HHN (Halloween Horror Nights)

For Sophie's birthday she invited Ivy to go to Halloween Horror Nights with her at Universal. They went with Shanda's cousin-in-law whose mom works for Universal and she hooked them up with a VIP pass that allowed them to bypass every single line. So they went to every haunted house and rode any ride they wanted. Ivy said it was the best (and scariest) night! 

Jackson also went to HHN this year but he went with a bunch of friends so of course I didn't get any pictures of them. 

 

Backyard (or Frontyard) Basketball

One of my favorite nights ever. Watching the kids and Daniel play basketball on our amazing court, in our beautiful yard during the perfect evening. I am sure there was plenty fighting/arguing/bickering but all I remember is what I can see in the pictures. 

GoDad's Surgery

GoDad had a hip replacement surgery the beginning of October. The surgery itself went really well. Vanessa flew out to help with his initial recovery. He was released home immediately following his surgery but we soon learned that he could not rehab at home. After a few scary incidents and an emergency call later, he was safely tucked into a wonderful rehab facility in Kissimmee at Osceola Regional Hospital and the therapy and care he received there was great. After a few more weeks he was in good shape and able to come home. We all took turns spending the day with him at the hospital so he wouldn't have to be by himself and I think our visits will always be memorable of some quality time we all were able to spend with him. I don't think the hip replacement did all Ranier hoped it would. He is still in pain and managing to get around slowly but surely but we are glad he is still here with us!

 

Birthday Party at Wild Florida

Benny got to miss a day of school and go to Wild Florida for his cousin, Maverick's 10th birthday! They did just about everything and had the best time!!

Other September Stuff

We sold Jackson's little jon boat and sold our trusty Key West (she was a good boat to us!) so we could get a nice bass fishing boat. Just in time for the Osceola Angler season. She is the perfect boat for us!

You've never seen a kid more studious.

Ping pong games happening just about every night before bed. I think I've become accustomed to falling asleep to the pinging of the ball back and forth...

Snoozing after school... a common occurrence. Especially if he doesn't have practice. 

Ivy's youth group had a cookie dough fundraiser to raise money for girls camp. She sold the most dough... over 35 tubs!! (I think the next closest girl maybe sold 10). Anyhow, fun night for the girls and the most delicious cookies as well!

Breaking in the new boat!

Mini Golf!

Ivy had a birthday party at some Air B n B in Kissimmee. Rather than drive back and forth we decided to drop her off, grab dinner and go to the mini golf course that was nearby. It was so much fun! I believe the key to a peaceful and enjoyable evening with my children is eliminating one of them! Jackson and Benny got along perfectly, the burgers were delicious and the golf was so fun! Obviously I won both games, but Jackson gave me a decent run for my money and Benny was never too far behind either. 

HOCO - the ask

Jackson got caught up in the Homecoming craze and asked a girl to the Homecoming dance. It was fun making the poster and getting treats together and although she said yes, once it came down to dance time she actually wasn't able to go with Jackson... it really all worked out for the best, he had a great time with friends (and that post will be coming) but for now, here is the effort. 

Practically Pilots

A good friend of ours is a pilot for JetBlue and after dinner one evening he took us to Jetblue's "University" where he trains new pilots and let us give the flight simulator a whirl! It was so fun! Also, wow, a little scary. Daniel and I both crashed our landings... oops. Such a fun night!

Benny's First Baseball Season

While Ivy is busy with soccer and Jackson with football.... Benny played the fall season of baseball!! He absolutely loved it!! It was a fun season to watch. Fall is a little more low key and a good place to begin. The kids are just starting to pitch themselves which can make the game very long and uneventful but Benny pitched like a champ and hit the ball almost every time he got up to bat. He was never afraid to swing! Loved watching this lefty this season. 

More Football Footage

Love football season!! And #55!