Our neighbors up the street are hosting a hot dog social tonight, and although we originally intended to take Joseph and Rosalie trick-or-treating, they're having so much fun playing with the other kids here, that we'll probably just let them keep it up until bedtime. It strikes me that trick-or-treating isn't as common as it used to be, and I'm glad to see alternative traditions like this, and like the Fall Festival at our church, cropping up in its place. For some reason, I only caught these shots of Rosalie on our way there and on one of the many bikes she attempted to ride, but the rest of us are here having a good time, too! It's a gorgeous night to be outside!

Instead of the usual Trunk or Treat, our church group decided to put on a Fall Festival this year, with lots of fun indoor and outdoor activities. Costumes were encouraged, so Joseph and Rosalie had another chance to wear their race runner outfits! Tim and I both helped out a bit at the beginning, with my job being to start and stop the music at the cupcake walk...

and Tim being in charge of organizing the balloons twisting. The ironic thing is that he actually has no previous experience making balloon objects, but he and his young men were given some balloons and simple instructions, and they have really risen to the challenge!

During our shifts, Joseph and Rosalie bounced back and forth between the cupcake walk and the balloon-twisting booth, having a good time running around and just taking it all in. Now it's time to explore a few activities and eat a few treats. Here's Rosalie at the photo op...

and here's Joseph enjoying his winnings from the cupcake walk. There were so many cupcakes donated, we were literally begging people to take them by then end!

Now that the festival is over, Tim and I decided to hang around a few minutes to help clean up. Rosalie found this big pink balloon rolling around and is now chasing and squishing it in turn. Luckily it seems pretty hardy, so I don't her little body is going to pop it!





Meanwhile, Joseph found the mic and is having the time of his life putting on an impromptu show for us, singing songs, telling stories, and counting, of course. It's obvious by the look on his face that he knows he's being silly! It's about time to head home now, but we sure have enjoyed the Fall Festival tonight!

It's pumpkin carving night and the kiddos are having fun getting to know their new friend!

Good thing this isn't a real person's face, though!

I'm in charge of separating the gunk from the seeds. It may be slimy, but hopefully it will be worth it when they're salted and roasted!

Here's one last shot before this pumpkin joins its little painted relatives on the porch. What a fun-looking jack-o'-lantern!

Although we tried to hold out until his birthday next month, we finally decided that Joseph was just too big for his little Strider. His new bike came today, and although it's also been raining buckets this afternoon, he was so excited to give it a try, we decided we had to find a way to make it work. Tim remembered his dad occasionally taking him down to their church gym to ride bikes on rainy days, so we decided to do the same!



Here's Joseph zipping around the room like crazy now on his new bike! It definitely seem to fit him better, and although the bigger size is going to take a little getting used to, he's already moving faster and more comfortably than before. At this rate, I'm sure it won't take long to make the adjustment!

Here's Rosalie, too, finally getting her hands on a bike of her own, and looking pleased as punch about it! She's been ready for this for a few months now, and we even lowered the seat once to let her try it out. She wasn't too happy when her turn was up that day! Now she's really getting the hang of this...

with a few minor frustrations to be expected, of course!







What a way to try out the bikes on a rainy afternoon!

It's a lovely fall afternoon here in San Antonio, which means I'm not sweating anymore, but short sleeves and sandals still feel delightful. Here are our pumpkins enjoying the view from the porch. Is it obvious which pumpkin belongs to whom?

Tonight as part of our Family Home Evening, we decorated the house for Halloween, and now we're painting these cute little pumpkins!

Joseph is excited about mixing colors, and is trying out as many as he can all in the same spot...

while Rosalie is trying her hand at brush and paint for the first time. She looks pretty pleased with the result! Tim and I will paint ours later after the kiddos get to sleep, then all of them will all go out on the front porch together to greet any visitors. Holidays sure are more fun with kids around to enjoy them!

As of today, we've completed our sixth week of Joy School, and Joseph is still loving it. Although all the kids have their hard days, overall I've been highly impressed with Joseph's generally good behavior and positive attitude! We're here in the back yard now getting ready to hang this pinecone, peanut butter, and bird seed feeder he made during class today. He spent quite a bit of time working on it, and his face shows just how proud he feels!

Tim mowed a number 4 into the lawn today, and guess who thinks that's pretty neat? I just that look of pure joy on his face!

Rosalie has become an expert lately at raiding the pantry. The cereal boxes are all right down on the bottom, and since the pantry door is generally unlocked in the morning, both because Tim leaves it open on purpose in an effort to be quiet, and because I just plain forget about it in the morning rush, it's more often than not that Rosalie comes moseying in the room like this, carrying a cereal box, rummaging inside with her little hand, and unconcernedly munching away. Sometimes, though she'll choose a can of carrots or green beans instead. It's a good thing she can't get those open by herself, too!

Later this afternoon, Joseph is continuing to find creative ways to combine his two passions, numbers and music. This video features numbers from the end of 173 to 182. He sure does have amazing focus and determination when something truly catches his interest!

Tim is leaving on a business trip early tomorrow morning, but it looks like someone has taken up residence in the suitcase he's supposed to use to pack. There's only one person in our family that has a pink bunny slipper like that!

Peekaboo, Rosalie! What a silly little goose!

Apparently, Joseph isn't the only one who wants to look just like Daddy. After getting home from grocery shopping this morning, Rosalie zeroed right in on his discarded hat and shoes and decided to try them on for size. They may be a little big, but she sure does look cute!