Happy Halloween!!!

When we were deciding what to be for Halloween this year, Kate said right away that she wanted to be a mermaid. I like to coordinate the kids-- at least as long as I can--and so I was a little hesitant to agree to it at first. "Yeah, but if you're a mermaid, what will Jake be?" She replied without a drop of a hat--"He can be a merman, Mom." I couldn't let that fly-- he's surrounded by glitter and frilly stuff constantly. He needed a tough costume-- something fierce. After some thinking, we figured he'd be the perfect shark. He loved the idea and since I am terrified of the creatures, I figured that was good enough! Somehow, he doesn't quite make me want to hide in a corner though with a pillow over my eyes! The kid is just too darn cute! Happy Halloween!

Carving Time

Last Night was the night. We cranked up the Halloween Music and grabbed our bowls and tools and went to work.

Kate wasn't so sure about the whole cleaning-out-the-pumpkin-thing. It kind of grossed her out. We told her she had to at least get some slime on her hands or she couldn't own her pumpkin. She relented.Jake loved every second of it. He couldn't get enough of poking his pumpkin will all sorts of things...tools, crayons, markers, mini saws...I guess it's true. You don't document your growth as much the more pregnancies you have. Maybe because it's so shocking at how fast your belly pops out! I like to think my body is just extra smart the 3rd time around and it knows just what to do to provide a comfy place for this little guy ;) Yes...I officially have 2 months left, but apparently this one is measuring large, so I'm not surprised if he comes early.They turned out great! Thanks, Joe, for dedicating your pumpking to me :)

So, if you don't know already, one of my favorite things is chocolate covered caramel apples. I LOVE everything about them. I decided a couple of years ago, that I'd make a tradition this time of year of making my own. Why not??? I have my own special concoction that is divine and this time around, the apples at the store were deliciously huge! So they turned out even better and more to go around for everyone! After getting the pumpkins out on the porch and cleaning up our seeds, the kids asked, "So...Can we have a little treat?" Actually, yes! I had the perfect thing.

I heard Kate mention to Joe as he was getting the kids in the bath..."That was the best night ever." I'd say it was pretty high on my list :)

Fall is Here!!!

Maybe not weather-wise, but we needed to go visit one of our favorite "Punkin Patches," as Jake likes to say, over in Half Moon Bay by the coast. We abandoned our coats in the car and enjoyed every second of sunshine together.

Classic

Kate was in HEAVEN at the little petting zoo...she said the bunnies and the pigs were her favorite. Jake just looked concerned that the goat would take him down at any moment!

Nice air!

Searching for the perfect one

Last ride-- check out those nasty feet!!!

What a beautiful day! The traffic coming back over into the Bay was horrendous, so we decided to go have dinner instead-- we ate at the BEST place right on the water-- Sam's Chowder House. Oh was it good! Like the old man sitting outside yelled when I told Joe it was going to be a 45 minute wait... "IT's WORTH IT!" And it was.

And the Winner is...

Ok, so this is the first Hawaii 2010 picture I will post. I know some of you have been waiting for them! I haven't had a chance to hand pick my favorites for this year yet, but that will be my next post-- I promise.

This one is definitely a top though, because in my hand I am holding the envelope that would allow us to peak into our future. We have a little tradition that we started with Kate. We go to the ultrasound and have the doctor write down for us the sex of the baby; he puts it in an envelope and then we open it up at a memorable moment.

We thought our first night in Hawaii would be perfect! Oh, and yes, I'm pregnant :) Due January 4th. Just pray for me that this baby doesn't come early...I really don't want a December birthday for this little one...

Anyway, I digress. The doc wrote on the outside of the envelope, "And the winner is..."

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A BOY!!!!

Taking Advantage of the Sunshine

I love summer. How can you not? The Alameda County Fair is in our backyard, so we have now attended the two years that we've lived here!
Jake really got to enjoy it this year!

Kate and Gracie on the blue slides

Apparently Kate got a faster rug...or does she just weigh more??? Whatever the reason, she seems to be a little surprised with her speed!

"Brik is my friend." Is one of Jake's favorite things to say. Aren't they lucky that they are cousins too?

We also took a little trip this summer to the California Academy of Science...it was my first time there and I loved it!

Could have stayed a lot longer than we did--but now I know we will return!

"Freestyle's My Favorite..."

I don't like the other strokes." Well, at least we learned most of them! Swim team was fantastic this year! Kate met her best swim buddy, Shelby, and the two of them watched out for each other the whole season.

We laughed and cheered and laughed some more with every meet. Some were a little painful to watch and we had to cut our video footage short...but we learned some important lessons... like-- if you bribe your kid with a buck, she'll swim faster than you ever thought possible!

This series was her very first "dive" of her very first swim meet. I love it.

Look at that smile!!!

We can't wait until next season!

Girls Night with BG

How lucky can 4 girls be??? My dad arranged in the middle of the summer for a very special girls night out with BG. We were off to San Francisco to see Peter Pan right on the Bay across from the Ferry building. "Put it on your calendar! It's gonna be great!" Oh and was it ever! Dad never goes half way with anything. He was taking his girls out, so he had to make sure they were outfitted appropriately for their first play in the city. He picked out and ordered these dresses just for the special occasion.

Like I said, how can a girl be so lucky???

We ate dinner at the Ferry Building and walked right over to the play. Everything was perfect-- the weather, the dinner, the company... and the play was EXCELLENT! Highly recommended for anyone thinking of going to see it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, DAD, for making this such a memorable evening--not only for your little girls, but your grown up ones too!

Berryhills in the Treetops

Every 2 years, the Berryhill family gets together for a reunion. It's usually the original family-- mom and dad+ 9 kids+ spouses and all of the children that go with it :) Well, this year was my year to plan it. While on vacation a few years ago, I met a lady who happened to mention this great "treesort" that her family stayed at 10 years prior and her kids were still talking about it--they loved it so much. So I did a little research and discovered "Out 'n' About Treehouses" up in Cave Junction, Oregon. I knew that this is was the place. I couldn't help but sing, "In the Leafy Treetops" the entire time I planned this thing. Maybe it's the primary chorister in me, but it just seemed perfect.
The pictures are in no particular order, but everyone got to pick out their own treehouses to live in and we spent a long weekend having a GREAT time together. We did family skits, we swam, we made smores around the campfire, we tie dyed t-shirts, we ziplined and then even braved the giant tarzan swing, we stayed up way too late playing BUNCO, and I'm sure there is more, but really just enjoyed being together.

Yes, that's my Kate ziplining--there is a huge smile on her face, even though she claimed she didn't want to do it!!!

The three brave, young, souls who attempted and completed the course!

Joe was thrilled his little girl decided to join him.

The Adventurists

Our very first tie tying experience

Jake still asks where his tie dye shirt is if he can't find it in his drawer and cries when I tell him it's in the wash. He says so clearly, "It (pause) Has (pause) Spirals!" And then gives me a huge grin.

The two who started it all

Thanks everyone for making the drive and taking the time to enjoy being together. We loved it and love you! Looking forward to next time!!!!