Pre-Halloween & Haloween Weekend

We thought maybe the weather would be a little more fall-like when we went to the pumpkin patch, but we made due with 80+ degrees... I love the Southwest.

The pumpkin patch had pony rides this year so Lauren went round and round...

Matthew found one as big as he is!

Matthew participated in his first pumpkin carving contest for school. Thanks to Papa Joe's broccoli idea, he won third prize out of all the first grade classes.

We are so lucky that Baby Kate came to spend Halloween weekend with us this year! FUN doesn't begin to describe our time!

Count Dracula and his princess were a big hit this year.

Not only were we lucky enough to have our baby cousin visit from Seattle, but Kate's best friend Jeffery drove all the way from Salt Lake to see her (and us). We had a packed house and loved every minute of it!

Trick or Treat!

Lady Bug Kate was doing her thing...

Look at me...

Cowboy Jeffery rounded up some goodies too!

Our other cousins came to Trick or Treat as well. Kyle and Matthew were brother vampires, and Quinn went Camando.

Little Miss Princess spotted this costume and HAD to have it. She wanted to be the Phantom of the Opera's "Christine" so this was as close as we could get.

She may just wear this again next year...

Assessing the haul!

Matthew racked in the most... he's got this door-to-door thing down pat!


Once the sugar buzz wore off, we headed to Mt's Edge park to play and hike. It was sunny and warm and the kids had a ball.

Kate and Jeffery had a race...

The jury is still out on the winner...


Matthew, however won the KING OF THE HILL contest.

Kate and Auntie Leah won the "King of the Slide" contest though.

New Floors

Just before school started we decided to change out our grungy carpets for nice hardwood floors and then were able to purchase furnature that grown-ups can sit in!
The kids have really figured out that they are not allowed to eat or play in the "new rooms." It's hard... it used to be their "toy room."

How relaxing... why did we wait so long to do this?

The dining room is my new favorite place to sit.

Our Summer Trip to Washington

Aunt Leah took us on a wonderful Hike up Denny Creek. It was a little chilly, but once we got walking and then arrived at the top, it was gorgeous!

The whole Shaps clan made it, but we were a little sore the next day.

The kids loved being up at the top... the water was cool and clear and the trees were HUGE!

Kate had it great... she got to ride up in a backpack!

Larry and Matthew discussing the temperature of the water and whether or not Matthew could keep his feet in for more than a minute.

Another day, we took a trip to the Seattle Aquarium.

Lauren didn't want to touch the Star Fish, but I think Kate would have taken one home.

One beautiful Sunday, the entire family met up at Salty's and had a fabulous brunch. Stephanie, Anthony and I haven't had our picture taken together for quite some time.

Matthew, Lauren and Kate tried their best to pose for the camera.

Lauren thinks it's too sunny...

Leah, Kate and Anthony with the beautiful Seattle skyline in the background.

Lauren and Matthew get a little Papa Joe time.

The lake is so much fun. We can go in the woods, play in the yard, swim and just be outside in the great weather.

My sister was able to stay a few days with us too. We love our TIA!

Lounging Lauren...

I think Tia thought she was taking Matthew for a ride, when in fact... I think he took her for one!

One very chilly day, we had my good friends from school come to the lake. Amy, Heidi, and Jeremy brought their families and everyone had a great time. We have to make this a annual event, but next time... we'll have to ensure the sun makes an appearance...brrrr!

Even though it was chilly, the kids didn't care. They swam and threw rocks and had a ball.

Cy, Brock and Matthew eased into the water via the ladder.

Amy and Lauren cuddled as we toured the lake.

Matthew, Natalie, and Zach enjoyed the boat tour as well.

Matthew is an expert on the lake...

Matthew braves the gray skies and 70 degree water to tube by himself.

Getto smore making... we were too lazy to make a fire so we just lit the BBQ.

Which do I love more??? Marshmallows or my sister???

Kate and Lauren being girly with purple tutus and pink nail polish.

Nana and Papa Joe give hugs before we set off for the airport.