Halloween Themed Weekend

To try and fully enjoy our first full weekend in our new house we decided to go to or have a party each night.  On Friday night, Brett and Rachel headed off to the neighbors after Alyssa went to sleep and while Shay had fun with the babysitter, to celebrate Oktoberfest.  We got to meet a bunch of new neighbors, along with catching up with some old (now new again) neighbors.  It was nice to have some adult conversation and it was a great way to be welcomed back to Stonehedge!  On Saturday our volleyball team (plus kiddos) came to our house for a potluck and pumpkin carving.  Morgan, Faith, Shay and Alyssa had a good time playing together, and the adults had fun in between all the chaos.  Sunday we headed over to our other neighbors house for a chili get together and another pumpkin carving with 4 other families.  Whew!  We are now warmed up for trick or treating tonight!

Morgan and Alyssa getting reacquainted

The dads- Rodd, Brett and Josh

Baby Morgan

Taking a break to eat with Faith

Heidi occupying Faith and Morgan during pumpkin carving

Brett occupying Shay, hmm

Kristina, Rodd and Josh hard at work

Shay's carved pumpkin

Final Products!

Our New Pad

We moved into our new house this past weekend!  Although all the big stuff is in, we are definitely not unpacked.  Friday the movers came and Brett, Rachel, Jean, Bill and Ginger all helped throughout the day getting everything out of the truck and trailer and into the house.  Saturday Mark and Stacy came down and we spent the day organizing the big items downstairs, setting up the TV and other electronic equipment, putting together storage shelves, hanging shower curtains and getting the girls rooms put together.  Yesterday we relaxed a bit as a family, went on our first walk and stopped at the park between unpacking boxes.  We are so thankful to Bill and Ginger to let us live with them these last 6 months and are grateful to be in our new house.   Hopefully many happy memories will be made!

Great Room

Living Room/Great Room

 Kitchen

 View from Screen Porch

 Alyssa's Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

 Shay's Room

 Great Room

Catching Up.. Weekend in Duluth with the Burns Family

A couple weeks ago we headed up north and spent an awesome weekend with the Burns family.  During our short stay we headed to Boo at the Zoo where the kids got to dress up in costumes, trick or treat with zoo staff and volunteers as well as check out the animals.  Shay and Breck really enjoyed their time, and I think the little kiddos did too.  Brett and Shawn went to the UMD hockey game against Notre Dame while the kiddos got movie night with a sleepover!  We had so much fun and are excited to make the trip again soon- hopefully in Decemeber when we get to see all the holiday lights.  Thanks Elicia, Shawn, Breck and Cullen for a fun time!

The Frog and the Bee

 Bee (3 years), Doctor (3 years), Tiger (18 months) Frog (17 months) 

 Sadly, the best family shot :)

 Our fun, short nature hike

 Too cute!

 Sleep over time! 

 Happy Halloween!!!

Keeping Busy and Having Fun

These last few weeks have been really busy at the Carroll household.   We are getting ready for our move (tomorrow :) into the new house.  Alyssa has been perfecting her walking skills and is now into everything, while Shay has lots of stories (and opinions) to share everyday.  Below are some random pictures from the last couple of weeks.  House pictures should be coming soon!!!

 Shay picking apples on her trip to the orchard with Ms. Caryline

 Alyssa cutting apples for the apple pie she made us :)  So tasty!

 Shay peeling and coring apples for homemade applesauce

Mom stopping by on a break to help make applesauce

Shay was super excited for my surprise visit!