Apple Cider Party

We were invited to come eat, drink and be merry at an apple cider party. With such great company, we had a wonderful time.

Daddy's cousin was manning the press

The bigger boys and cousin and friends were sent to gather apples from the apple trees

Even Galoot helped pick a few for washing

What a fun way to celebrate the fall harvest. We brought potluck snacks and drank lots of fresh apple juice. Delicious! 

Waterton in the Fall

We woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise.

In the afternoon, we decided a trip to Waterton was in order. I was so glad we went. 

Autumn was in full glory.

We delighted in the striking beauty of Red Rock Canyon

Who could ask for a better playground than this?

We went on a bear hunt and much to our delight we found one (little speck of black beneath the middle tree shadow ;)  )

Then we played at the park

We had a wonderfully lovely afternoon, so very blessed and grateful for the beautiful place in which we live.

Cousins

Cute Cousins!!! 

15 so far...

The best part is being born with a best buddy to hang out with at all the fun get togethers!

Birthday Boy #2!

Happy Fifth Birthday Ettin!!!

Awaiting this great big man was a huge stash of presents waiting for him. Giant spoiled him with presents he'd bought with his own money, and even gave him a bunch of birthday money too.

And, especially exiting were some sorcerer capes and hats for each of the boys, along with an instructional wizardology book ;)

Ettin decorated (and tasted) his birthday cake. 

Grilled cheese and ham for a birthday boy lunch.

...and eating with a bunch of cousins and friends makes it even more special.

Ettin was very sure that he wanted a surprise party, which involved everybody yelling, "Surprise!!!"

So, after all the kids arrived, we took Ettin into a bedroom and had the kids hide downstairs. Then we told Ettin he needed to go find his friends to start the party.

He was so apprehensive and happy all at the same time. "Mommy," he says with a great big smile on his face, "I'm so scared about going downstairs..." In fact, he waited just outside the basement door for a whole minute in anticipation.

Surprise!!!

Hotdogs and orange "juice", and "cheesie wheesies"(party mix) for supper

Happy 5th Birthday Ettin. Nice job on the cake!

Blowing out the candles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0W8y544YIk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

He partied late into the night, getting quite silly with vampire teeth

...and a late night cupcake decorating fest!