As usual, our October weather has been all over the place. The week before Halloween was gorgeous, perfect weather for jumping in the leaves. Photographic evidence of doing too much: baking and packaging three dozen cookies for the kids' school carnival, finishing sewing Alaina's costume while babywearing, then cooking dinner for ten and carving pumpkins. Doctors say that most cases of mastitis are due to a mom not getting enough rest, and sure enough, I had a fever within hours. Carving pumpkins at Ryan's Alaina didn't want to follow a pattern or accept any help and loved hacking away at her pumpkin. Connor was quite proud that he did all of his carving by himself. The kids (including Ryan's girlfriend's) After carving pumpkins, we "Boo-ed" some neighbors. I took Alaina to Anthony's work to trick-or-treat around the building. The Cornstalk Carnival is the kids' school's biggest party of the year, and the kids loved playing all the mini games for prizes. Alaina's finished Rainbow Dash costume: Connor as Iron Man: Harrison as Superman: Gettin' all the bad guys: On Halloween, Nana called me to make sure I'd be home for drop-off of the golf cart. Um, what? They rented one for trick-or-treating, and at first I was shaking my head at the extremity of the idea, but it DID prove to be quite handy as an adult shuttle, even allowing me to be out with the kids for a few minutes while leaving the baby at home with Nana. We picked up Connor from the bus stop in it. He was thrilled! To offset the inevitable dinner of candy, I had prepared some more healthy options for snacks. It didn't really work, but it did assuage some of my parent-guilt. How cute is this carrot/hummus pumpkin patch?! Monster smiles: Anthony's brain defined in one photo: All ready to get that candy! Alaina with her best buddy, Mady.