Let's Transform

The Transformers leader Optimus Prime and his sidekick, second in command, BumbleBee headed out for some trick-or-treating fun this Halloween.

The boys were really excited to be Transformers and picked their costumes out quite early this year. They were super excited to have shields, as DG would say, to protect them for "shoot guns." Of course, I see we didn't pose with them!

As usual, we were excited to head out with our cousins! EK was an adorable kitten and Sir NR was a Knight! Thanks Cousin IM for the spooky decorations in the background!

It was quite the adventure! With Nana and Papa graciously handing out candy at each of our homes, we both got to make the neighborhood round with the boys (so did Uncle S and Aunt M). Although it was a cool weather night with no wind, we had a fun night marching along.

DG was not too thrilled by all the masks. But with encouragement from Mommy and some one-on-one with Aunt M, who informed she didn't really like them either, he was more confident. Commenting along the way, "I'm brave! I looked at the mask and I wasn't scared." or "Do not be afraid. God is with me! (Isaiah 41:10).

One house in the neighborhood you have to actually enter to get your treat! With the spooky lights and noises, DG was not thrilled and passed on the candy. VW, NR, and EK were sure to get their share. IM and friends later explored the place and end up having "a hitchhiker" after daring to stop in. The hitchhiker spooked them around house, cars and bushes before they finally lost him!

After making sure we went to the few houses in the neighborhood that hand out full size candy, DG informed us "time is running out for my feet!" We called it a night and carried him home. 

VW and DG sorted two of their four bags of candy, finding their favs and trading a few! Then headed to bed for a fun, spooky, fulfilling night! 

Trick-or-Treat

Pumpkin Carving

Annual pumpkin carving, when the parents carve and carve, and the boys run around the house. Well, this year the stuck around a little while, watching Daddy diligently carve with his craftsmanship and sharp knife!

VW thought he might try to eat the pumpkin innards.

But in reality, he really doesn't like getting dirty...so pumpkin slime and seeds are just not his thing.

But the cleaning out and carving continued with great success.

And posing with your pumpkins in the dark after Mommy and Daddy do most of the work...is totally worth it!

Intense Hills and Fun

I caved into the peer pressure once again and began training for my first 10.5 mile trail run! My friend DC actually wanted me to run the Chicago marathon with her and I agreed to the 10.5 mile run instead.

Both being XX runners (DC college runner), we thought continuing the "glory" days on the trails would be fun. She trained for her marathon and hit the nice, even, non-hilly, smooth surfaces of my training grounds at Lake Z. This here is the first clue of what NOT to do when training for running the trails. Ready - Set - Here we come...

We woke to the beautiful sunrise.

Poised and shivered by the starting line!

Found our collegue who founded GOATZ

Here is the starting line and the first runners...we are in here somewhere. 

 

 

First sign of what is in store for us...first hill of the day!

 

 

Oh my! I was not prepared...single file running, sometimes in ruts with enough room for one foot in front of the other, hill after hill (I reminded myself often...what goes up, must come down), dodging horse poo and tree roots, ducking under limbs, jumping over limbs and water...all while maitaining the pace of the crowd, encouraging other runners, making sure they're okay when you hear "ugh" and trying to enjoy the beauty surrounding you. Sometimes it was just you and nature and you wondered if you were on the right path!

I did have one very close one, when I lost my balance (not sure my feet were getting very far off the ground) and I tripped, flailing arms and all...but I made it. After awhile another run passed me with a "great save!" And I thought no one was watching!

I made it to the finish line! YAY! Gave our boss, LI, a thumbs up as she cheered me in! It was so awesome she came out to cheer on her "crazy" staff.

YAY! DC running in strong!

 

Finished under 2-hours meeting my goal!

With some pride of accoumplishment and new sense of committing myself to the challenge! I did it! Was so fun! So glad I caved into the peer pressure once again! Sore ankles and knees and a blister, but all in one piece and ready for the next event!

Splish Splash It's Santa in the Bath

These two are still having the most fun at bath time. Water ends up everywhere, soap gets in our eyes and there is a LOT of hitting, but at the end of the day bath time with your brother is tons of fun!

Here is their most recent rendition of Santa...

I think this bath ended with you are DONE taking baths together...all you do is hurt each other! *Sigh*