Halloween Eve

With Halloween falling on Monday this year, we got a head start on Sunday so Shelby could do the annual Halloween activities and not miss Bible Study. What we have been doing for the last 6 years is trick or treat in the neighborhood and then drive to 3 friends' homes and visit for a while. On Sunday afternoon we made our 3 visits. It was a dramatic situation getting ready. I won't go into detail but I will just say I told Shelby next year she can go as herself and be a Drama Queen and I won't have to spend anything on a costume!

Dorothy & Toto

the Wicked Witch

I'll get you my little pretty!!!!

Our first stop was at Jenn and Seth's new house in El Paso. It was fun to see the new place. And last year there was no Truett at Halloween. Morgan loved messing with him and all his stuff.

Next stop was Ray & Karen's. The girls love visiting them and love Karen's goldfish. Not sure what ones she buys, but they think they're great! We enjoyed some good chili which was perfect for the rainy, cool fall evening.

Last stop was Mark & Pam's. More fun there. A few years ago we enjoyed sitting around their beautiful backyard fire pit with them and Ray & Karen. I think the 1st year we visited, Shelby enjoyed looking at all of Jordan's books from when he was a kid. She really liked his favorite "Little Witch's Big Night"so Pam got her her own copy. She dated the book, 2007. It is still 1 of her favorites to read with her dad. Pam continues the tradition and always get them books to go with the candy. Mark retired as an ISU Communications Professor last year. On top of still teaching 1 class at ISU, Mark volunteers his time to read with students at the girls' school. It is fun for them to see him around there.

Shelby & Mark looking at her new I SPY book

Pam and Morgan reading 1 of her new books

We took this picture outside in the dark and rain drizzle. I couldn't see until later that it's not perfect but it works.
Jenn was our babysitter when I worked. Seth played baseball for Nate in his first years of coaching in Gridley. We reconnected with Seth the summer Shelby was a baby. We have known Ray & Karen and Mark & Pam for a long time. Their sons played baseball at Parkside Jr. High, Normal West HS and summer collegiate ball for Nate. They are great friends and people for us to know in this community when we have no family living close by. Thanks to all of them for letting us celebrate a day early. We had fun, as usual!