pumpkin carving

We had a great time carving pumpkins this year. It was in the 60s, so we were comfortable out on the deck. I realized I could wear rubber gloves and then I didn't mind doing any of the cleaning out or carving. Usually the pumpkin guts gross me out! I was also able to gather a lot of seeds to roast.

Jane did her pumpkin all by herself!

Malcolm was excited about the donuts Daddy was making.

Here is Nate's, then Malcolm's (which Nate carved), then my fish/bubbles pumpkin, then Jane's.

Halloween party

We loved Duncan's robot costume!

The kids got to trick or treat at cardboard houses with older kids handing out prizes. Malcolm decided not to thank the big kids, so he wasn't allowed to trick-or-treat anymore. We'll see what he does on the real night when candy's involved!

Look at the yummy treats. They sure didn't want lunch after this!

Cassidy became a scary cat with these teeth!

more walking in the woods

Jane, Lily and Malcolm ran ahead of us in the woods.

The kids went "fishing"

Lily caught a lily pad!

pumpkins, take two

Our first pumpkins rotted so we went back for some more!

walking the dog

We joined our friends Nicole and Eliana for a walk with their new puppy, Lana.

Snacktime on a rock.

trick or treat?

Jane and Malcolm put on their old costumes the other night and pretended to go trick-or-treating during our evening walk!

Cape Ann

For our 10th wedding anniversary we decided to take a trip to Gloucester and Rockport.

We first arrived at Maritime Gloucester, a small museum and aquarium. For some reason, Malcolm completely freaked out and didn't want to go. He had just eaten, so I knew he wasn't hungry. We took turns with him outdoors until he calmed down, and then he did fine. I wish we knew what he was afraid of!

There was a fun room with toy buildings, boats and people. The kids had a good time playing with them!

The outdoor aquarium was very fun and nobody else was there. We saw crabs, starfish, lobsters, and all kinds of other animals.

Next we headed to Rockport to visit the Paper House. It's a house made with paper (a little wood and glass also) and most of the stuff inside was made of paper.

Afterwards we stopped at Granite Pier. It was cold and windy but very beautiful!

Jane stuck her arms inside her dress because she was so cold.

Finally we checked into the hotel and went swimming in the pool. At the end of it all, I think this was the kids' favorite activity!

We had dinner at The Pub at Cape Ann Brewery, and it was fun and delicious!

We walked around a little outside afterwards.

The kids got to have whatever they wanted for breakfast the next morning. Malcolm had cinnamon raisin toast and Jane had chocolate chip pancakes. I think they were full because they never asked for a morning snack!

I would've taken more pictures of the Fisherman's Memorial but it had just started raining. Jane and Malcolm had a great time running back and forth on the sidewalk right next to the ocean.

Next up was Halibut Point State Park.

First we went to the quarry.

Then we wanted to find the ocean. Jane was the leader on our hike!

The foliage was really pretty.

I was glad we didn't tell the kids there were hiking trails. They love hiking once we get going but when we tell them beforehand, all we hear is a big: "NO!!!"

Our last stop before heading home was Bear Skin Neck, which you can read about on this sign.

We got coffee, looked at a few shops and the ocean.

Then we had lunch and visited a candy shop afterwards.

It was a fun trip!

bowling!

Jane's friend Jacob had a bowling birthday party over the weekend. Jane had a great time!

Malcolm didn't want to go but after hearing about it when we got home, he definitely wants to try bowling sometime. I'm glad I have a new idea of something to do when it's not nice outside.

Oktoberfest

We went to Grammy's barn to have our 8th (or 9th?) annual Oktoberfest celebration. She got out Uncle Abe's old toy truck and the kids loved playing with it!

This is Nana's pumpkin spice cake; her birthday was the day before!

Jane shared some of her new beads with her cousin Brooke.