Mimi & PopPop visit our "new" house

We were waiting for PopPop to come and help us break in our wood stove. The outside temps cooled down just in time...

They always bring some exciting surprises with them... like this Red Ranger costume, made by Mimi when Tay was little.

More treasures from Mimi... Abigail is wearing her wedding dress, which I had considered wearing when I got married, until it shrunk when being washed.

Some of the delicious fruit tarts made by Abigail

And we played a lot of games.

Despite them being here in August/September, it was wonderful to be able to host Mimi and PopPop at our house now that the remodel is finished. They sold their Maryland house and are living in West Virginia full time, so they're even a little closer, making visits that much easier. We played many games, and the kids enjoyed their ongoing game of "Petshop" with PopPop, which always has everyone laughing and being silly. The weather was cool, but we still got to spend some time outside. PopPop took the kids on a hike and to a park. Mostly, though, everyone just wanted to be in the sunroom, where Pop kept a toasty fire going after the initial break-in period. We can't wait to visit with them again at Christmas, assuming Covid doesn't interfere with our plans! Spending time with the, is always such a gift.

Back home randomness

I don't think I ever got a picture of Joel in his costume. He was a Blue Ninja, and Toby was in a cheetah Wild Kratts creature suit.

Reading a classic <3

Cuddling our friends' newborn bunnies

Grandpa is so good with babies.

Learning all about electoral college

This boy can be calmed pretty quickly in a bath.

Opening a Baptism Day gift from her godparents on Wednesday (their baptism gifts each cleverly have to do with light)

Speaking of light, I have missed these sunsets

Learning about the Hudson River School and making some of our own art

Jack's

Abigail's

I am so grateful to be back here, running on my usual country routes <3 God is amazing.

We are blessed.

Dios de los Meurtos/All Saints Day

Swinging

Last Sunday, we had a traditional Dios de los Meurtos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Pleasant-Ryans'. We put photos and memorabilia of deceased loved ones on the beautiful ofrenda that Ashley created in their kitchen (If you've ever seen Coco, you know what this is). After a yummy Mexican dinner, we took turns telling stories of the loved ones we'd lost over the years. It was such a fun experience telling and hearing the memories of these special people who touched our lives. I think it's definitely a tradition we will continue. Thanks for coming up with the idea and inviting us to share in a lovely evening, Ashley and family!

COVIDween family party

And a few from Ashley's camera:

We decided to have a family Halloween party this year, since we weren't planning on going anywhere else or trick or treating. We had so much fun still getting dressed up, making some spooky snacks (led by Grandma), decoarting some jack-o-lantern cookies, and smashing a piñata full of treats.