:: fall family photos ::

For the first time, we jumped outside of a studio to get our family pictures taken. I can't believe we hadn't sooner. We cherish our self-taken annual Christmas card photo, but nothing compares with having somebody else take them. Love these.

:: gearing up for halloween ::

A spontaneous trip to Boo at the Zoo ended up being an enjoyable time spent with friends. The boys did not have their costumes yet, so we punted. And Owen didn't care to go. He must be getting "too old" for these events. Alden, on the other hand, will go anywhere candy is available.

Crucial to being ready for Halloween is pumpkin carving!

concentration at its best

pumpkin carving wouldn't be complete without hot apple cider...

and roasted pumpkin seeds!

After our pumpkins were complete, we took advantage of the seasonally warm evening and attended the Glensheen Spooktacular. Our one picture:

:: sisters + bayfield + mom ::

After taking several years off from the Applefest, we got the sisters together for a day trip with mom to Bayfield. We were one short (not to mention any names....Abby...), but had a wonderful day together! This is just a snippet of the insane amount of group pictures taken by random bystanders of us that day.

somebody didn't get the memo that this was the candid chuckling shot...

:: alden turns 6 ::

Alden just recently turned 6 years old! He currently loves Pokemon, Legos, playing football outside with Owen and Dad, and drawing. He is quite the little artist! 

As we always do, his birthday morning started with pancakes, strawberries, whipped cream, and birthday candles!

Then, after school, Alden chose to play at a playground and eat Sammy's pizza.

Alden's birthday party several days later was, you guessed it, Pokemon-themed and took place at Skyline atomic bowling!!

It was a successful party with family and friends! I can't wait to see what Alden accomplishes in his 6th year of life!