Halloween

We had a great Halloween! The kids were so excited, and we had probably more fun getting ready for the big night, then  trick or treating! 

For some reason, they were cracking up during dinner!

Action shot:).

So much fun!

The day after Halloween.  .

I was a little nervous for the day after Halloween,given their stashes of candy! But I think the candy worked in our favor because they were super excited to eat it, and had so much energy, that they wanted to be outside running and playing all afternoon!

Grace and Will played with the neighbor kids for 45 minutes on their own, which was awesome! And then I took them to a farm where they played on a haystack for an hour! I was so grateful for an awesome day!

Grateful for haystack mazes:). 

Annie and I just watched them run around!

1st Days of School, and other things we've been up to. . .

WILL STARTED KINDERGARTEN!

Will now goes to school every day from 8:30 to 3. He's done an amazing job adjusting! I thought he'd be a lot more wiped out at the end of the day, but he comes home, has some quiet time, and then is ready to play baseball with Pat at 5 when he gets home:).  He sometimes has a melt down during his game with Pat and Grace, but that's ok:).

My little (or not so little anymore:))kindergartener:). 

Maureen's Birthday. .

We celebrated Maureen's 76th birthday at Mark's on the Channel. You can't tell from the pic, but it's a beautiful venue right on the water:).  

The kids wanted to celebrate with Grandma Reen, as well, so we went over to sing Happy Birthday, with our healthy fruit platter instead of cake:).  

Will wanted to bring his new bases so we could play at  the "party". And we even brought Papa Bill out! We needed more players, so he stepped up:).

More pics with baby Annie. . . 

These two are especially sweet and loving to Annie!

Grace Starts Pre-K!

Grace got to choose her favorite breakfast for her first day of school:).  We never get sugar cereal, so it was pretty exciting for her:).

Local Summer Fun . . .

I can't believe summer is over!! I feel so fortunate to have had such a fun, wonderful summer! Below are some of the local highlights from our last few weeks. . .

Outdoor concert at Cathedral Park.  So fun to meet up with friends and listen to music! And such a beautiful backdrop!

Pat took the kids to Wallace Park and watched them for my birthday, while I hung out with Muriel on 23rd.  This is back at Wallace Park (my favorite park in Portland!).  It was really cool b/c they have games and activities for the kids during the summer.  

Hanging out at Grandma Reen and Papa Bill's!

Most of our time is spent at this table. . .eating, playing games, coloring, etc. . .

Will played flag football and Pat was one of the coaches.  Will LOVED playing!! 

We went to an awesome wedding reception, where we knew no one, but they had so many fun things for kids!! 

Grace moved to the back seat with Will to make room for Annie!

Getting ready for the ice-bucket challenge:). They were SO excited about it!

Kate showing off her tennis skills:). 

Fun at the park!

Hanging out with Emily and Adam:). 

Yay, Dad is home from work! Time to play baseball!! 

And our new, nightly routine, playing baseball in the back or front yard! There are usually a  couple neighbor kids who join in, which is really fun! 

Baby Annie!

Annie Cynthia Kessi was born on Aug. 17th at 5:30 pm.  

The kids were excited to meet their little sister! Their favorite part, though, was watching a show on the TV in the room:).  

She had to spend her first few days under lights to get rid of the jaundice:).  

The kids like to take turns hanging out with her:). 

SUNRIVER. . . .

We had a great week in Sunriver.  I didn't think we'd go this summer because it was getting close to my due date, but it worked out, and I'm so glad it did! We rented a place close to the mall and within walking distance to SHARC, which was really fun! 

You can do it, Grace! 

Yay for hotdogs! 

Happy Birthday, Grandma and Kate! 

There was a little train that went around the mall, which the kids loved! 

Even Grandma got in on the fun! 

We spent a lot of time walking/playing on the paths.  We were the minority walking, since most people have bikes!