Mall-O-Ween

After school today the pumpkin carving began....This is Ellie's pumpkin and with the help of Mother they made a little house.  Ellie added the people that live in the house.

The Abilene Mall hosted an event today that was far bigger and crazier than we ever imagined.  The kids got their costumes on and we headed out to the event.  First, there was a little costume adjustment needed.    

Don't ask me what this is supposed to be but it certainly was clever.      He wore his helmet under it so that kept it in place.   He said it was a DIY project that Mom helped with.   He told me he had practiced walking around the house in it but when he got to a different place it was harder because he wasn't familiar with the space like he was at his own house.

This gentleman was making his way inside the mall just as we were leaving.   I don't think he had any idea what chaos was happening inside.    I'm guessing he was making his way to the early voting booth.   I sure hope he made it home safely.

Eight is Great!

We went to Peak Academy for Mack's birthday so had to go for lunch for E's birthday too.   Since hers was on Sunday we went on Thursday.     

We had some things to take care of in a bigger city so headed for Dallas the next morning.    I still love this city and the memories for us in our early married years. 

One of the places Vic and I would go on a Saturday afternoon was NorthPark Center.    It still is a beautiful place - one of the Malls that refuses to die.   It was very busy and decorated with wonderful art and fall deco everywhere you looked.

We brought the cupcakes and a couple gifts for Ellie to open at the motel that evening.   The next day Vic's oldest brother Don and wife Jeanne came for a visit.  We were so sorry we forgot to get a picture of them.    It was great to have some time to catch up in person.

Back home in Abilene Ellie opens a gift from Mack and her parents.   I'd say she had a very eventful birthday.

Between the Birthday Celebrations

During the time here we were able to connect with a former Associate Pastor at FEFC in Grand Forks.    It was fun having a visit with Bill and Genie.

Mack's birthday is Oct 4th and E's is Oct 14.   It seems like we have been celebrating since we arrived.     Carrie planned a joint party for the kids at an Indoor Recreation Center with trampolines, zip lines, climbing wall etc.    It worked out well for the kids to each invite a few of their friends and have a place to meet for the party.

The Birthday Boy is 10

After we buttoned everything up at the lake we focused on the next  event -
Two Birthdays in Texas!

These two are probably not going to be future hockey players but they sure enjoy their blades in the nice big driveway they have to skate on.

Mack's birthday comes first so he had a full day of fun.    After school he opened his gifts and couldn't wait to try out some of the new "boy" stuff he got.   

Of course, there has to be cake.......