Halloween 2015

Halloween was fun this year. I organized and planned the neighborhood Halloween pre trick or treating party. Everyone gathered in a culdesac and we ate pizza and had fun! The kids had a great time trick or treating and getting as much candy as possible.We came back pretty early and then they enjoyed passing out candy to the older kids that were still out trick or treating. Everyone loved their costumes. I am so happy they chose them on their own. Carter was a princess at school because not many 4 year olds know who Hermoine is! 

The kids designed their own pumpkins.

They matched the drawings perfectly!

Meet Hermoine and Harry Potter! Oh and Moaning Myrtle!

EXPELLIARMOS!

The Old House Run Crew!

Surprise Nama!

We showed up at Nama's doorstep on her birthday to surprise her! We told her we couldn't visit because Dan and Sean were camping (which they were) and she had no idea! It was so fun to surprise her. Carter and I had a great time celebrating with her. Of course Poppy was able to set up a wonderful bonfire for us roast hotdogs and marshmellows. What a fun weekend!

Hitching a ride on Poppy's tractor

Carter loves Bokeh a little more than Bokeh loves Carter! 

Boyscout Camping Trip

Dan and Sean enjoyed a weekend of camping with his boyscout troop. It was a little chilly at night but apparently Sean had so many blankets on him he actually got hot!

My little Artists!

Thankfully Sean and Carter both inherited Dan's artistic skills (and maybe some from Auntie too!) and not mine. They are both quite the little artists! Sean was chosen as the artist of the week for the whole school and Carter continues to amaze us with her wonderful artwork.

Dan showed Carter how to make this cat and she immediately picked it up

She loves to draw people! This is our family.

Boyscout Popcorn

Sean took the neighborhood to sell some popcorn to support his boyscout troop. He did quite a bit of virtual sales through this cute pic I posted on facebook. He was able to raise some money towards his personal fundraising goal. Thanks to all those that purchased from this cutie!

Playroom disaster

From time to time it is necessary to clean out the playroom. over time it gets all disorganized and cluttered. This requires mommy to supervise and pitch in to help. Sean is pretty good at cleaning it but to be honest having Carter out of the room was the biggest help she could be. Kids are hoarders by  nature and so throwing anything away brings up some strong feelings.  I got rid of 5 trashbags of things that needed to go. We got everything put back in the correct order and looking nice. Honestly, when it gets out of control messy in there they don't even like to play. Once they see what their toys again and what options they have they play in there more. We are so lucky to have such a big space for them to share to play in.

Cleaning playroom selfie!

Ahhh, all in order. . . .

Sean the Chef

Sean loves to be a helper in the kitchen. He can make grilled cheese, and he loves to help with other things as well. Maybe he'll be like daddy and grow up to be a great cook!

Our Annual Apple Pickin' Trip to Carter Mountain

As we were driving to the mountain, Carter says, "we are driving to MY mountain" ha ha. The whole Rettig Family (almost) was there to enjoy the beautiful weather, fresh apples, and hot apple cider donuts. What a nice day we had!

Cousins!

Eating a Jonah Gold Apple fresh off the tree

He loves climbing trees!

The Ertels

Too Bright mom!

She can turn on that charm for you pretty easily!

Family Photo of the Ertels

Enjoying every bite of those donuts

My Cuties.

Our Fam

Elliot and mom

Cutie!!

Powder room make over

 When we bought the new house 6 months ago, we had a long list of updates that we wanted to accomplish over the years. We had no idea that in a short 6 months we would have literally transformed this house. It is home now! People cannot believe we've lived here only a few months because it feels so lived in. Dan did most of the work but the list is long: painted all the dark trim in living room and kitchen (a lot--4 coats!), painted every room in the downstairs except playroom, also painted Carter's room, replaced kitchen faucet and light over island and fixed the leaking sink in every bathroom, replaced and repaired the kids bathroom shower/faucet, painted fireplace and mantel, refinished kitchen table, and gutted and rebuilt the powder room. Whew! Thankfully he is super handy and whatever he doesn't know how to do, he learns on Youtube! This bathroom project could have cost a lot of money but with a small budget we were able to make this one of the nicest rooms in our house. We are so happy with how it turned out.

Bye Bye 1990!!