A Fairy Princess and a Pirate

Here are some pics from our fantastic Halloween. I say fantastic now that it's over. That last hour before trick-or-treating begins is always so stressful...at least in our house! I'm trying to get the kids to eat something, bribing Jake so I can get him into his outfit without him taking it off, and the biggest feat of all - attempting to take a picture of the kids that captures how adorable they are together. Whew! But so worth it - the kids had a great time.

We even got a picture with all the neighbors - all the kids smiling? no way. But at least they're all present! Well, almost all - where's Luke???


Our candy-hander-outers

And thank goodness the Tiesma kids came over earlier that day to help with the carving of our pumpkins or they probably wouldn't have gotten carved this year!

Our Trip to Kansas

The kids and I got to go on a road trip to go visit the Ciccone family! Tim was out of town for the week (as was Ed), so the timing was great for Maria and I to spend the week together with the kids. She kicked my bootie into shape by bringing me to her gym everyday. I also got a tour of the city and we took the kids downtown to a great kids' crafting place. Of course, the best part was just spending time together and catching up! I miss them!

Pumpkin Picking

Our family enjoyed a day at Lewis' Farm Market in New Era with the Nannenga family - picking out pumpkins, jumping on a giant pillow, riding the Booberry Express, and maneuvering through a corn maze. Oh, not to mention the petting zoo where Ed made a new friend! What a great fall day (except for the temp, that is - I think it was near 75 degrees! Way too warm for me in October, as all who know me are aware)! The kids got to pick any pumpkin they could carry!

Cousin Kelly!

Jake and Claudia finally got to meet their first cousin, Kelly Soo Bin Hwang! Ed's sister, Jane, and her husband, Jong Ho live with their 11 month old daughter, Kelly, near DC, so we don't get to see them much. The kids took to Kelly right away and she enjoyed them as well! We had a great weekend visiting with them at Ed's parents' house in Kalamazoo.

Hope's Homecoming 2008

Ed and I had a chance to return to Holland for Hope's Homecoming this year. Ed's 10 year reunion! Wow! Here are some pics of us with our old and dear friends.

Dorian sisters - Rachel Haveman Eriks, Kerri Langerak Allen, Jodie Manning Talluto, me, Beth Rathbun Bruns, Jen Grieme Haaga, Kara McGillicuddy. And say a prayer for our sister, Nicole McClain and her family - the McClains and Liechtys. Nicole was supposed to be there this weekend but was killed in a car accident on her way. Hard to imagine the loss her family and close friends are feeling...she was one of the most fun, energetic, and inspiring people I have known.

Chris Caldwell, Natalie, Chris Riker, and Ann Caldwell

Jeff and Amy Holloway

Ed and I

Tara Porter and her family

Casey (preggers!) and Steve Coy