Our Day at the Circus!

What an incredible day we had on Sunday! My wonderful brother, Shaun, and his incredible wife, Debbie, took Josh, Kate and I to the circus! (Brenden and Nana Linda were there too!) Shaun says I've been to one before in my childhood, but I have no memory of it. So to me, this was my first circus! The day began with an exciting (Metro) train ride into D.C.. Kate and Brenden thought that was pretty special. Brenden was yelling, "All Aboard!" while Kate hollered, "Choo, Choo!". We probably could have just rode the Metro all day and they would have been happy!

The show was very exciting (and long!!). But much to my surprise, Kate was captivated for most of the show. She did loose it during the last 10 minutes, but that's not bad for a one-year old. Unfortunately we missed the grand finale.

The elephants and tigers were the favorite part for the kids. Surprisingly the clowns held little appeal. Oh, and Kate really liked the daredevil motorcycle riders, too! (Yup, she's her daddy's girl!)

Nana Linda bought the kids cotton candy. Luckily, Kate didn't like it. But it came with a really crazy hat. Hey--you have to leave the circus with something crazy!

Trick or Treat

Well Kate had her first taste of Trick or Treating this year. Last Sunday (the 26th of Oct.) we met up with my parents, Shaun, Debbie and the cutest nephews ever! Our church had a special event called "Trunk or Treat" where the kids go from car to car around the church parking lot. The cars are often decorated in themes. It was cute. I personally think Collin's chubby cheeks are adorable in his cow outfit. (Unfortunately, my pictures of Brenden are on my computer, and I'm using Josh's to write this post. So I'll add more photos in a few days. Sorry, Little Buddy!)

Then, on the 31st Kate got a real treat! She was able to go out with her Seattle cousins and her Uncles Joe and Bryan who gallantly dressed up with the kids. Let's see, we had a bunny rabbit with real carrots (Hannah), a cheerleader (Briella), Robin (Silas), Ironman (Kaleb), a mummy (Samuel), a Mario Brother (Alex - sorry Alex I can't remember his name!)

Oh, and Daddy even dressed up too. (The pants he's wearing are his grandfathers! And they fit (really well actually)! Mommy came too, but stayed in the background and just pushed the stroller. She let Daddy show of his little Lady Bug!

A Few More Pictures from the Beach

Debbie sent me her photos this week. Here are a few more shots of the family from our time at the Outer Banks.

Collin and Debbie ~ Shaun and Brenden

Brenden ~ Collin

Family Jam Session

Tonight was a fun evening. Shaun, Debbie and the boys met Kate, Josh, and me for ice-cream at a local joint. It was a beautiful night to be outside, and it was really nice just hanging out with family on a Friday evening.

After some yummy ice-cream we came back to our house so Kate could go to bed. The boys picked up some instruments and started playing. Uncle Shaun had his first violin lesson (and he wasn't too bad at that). Brenden's interest was piqued once he saw Daddy playing so he gave it a try too. It was so cute to watch him play; he really enjoyed himself. I think Brenden will be picking up the violin again real soon. Keep scrolling down to hear a piece by a future virtuoso (I mean Brenden--not Shaun).