Day 2599 | Halloween 2023

It was a cold one (with snow!) but that couldn’t keep us down. Chase went as Dr. Strange (the first costume I haven’t made, sniffle, sniffle) and Robbe is Nitten from The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel book series.

Chase even went out on his own with a friend tonight. Big Halloween, I know!

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Halloweens Past

Enjoy a quick history of all of the boys’ costumes over the years. I love looking back at all these photos, so I thought you might as well.

2022 - Clone Trooper and Marethyu
2021 - Poseidon and Ares
2020 - Legends of Zelda Family Costume
2019 - Ninjas
2018 - King and Knight
2017 - Scientist and Spider
2016 - Frozone and Tool Guy
2015 - Firefighter and Dalmation
2014 - Hedgehogs
2013 + 2012 - Goldfish and Owl (just Chase)

Day 2598 | Lake Time

It’s been a bit again, but we made it back up to the lake for our annual Halloween celebration. Man, it was nice to be away from our space and the crazy pace of life lately.

Day 2597 | TV Time

Just the three of us hanging out and watching a show after the boys went to bed. And he didn’t even pee on the couch this time. Total win!

Day 2596 | Weekend Friends

Good friends and good times over the weekend. Why can’t weekends last longer? We’re all thinking it.

Day 2595 | Field of Screams

I’m a bit late on this post but better than never! We had our first family scare date on Friday night to support our 4-H club’s annual fundraiser: working at a haunted corn maze + barn. I think we did a pretty good job of transforming into zombies, don’t you?

Day 2594 | Fall Colors

I snuck out for a [very brief] stroll today and stumbled upon Fall. How did that happen, you know?

Day 2593 | Young Writers Showcase

Both boys got to be a big part of the book festival today! They were each selected to read their original work in front of an audience. I’ve linked both of their pieces below because I know you’re interested. We’re just so proud of our *published* authors.

Day 2592 | Artist of the Month

Look at our sweet sixth grader’s artistic accomplishment! It’s really lovely to see him making his own way in a brand new school.

Day 2591 | Weekend Visitor

Look who popped over for a weekend visit! We did more than just play pinball, but that was a big part of it.

Day 2590 | Bus Buddies

Remind me in February how much I enjoy waiting for the bus every morning with Robbe right now, ok? The mornings lately have been a total dream and it’s such a lovely way to ease into the day—with a short, three-block stroll. If feels good to breath in some fresh air knowing that I’ll be cooped up the rest of the day, you know?

Again, remind me of this in the dead of winter when it’s miserable outside. Much appreciated.

Day 2589 | So Long Co-op

Our friendly neighborhood co-op is closing down in order to move to their bigger and fancier store down the street. We’ll miss this sweet little store and our quick walks for treats (mostly dried mango).

It’s not goodbye, it’s see you soon, Menomonie Market.

Day 2588 | October Swimming

90 degrees in October means double swimming. The heated pool allowed for a longer swim, but the lake was definitely a bigger accomplishment. I happily watched from the sidelines.

Day 2587 | Fall Colors

After an early morning at the soccer field, we packed up and headed to the lake (for the first time in a long time!). As a little outing, we drove over to Christie Mountain for an impressive view of the fall colors. The chairlift option was a bust (crazy long lines), but the hike up the ski hill was fun and the view was quiet impressive.

Day 2586 | Birthday Celebration

We popped down to celebrate with the soon-to-be birthday boy tonight. These are the moments we continue to be thankful for—even after 7 years in Wisconsin.

Day 2585 | Brothers

Can you handle how cute they are?

Also old. Can you handle how old they look?

Day 2584 | Big Pumpkins

We dodged the raindrops today to visit the Gigantic Pumpkin Festival. Unfortunately, we were a bit late to see all the pumpkins on display but we caught this gem. Even though we might not have seen the biggest, those pumpkins didn’t disappoint.

Day 2583 | Apple Picking

One of my fall favorites: apple picking! We had a beautiful day for it and we’re thankful that the 4-H club gave us the extra motivation. I’ve got a fridge full of apples and I could be happier about it.

Day 2582 | Honey Bunny

I held the bun up for this photo. He wasn’t thrilled about it. But he sure is cute.

Day 2581 | Bussing

Can you believe BOTH boys are taking the school bus this year? Robbe is riding in the morning and Chase takes the bus to AND from school. It’s crazy! I’ve driven them back and forth (minus about three days when we tried bussing last time) and now I’m officially off the hook in the morning.

There’s been a clear shift in the boys craving more independence—especially that older one. It’s a very sweet transition. Luckily, they both very much prioritize mom and dad time so I don’t have any of the sad feelings to go along with this…yet.

Day 2580 | Book Festival Volunteers

You’ve got to start them young, you know? And I was beyond grateful for their help today!