Halloween Fun

The kids are safely sleeping in bed; their sugar-highs and excitement are long worn off. We had an action-packed, fun-filled day with the kiddos. We started at 8:30 this morning doing the "Spooky Kids' Fun Run" at Plaza Park. Daniel was bursting with excitement about this event; he was sure he was going to win his "age division". Calvin, however, could hardly be convinced to get out of the stroller to attempt the race. Finally, when he saw all the kids lining up and when I promised to hold his hand while we ran (there may have been a bribe of candy mentioned too), he decided he wanted to do the race.

Later that morning, we drove to Reedley and went to a delightful little pumpkin patch with the kids. We spent a couple of hours exploring corn mazes, driving toy tractors, watching a moving model train on a track, and the highlight for everyone -- riding on a little train.

At night, when the real fun of trick-or-treating was to happen, we had our neighbors and friends, the Boersmas and Hiemstras over for soup and then hit the neighborhood, with sights set high for the biggest stash of candy. Norah really took to the whole trick-or-treating experience like a pro... she was pretty cute marching up and down the sidewalks. All in all, the kids had a fantastic day... it doesn't get much better than this for a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a just turned 2-year-old. I don't know if my comparing myself to Mary the mother of Jesus is a little sacrilegious in this situation, but I, too, feel like I want to treasure these moments in my heart. Daniel is rarin' to go

Lining up at the start of the kids' race

Daniel taking care of his little sis... notice Calvin hanging out in the stroller... did I mention his lack of enthusiasm about running the race?

And they're off! Look at our little Jeff Gordon go!

Calvin and I are finishing the race. He actually did quite well after all, although he did stop for a minute or two at the turn-around to watch a train in the distance.

Proud finishers

Watching the model train at the pumpkin patch

Getting ready to ride the train -- notice Daniel in the bottom right corner... the train whistle threw him for a loop for awhile... he's still not too crazy about loud noises!

Enjoying the ride

Calvin and I

Trying to get all 3 to smile at the same time; this was the best one we got.

Trying to figure out how a little windmill worked

Going for a ride

All the neighborhood kids ready to go trick-or-treating

Again, trying to get all 3 to smile at the same time proves to be a difficult task.

Trick-or-treating with the Boersmas and Hiemstras

Norah and Carter enjoying a lollipop