Happy, Happy Halloween to all!

We had a very fun Halloween this year, and I think Brooke enjoyed the little tastes of candy she got all weekend!


The fun started at daycare, with a Halloween Party, and a parade. Brooke wore her Mummy Bib & Pumpkin shirt for the festivities.

The neighbors have a fun tradition of "booing" each other at Halloween. This consists of leaving a surprise on your neighbor's front door step, and then knocking on the door and running. You are then supposed to "Boo" two more houses. Brooke was very happy to go through the bucket of treats.

Then on Saturday, we spent the evening at one of our neighbor's for a Halloween party. Nick & I brought back out the hippie costumes, and Brooke went as a little ladybug.

Brooke had a good time at the party playing with the other little kids.

The older kids at the party enjoyed a pie eating contest. Good thing they did it in the garage, it was quite messy!

Do you like my hat I made at daycare??

Ooooooo.....

Watching a little T.V. with daddy. Hmm..."I wonder if Elmo is on??"

All ready for trick-or treating fun!

Brooke's first candy for the bag!!



Brooke helped Gracie & Sophie go through their candy inventory at the end of the evening.


Sammy was hoping Brooke would think his fireman costume was pretty cute, but I think she got scared instead :)

Little Piggy Bank

We took out Brooke's little piggy bank this evening, and were amazed how quickly she knew where to put the coins!! I figured I better ask Miss T in the morning if there was a piggy bank at daycare she had been praticing on! (Turns out there is the same one there....I guess Brooke isn't quite that slick just yet!)

More Shelly Feeding

These two just entertain me. Here is another short video :)

Happy Baby Shower Bethany!!

I was so excited to get to see one of my college roommates, Bethany, in Toledo this past weekend for her baby shower!! Unfortunately, only one of my other roommates, Sandy, was able to make it to the shower, & my other 6 roomies couldn't :( However, fun for me, they all sent over some money so I could do lots, and lots of shopping for baby stuff!! Now, that I know what Brooke thinks is fun, and what was really useful shopping for baby stuff is really fun.

Here is a picture of Brooke checking out all the items. I don't think she was very happy they were being given away.

Everything all wrapped and ready to go!! I must say I think this is one of my fancier wrapping jobs.

What a glowing, beautiful, prego Bethany!

Brooke also made a few friends at the shower.

Everyone got to decorate a bib for the baby! I must say, I think Sandy & mine were some of the best! Sandy "Party at My Crib 3 A.M, Bring Your Own Bottle" & Mine "I'm Even Cuter at 2 A.M.".

Ciaran stopped by the shower to check out all the fun baby toys. Actually, I think he got stuck when he snuck over for food, and Bethany said "Why don't you sit right here and help!" :)

Too bad my other roomies couldn't make it, but it was wonderful seeing Sandy & Bethany for a few hours!!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

A quick visit with Grandma & Grandpa Spokane

On the way back home Sunday, we made a quick stop at Grandma & Grandpa Spokane's house.



Grandpa was trying to teach Brooke his sophisticated puzzle skills!



On our way out of town, we stopped by the small cemetery in downtown Bellbrook. A cemetery isn't normally the place I choose to spend my afternoons, but it was actually really neat. It was interesting to read the different tombstones, and wonder about the people.



One example was a man buried with a woman on each side. One passed away at the age of only 20ish, and the other around 60ish. He lived until around 80. The women's birthdays were within 3 years of each other, so that meant it couldn't be a mother / daughter, so the guess is two wives. It was neat to think about the fact he saved the spot next to his first wife, to be buried there 60 years later, but also the fact his second wife passed away before he did, and was actually next to his first one for 20 years! Who knows if that really is what happened, but interesting to think about and guess.



The real reason we went to the cemetery was to check out the trees. They were just beautiful maples, with huge openings in the middle. Brooke had a fun time climbing this one!

Happy 60 Years Young Grandpa!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Father-in-Law! We were glad that it worked out well for our trip to Cincy and to be able to celebrate my father-in-law's 60th birthday!
Here is a picture of the whole family enjoying an absolutely delicious dinner of steak, crab legs, twice baked potatoes, and much more! Mmmm...its was so, so yummy. Starting with Nick & going clock wise around the table...Nick (oldest), Randy (second oldest), Simon (youngest), Bob (second youngest), dad (aka..Tom & Grandpa), Nicole (Bob's wife), mom (aka...Joyce & Grandma), and Brooke hiding in her chair!

Three very happy generations!

"Happy birthday to you...Happy birthday too youuuuuuu!"

Almost, all the boys...of course Simon had to sneak out before the picture :( Brooke filled in the spot for him...I will have to work on my photo shopping skills in the future!

A day with the Buchmans....

Saturday, was a great day of relaxing and hanging out with Nick's parents & family.

Brooke loved the new tunnel that Grandma got her! However, I think she also liked the box it came in just as much.

Brooke getting her exercises with Grandma on the giant bouncy ball!

Playing on the pint sized rocking chair with Uncle Randy!

Brooke enjoying some more time in her box, and saying hi to Nachos! Thanks Aunt Nicole!

Grandpa decided the boring old box just wasn't good enough for his favorite granddaughter (works well for Brooke being the only grandchild for now!), and added wheels to the bottom! Silly Grandpa!
Then it was off to the nearby park! One of Brooke's favorite things to play with are leaves. She loves the crinkle sound they make, and how much fun they are to tear into little pieces.

Down the big slide with daddy!

Lots of fun on the swing with Grandma!

"Hmmm...what's up Grandpa?"

What a cute picture these two make!