Hudsen and Vance at intermission having some popcorn.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was the perfect day to head to the pumpkin patch.  The weather was beautiful and the kids were in great spirits (and E had a new pair of pink cowboy boots that were perfect to break in at the pumpkin patch.)  We picked up Josie, Jack and Lucy and headed off on our adventure.  Half the fun of these adventures is the ride there with the kids all in the car laughing.

The kids had a great time playing in the bounce house, the corn pit and walking through the maze.  Hudsen and Jack were our leaders through the maze.  There was a small petting zoo and horses.  We made it out with only a few scratches and bruises.  On the way home, Jack and Hudsen were comparing scratches in the back to see who had the most while Lucy and Eleanor were busy reading.  It was a great afternoon and Dad was very jealous of our cool stories from our adventure :)

Henry Doorly Zoo

Off to the Omaha zoo we go! When we told the kids we were going to an even bigger zoo than the Blank Park Zoo, they were beyond excited. They could not wait to show Dad all the animals. Eleanor was excited to see the lions, Hudsen wanted to see the bears, and I was excited to see the monkeys. Dad said he was excited to see the giraffes but he was pretty excited to see the penguins too.

We started off the morning by packing up a lunch to take with us. Then we headed out on our adventure. When we got there the weather was a little chilly so we went inside the Desert Dome and looked around there.

By the time we were done it was nice and sunny out. We then made our way to see the Dinosaurs. Hudsen could not wait! They were pretty cool and very lifelike. The kids did not get too scared (the T-Rex roaring was a little scary but not bad).

After the Dinosaurs we had our lunch. We then made our way around the rest of the zoo and saw all the animals. We were all tired by the time we were done and naps on the way home were much appreciated.

Going to the zoo has quickly become one of the kids favorite adventures. The Henry Doorly Zoo was a nice little drive and fun little family vacation. It is awesome to have the Blank Park Zoo so close, but it was a good change up to go somewhere new!

Trips to the zoo

In August we became members of the zoo and the science center. Since becoming members a month ago, we have already more than paid for our membership and even brought friends with us. Below are some pictures from our trips to the zoo.

The first time we went to the zoo this year, Hudsen and I took Payton with us. These two had a great time looking at the animals and riding the train.

Jack and Lucy went to the zoo with us. Hudsen loved showing them every animal.

Uncle Jeffy came to the zoo with us one afternoon

On Labor Day, we took a family trip to the zoo. The kids loved showing Dad all their favorite animals and riding on the train with him. Hudsen's favorite animal that day was the lion and Eleanor's favorite was the baby monkeys.

Usually we start the zoo trip off with a ride on the train. The train ride always equals BIG smiles!

Hudsen and Eleanor sticking out their tonges like giraffes. So silly!