(Almost) Halloween

It is not the official holiday yet but between Character Day at one school and Trunk or Treat at the other school there have been lots of chances to dress up.  Grant had his heart set on a Red Power Ranger costume and was not impressed when the first one we ordered came in looking way too much "like a baby". He and Everly quickly stuffed it back in the Amazon box!  Everly herself was determined to be a "fancy lady" but that's too much like she is every day, so she ended up being Little Red Riding Hood.  Carrigan surprised her siblings and matched Grant as a Power Ranger.  And Delaney was a very sweet Steelers cheerleader!

Growing Up!

Fall fun

October has been a wonderfully full month. We fit in all of our favorite traditions so far--pumpkins with Grandma Deni, Race for Education with Grandma Sandy, and trunk or treat at school. Brinnly wrapped up her volleyball season and can be proud of all of her improvements. We cheered on our Brewers until the very end of the season and are already looking forward to Opening Day next spring.

Brew Crew!

Our family has loved cheering on our Milwaukee Brewers this season.  We have been to four games and each one has been thrilling to watch. Miller Park is a fantastic venue and all of the kids look forward to our walk in under the bridge, the sausage races, the seventh-inning stretch, the polka break,  the indoor play area, and the many snacks that we are able to bring in. We are so hopeful that they are on their way to the World Series!

Mali telling Everly what to expect at the game later

Silly boys! 

 This was Everly after the sausage race.  She is a die-hard Chorizo fan.  Unfortunately, the Bratwurst won this round.

#thisismycrew

Eleven

Happy golden birthday, Brinnly Ruth Ward!  11 years on September 11th!  It was a wonderful birthday for our girl this year. She started with an appearance in the Valpo Popcorn Festival parade on the golf cart with her Aunt Kara, throwing candy and supporting the cheerleaders.  Then on her actual birthday, the girls in her class decorated her locker and brought in sweet cards and candy. (It's a tradition for all the girls in her class to do this and they all do such a nice job!). She had all of her favorites foods to eat including New Orleans gumbo for dinner and loved opening her kind cards and gifts from friends and family. She even let her siblings share her new reading chair. :)

Brinnly has been a trooper this year. We finally figured out her diagnosis of abdominal migraines that weighed her down last spring. Her transition to a new school has gone very smoothly and she loves her new group of friends. She's made a lot of gains in volleyball and is a key part of the team (and the bench!). She's always a helper at home, a loving sister, and one making us laugh. We love so you dearly, Brinner-Bugs and thank God for the gift you are to our family.