Halloween 2018

We were the German Family for Halloween! Honestly, it is my favorite thing to have us dress up as a family. I never used to get into Halloween much, but in the last few years, it makes my heart so happy to see us as a "team." The girls and I all wore dirndls and the boys wore their lederhosen. The kids were adorably cute together. It also brings me great joy to have Aaron participate too.

We had great friends over for jack-o-lantern quesadillas, mummy smokies, and spider web cookies cake! The weather threatened to be really nasty and cold, but there was a break, so we got to enjoy trick-or-treating after all. Aaron put hay bails in the bed of his truck and we rode around the neighborhood instead of the kids walking the whole time. It was loads of fun! The kids had a blast and loved being with their best friends. Many laughs over Aaron's outfit and even a lady trying to give him, "the big kid," candy....it was hilarious!

Be still my heart.

Dinner with friends

And to begin the day, the big girls had career day at school where they were able to dress up like what they'd like to be when the grow up. No change from last year, Brooklyn: Architect and Cayleigh: Barrel-racing Cowgirl.

Gamma's 50th Birthday Bash

October 25th, Gamma Hein turned the BIG 5-0!! She hosted her own 80's themed birthday bash the weekend just before her birthday. Gamma, seriously throws the best parties! She had old school video games like pac man to play, 80's music mix, popular shots for the adults, props, catered food, disco balls, lights, outfits and more outfits and hair! The whole family came including her brothers and one sister from out of state. It was such a fun, fun night with tons of laughs and definitely dancing.

Weeks before, I asked everyone in the family to write her a letter and email it to me. Then I was able to put together a fun photo book with each of the handwritten letters in it for her. We adore our Gamma for sure. And had the best time celebrating with her!

And the gangster boys

Gamma and Gampa

Gamma and I

Amanda and I

I'm pretty sure the kids had even more fun than the adults!

Dance time!

"She's a maniac, maniac on the dance floor"

Happy 50th Gamma! We pray its the best year yet!

State Fair 2018

We played hooky from work and school and headed to the state fair on October 18, 2018! Papa met us there to join in on the fun too. Nice cool weather made for a great time. We began in the kids boardwalk area and got to see some farm animals, color, get our faces painted and hear a read-aloud.

We watched a new archery show before heading over to the Food and Fiber building for free ice cream and some fun games and prizes. We lounged around on John Deere tractors while enjoying the sights and snacks.

Of course, we had to get a picture with Big Tex!

The kids all worked through Little Hands on the Farm which is a cute series of activities where they follow steps from seed to produce. They had a fun time with that again! Zach got to ride around on the tiny tractor and he had a blast.

It was off to feed the animals afterwards. Zach loved the baby goats and how they would always eat when he went to feed them. Papa spoiled the kids and bought them all food to give to the animals.

 And then the rides! And boy have the little rides become a favorite with the girls! They have such a blast riding these small rides; their smiles and squeals of fun make it worth every single ticket they cost!! Just look at their faces in this first picture at the bottom right corner!!

We packed our lunches and ate while we waited to participate in the kids pedal tractor pull event. Another year and another great visit to the State Fair. We didn't try any new fried foods this year, but it was even more fun having Papa with us this year!