Fall in Weilerbach

I drive past this area daily to and from base. On the way to pick up Jackson from school yesterday I took the time to stop and take pictures. It's hard to capture the beauty of fall on the camera, but I hope at least I did it some justice. I love this time of year!

Kids' Halloween Activities

For preschool Grace had "Farm and Barn" day at school. She was so excited to dress up like a kitty cat.

After preschool we rushed off to Jackson's school for his Halloween activities. In the afternoon they were able to dress up in their costumes during the special centers that were set up. Jason and I worked at the pumpkin carving center. It was fun working with the kids carving the pumpkin. Most of the kids didn't want to scoop out the pumpkin guts, but had fun doing the actual carving.

Here is Spiderman Jackson with his friend Taylor.
Working on carving the pumpkins.
It was fun to see the kids during their kinder routines with Mrs. Bryant. She is such an excellent teacher!

Trick or Treat!

Hard to believe it's that time of year again...

The kids were so excited about trick or treating! We decided to fight the crowds on base so the kids could join in the festivities. We stayed out about an hour and that was perfect for the kids.

Jackson went through many costume changes this year. Friday night for the fall festival at church he was Batman, on Saturday he was Obi-Wan Kenobi, then finally for the party in his kinder class he was Spiderman. Thankfully these costumes were ones I already had and didn't have to buy any (including Grace's) this year. I wish I had more of Jackson, but he was off and running from house to house.

We have plenty candy to last us for the months to come. The kids don't ask for it too much...thankfully!

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Cinderella

Mason, Willow, Jackson, Grace and Ella
and new to the bunch this year...Cooper! He is such a cutie!
Ella and Grace couldn't wait to trick or treat together. It was fun to get this shot because I have one from last year (below). It will be fun to get one every year to see their costumes and how much they change from year to year.

These two photos are from last year. They have grown so much in just 12 months! Definitely two peas in a pod.

Pumpkin Patch

Since Wednesday was a teacher workday the preschool decided to take a family field trip to the pumpkin patch. The kids were very excited about going!

We had a great time seeing the animals at the farm as well as going out to the pumpkin patch. Because the temperature has already been below freezing at night, there weren't many good pumpkins on the ground. Thankfully the farm had some saved for us from before the freeze.

We will definitely be going back next year...just before the weather starts to freeze at night.

Balance Bike

Grace has been getting really good at her balance bike lately. She loves to get out and ride when she can. At the rate she is going, in the spring/summer time she will be ready for a two wheeler!

Holland for Columbus Day

For Columbus Day weekend we drove up to Holland with some friends for a nice, relaxing weekend. It is about a 5 hour drive...perfect for a 3 day weekend. The Greens have never been there so they were very excited about seeing a different part of Europe.

On Saturday (which was my birthday) we rode the bus into Amsterdam from the village we were staying in. We had perfect weather for walking around and seeing the sights.

Sunday was a little windy when we woke up, but we decided to ride our bikes into one of the surrounding villages. We intended to see more, but it started to rain and the wind picked up. So...we rode our bikes back to the cabin. It was about 30 mile/hour winds and light rain, not exactly biking weather. Poor Jackson couldn't stay on his bike. The wind kept blowing him over! So he hopped on Lon's handel bars and Lon rode back about 4 km. We were so happy to be back in the cabin after that yucky ride!

All in all it was a fantastic trip!

I forgot to put this sunrise picture in. Isn't it beautiful?

This is the village we stayed in just outside of Amsterdam.

Home sweet home.

The kids, Willow, Mason, Jackson and Grace
Grace is getting really good on her balance bike. It won't be much longer and she will be on a two wheeler!
The boys after a ride around the campground.
Bus ride into Amsterdam.
Boat taxi in Amsterdam



Lon cooking us dinner on the grill.

Gracie's ride behind Jason's bike.
Group shot in Marken.




It's amazing to see the process of how they make wooden shoes.
Trying on the dutch hat.
The village of Marken was so unique. It's almost like something out of a movie.

Liz posting with our FAVORITE cheese...Old Amsterdam. Yummy!!

Thank you Greens and Lon for a great, memorable trip!!