8 pounds of candy, 15% of body weight per child

I had more fun trick or treating that I ever have.  I had no idea how much fun it would be to watch the kids run to every door and discover the new treat there.  We went trick or treating twice.  The first time was with our subdivision.  The kids all sat together on the trailer while being pulled by an ATV.  It is the best way to trick or treat when the lots are over an acre.  At every house the kids ran at top speed to the door.  Eva kept pace with the big kids.  It was raining and cold but the kids wanted to keep going and going.

 Next, we went trick or treating with some friends.  Here are Eva and Riley.

 Matt and Joshua

 Casey

 Luke and Caleb

 Cal and Lilly

 Eva and Gracie

 So cute and so much fun.  The kids were way ahead of the adults and were discovering each house on their own.  There were giggling and laughing as they were running the entire time. I was so thankful to have friends to share the time with.

 Side note:  We love our new subdivision so much.  If the way to a new neighbors heart is through their stomach here is our list... warm apple pie, chocolate zucchini cake, cup cakes, slushies, pumpkin cake, cookies, and two different "Boo" packets with candy and toys.  We are thankful they are so welcoming to us.  We especially play with one set of neighbors because their kids are the same age.  Usually they are doing something crazy together but here is a beautiful work of art by Lilly and Luke.

Leaf Extreme

It is so fun watching children play.  Aaron, Sam, Bennett, and Luke were laughing for two hours as they were playing in the leaves and rain.  Instead of jumping into the leaves the kids were biking into the leaves and then crashing into the hay bails and ejecting themself off of their bikes.  Aaron and Sam are very talented in their stunts. 

Last Chance to Kiss a 2 year old

We hung Eva's pink streamers throughout the house.  We read her books.  We tucked her in as Dave said, "Last chance to kiss your two year old."  With love we kissed and hugged her and we were especially thankful for her.  Birthdays always make me a little sad.  I love holding her, helping her and soaking in all her sweetness. 

Here Luke is teaching her how to use her new toy.

"Eva, kiss your brother."

She laughs and Luke only cracks a smile.

Pumpkin hunt.

Pumpkin hunt part two.

Candy corn relay.

We had such a great time celebrating with family.  We will always love you Eva.  Thanks for making life extra special for the last two years.

First Time Carving Pumpkins

 We had some artistic support from Aunt Jackie and Uncle Riley for pumpkin carving.  Luke drew his own face on the pumpkin and it is a puppy.  Eva requested a lamb face.  We had so much fun watching them make their first jack-o-lanterns.

Here is Eva with a bloody lip and her cake one week early. 

 Eva got a serving set, books, and cookies for her birthday. 

 Luke can't wait to have size 13 shoes.  He would like to buy a pair and save them for that special day.  Right now he can only look up to Riley and want to be like him.

 Pinkalicious.

Hold Me

 

One of the greatest things about being a mother is getting to hold your kids.  Luke's feet never touched the ground for the first 30 minutes of the day until Eva was born.  When he woke up I would hold him all the way down the stairs and hold him while we read books or watched a DVD and while he drank his milk.  I still love to hold Luke and I love when he sings this song. 
Eva was the one who first noticed this song on the radio.  She loved be-bopping to the tune.  As she was so cute in the back seat it made me think of her.  The singer, Jamie Grace, is 19 and originally wrote this song about a sunggie and then realized it was similar to God "holding" her.  When I hear the song I think about Eva's hugs and how much I love holding her.  It is pure joy.  I wish it could last forever.  I love the aura Eva creates.  Suddenly the world is a better place.  I love being able to dance and sing in the grocery store when I am with her.  I love to kiss her at every isle.  I love to ignore everything else and just be with her.  I love dancing in the car with Eva as this song plays.  I also love her dancing hugs and how she asks me to hold her to dance with her.

My favorite lyrics about Luke and Eva are...
"Just when I think this crazy world will get me down, that's when your smile comes around."
"You take each and every day and make it special in some way."
"I love you more than word or my brain can express, I can't imagine even loving you less."
"You took my day and flipped it around..."
"I love the way you hold me!"