Our pretty girl

Kennedy brought home her school pictures on Friday, and I have to say, I'm delighted!

I think they turned out so darling!

I can't believe she is seven, she is just getting too grown-up. She is definitely my easy child right now, the only time she gives us much trouble is when Hudson has finally pushed her too far...I can't believe how well he can push her buttons, it's probably his greatest talent...

She is so helpful and happy, and I can't believe how smart she is. She is reading at a third grade level right now, and loves to read to herself in bed at night. She is almost finished reading Heidi (an easy version, but still!) and her next selection is The Secret Garden. I love that she is reading all of my favorites from when I was young. She is always so excited and happy when she gets home from school, full of stories and loves to tell me about everything in her backpack and what happened on the bus that day. I really hope she keeps that enthusiasm her whole life!

And just for fun, here is a picture of me I found the other day, at Kennedy's exact age. Wow. I don't think she looks anyhing like me. Good thing she has a good-lookin' Dad...

Shelli, circa 1987...I'm sure this was taken after several recesses...

Our Happy Halloween...

The kids had such a ball this year, and didn't they look adorable? Kennedy was a baseball player (thanks for the costume, aunt Lori!)

Hudson was - surprise, surprise - Lightning McQueen (thanks for sharing, Will!)

They both LOVED their costumes...

Dustin took requests and completely thrilled the kids with his awesome pumpkin-carving skills...

We went to Kennedy's school Carnival on Friday night, and even though it was crowded and loud with long lines, they loved it.

Kennedy surprised us by totally rocking at Twister! So cute!

They each got their face painted...

(Hudson's is a car. Obviously.) I don't think one of his edible prizes made it into his bucket that night, they all went straight to his mouth!

On Saturday, we went trunk-or-treating at our church. The kids had almost as much fun handing out candy as they did collecting it.

Hudson was so adorable, you can't imagine the joy he experienced all night, watching treat after treat falling into his bucket. Or taking his sweet time picking out a treat...

After trunk-or-treat, we went "real" trick-or-treating in our old neighborhood. They loved running up and down the sidewalks with their old buddies. (I was too busy chasing and laughing to take pictures of them...bummer.) I was so proud of both of them, they each said "thank you" each time, and Hudson even remembered "Happy Halloween!" most of the time.

I think there is almost nothing more annoying than the kids who say nothing as they grab a handful of your candy and run off. I'm sure the fact that I threatened to take away their buckets the first time I didn't hear a "thank you" helped my kids remember...

And afterwards, home to count the loot and have hot cider and popcorn. What a perfect night! I love Halloween!