A Walk through the Cottonwoods

Not the actual river...as a disclamer...not that the Rio Grand is really that grand at least not at this point in the river. BUT its water, nonetheless.

Today we went on a walk through the Cottonwoods along the river. It was a beautiful early November day and the leaves are just losing their color of fall. I had to take one more walk through the colors before it was until next fall that I got to see them. How better than to do it with our dear friends. Hayden's best friend's mom is conveniently one of my dear friends and so nature provided a beautiful play area and a quiet place to talk and walk for us. I love this little spot I've just found. It is busy on the weekend, but during the week it is quiet and today we had it virtually to ourselves. The boys got to run off A LOT of energy. Hoping that this naptime is extended today so I can blog, bath the dog and mow the lawn one last time. Anyway, the pictures don't do it justice. But walking in a tunnel of very big, very old yellow colored cottonwoods was just a great way to end the work week, if my work week in fact ever does end. Onto dog bathing now.

Unleashing their energy on the woods. Little boys being little boys.

Finding a dead tree limb to ride

Finding a mound to climb

Hanging out and catching our breath at a fortuitously downed tree trunk.

Even Clare appreciates nature. God's toys. Hayden on yet another tree trunk.

Trick-or-Treaties

This was our inaugural trick-or-treating adventure. With 2 sets of short legs and parental guidance, we made it to 5 houses to all the neighbors directly around us who we know pretty well in about 30 minutes. It was a pretty warm night for the end of October so our kiddos were sweating in their hefty and snuggly costumes by the time we got home. What candy that Hayden couldn't eat because of allergies, I traded out with candy he could. He ate about 4 pieces that night and I swear was practically vibrating from the sugar. We had to burn some of it off, so Derrick sacrificed himself to a wrestling session with the kids. You'd be surprised the number they can do on you with a 26 lb 2 1/2 year doing a body slam on you. The baby girl, well, she's scrappy. Overall, we determined Hayden's candy of choice is Skittles and Clare had to settle for a Halloween yogurt snack. Not quite fair, but she needs a few more teeth in my opinion and a better tooth brushing form before I'll submit to giving her candy. So she'll have to wait until next year to relish in her Halloween takings. Each night since Halloween, Hayden has asked to go trick-or-treating again. And he loves handing out candy to the trick-or-treaties (not treaters). Its so precious that when I'd open the door to them he would yell "Trick-or-treat" too. He thinks its great having so many kids come to his house in one night.