Halloween, carving, bowling, gymnastics and more

We have had a busy last couple of weeks, so I had to break this into separate posts to fit it all. These first pictures are of Halloween, which we did at our house this year. All of Kevin's family came over for a potluck. We also made carmel apples and then went Trick or Treating in our neighborhood. It was really fun to all be together for one of my favorite holidays.

We discovered that Mark's old Monkey costume from a couple years ago fit Mia. When Mark found out Mia was going be a Monkey, he really wanted to be one too. He was so excited to match his baby sister. They were really cute paling around all night.

Here we are at Robin's carving Pumpkins for Halloween. The Tuckett's fed us all and then we, in turn, trashed their house. Thanks you guys! We had a blast.

Kevin always complains that I take over the carving, so I gave complete artistic license over to him. Mark helped a lot too and it turned out awesome.
Kevin's dad grew all the pumpkins for us this year and I think we all did them justice.

We went Bowling for Family Home Evening with some friends in the ward. It was Mark's first time, and he LOVED it. I, on the other hand, would not recommend it when you're eight months pregnant.

Mark has been going to Gymnastics twice a week for the past two months and this was his last day of class. He actually learned quite a bit and has some sweet new moves.

This last Saturday we decorated our house for Halloween, much to Mark's delight. He says we have the "spookiest house" on the block. I also finally uploaded some pictures of Allison's birthday party. It was a couple of weeks ago, back when it was still warm.

Mark's pre-school had a field trip to a local pumpkin patch this last week and Mia and I tagged along. The kids had a great time.

So, it was my birthday a few weeks ago and if you forgot, it's too late now. My in-laws spoiled me rotten and took me to dinner and then out to DQ for ice cream after. Here's some pictures from that night.

This post is a collection of old and recent photos from the summer. This last weekend we did a buddy walk for Kevin's cousin, Sam, to help raise money for the research of Down's Syndrome. It ended up being really cold and raining, but we all still had a great time and the whole Nielsen clan was able to come help support Sam.

This picture is from a couple weeks ago. The kids really enjoyed running in the sprinklers at Grandma's house this summer. Doesn't Mia have the cutest tush ever?!
We also took Kendall and Taylor to "The Ledges" in Shelton a little while ago. It is a creek that runs by Kevin's house that has a water hole to swim in. We even saw a snake, which everyone, except me, thought was pretty exciting.

I have really been loving Olympia. Every Thursday and Friday, Olympia has the coolest Farmer's Market down by the water. They always have live music and local vendors. It's become one of our favorite things to do while Kevin is at work.

The other night we decided to try and have a slumber party. Bad idea. Kevin and I ended up on the couch around 4 AM, watching TV.
Kendall and Taylor got to come have a long awaited slumber party two nights ago. Mark and Kendall decided they wanted to sleep together on the top bunk, and Taylor got the whole bottom bunk to herself. Sounds like Taylor got the better end of that deal:) It was hilarious listening to all sorts of acrobatics going on upstairs until around 11:00, until they finally conked out for the night. In the morning, Kevin made pancakes and the kids painted with these cool watercolors my mom got Mark for his birthday.
The Nielsen's, Jenny and Gavin came over for breakfast Saturday. I made Texas French Toast, which is always a crowd pleaser. Thanks for the recipe Cindy!!!