Another Week Flew By!

Hard to believe that tomorrow is Friday already. I don't know about you, but the weeks seem to be flying by to me. I think one reason is that we have been working on Thanksgiving travel plans already, and that leads me to think about Christmas travel plans, so since I'm thinking Nov./Dec., October seems to sneak right past me. And Halloween is next week already???? I think we have decided on costumes for the kids. I was smart and got costumes last year after Halloween for 50-75% off, and the kids are okay with them, so we're going to run with it. Cobe will be a vampire, Brooks will be Darth Vader (I think-he has about 10 ideas of what he wants to be.), and Sadie can either be a fairy or a witch. I hope she'll go with the witch costume- it is adorable and it fits her personality better! haha Usually, we go the day before Halloween trick-or-treating to Herman Miller where MJ works, but this year, she isn't at the design yard, so we aren't going. On Halloween, we always go to our church for games, inflatables, dinner, candy, haunted house, etc. They are having it again this year (Light of the World) if anyone wants to join us. Then it doesn't matter what the weather is for trick-or-treating because all of the activities at church are inside.

We have decided to go to Nashville, Tennessee for Thanksgiving this year. My mom and dad as well as Brent are meeting us there. My cousin Lee and his wife Bobbie live there with their 3 kids, so I am sure we'll have a great time! I can't wait to see them and hang out with my family. We usually don't get to see my parents at Thanksgiving, so it will be a nice treat. And I love the city of Nashville- haven't been much, but the few times I have gone, it was a blast- lots to do.
The kids have that whole week off of school, so it will be a good time to travel. Then they return to school on Dec. 1st and are off again for 2 weeks starting Dec. 19th. I think that is another reason time is flying- when I work on lesson plans, it seems like there are a ton of breaks coming up.

I have gotten some Christmas shopping done already- Cobe is totally done, need to pick up 2 more things for Brooks, and need to get a few more things for Sadie. I have a gift for Miles, the Boeve girls, the Overzets and Huizengas and a few other surprises already bought for Ryan's parents, so I am well on my way. I still have my mom/dad/brothers and SIL to buy for, but they are usually good about being specific in what they want (hint, hint) so it isn't too hard to shop for them. I look forward to decorating our new house for Christmas this year- we have the perfect front room for a Christmas tree!

This weekend will be fun for us. Friday night, Aliyah and Maya get to spend the night. Ryan is helping his brother Kyle move into their new house, so I am sure me and the 5 kids will have a good time. Saturday, Cobe has his football banquet at lunch time, then we are going to a friend's house for the MI- MI State game. The guys want some quiet time to watch the game in peace, so the women will head off with the kids to Crazy Bounce. Fun fun! Then the kids have been begging me to have a slumber party in our basement rec-room, so we are going to throw some sleeping bags in there Sat. night and all sleep together. They want popcorn and a movie. So cute how such simple things make them happy! After our normal Sunday School and church routine, we might be ready for a nap!

Brooks is begging to go outside and play, so I guess I'll be his playmate for awhile!