We went to Idaho to celebrate Grandma Gretchen's 70th birthday. The boys had a great time seeing Grandma and playing with the cousins. It was pretty chilly and the VanSant boys from San Diego weren't quite ready for the cold weather, but had a good time none the less. We are back home in mid 70 degree weather. Mom is at a work conference this week so the boys and I are holding down the fort which has all the new pipes installed and the new master bath is getting started this week.

 Jake finally got 5 total blue days for good behavior, so as promised we went to Chuck-E-Cheese and his good buddy Maddox met him there.

 The boys got to go up to meet the captain and see the airplane cockpit after our flight to Seattle. They promptly let the captain know they fly airplanes all the time.

  The cousins got a new puppy. Tyler lost the tug-a-war battle with his sweatshirt sleeve.

Their cousins also had a zip-line they boys had fun on.

All the monkeys... I mean cousins in a tree.

  The oldest cousin Cody, keeping the others safe crossing the street.

  Playing sports

  Went to watch Cody play ice hockey

Grandpa Mike keeping Ty warm.

 

  Grandma Gretchen's re-baptism

  Grandma's birthday party

Back at home where it's warm!!

Another Halloween in the books. We had a great night, especially since it was on a Friday and didn't have to worry about school the next day. Halloween is awesome in our neighborhood!!

  Presley and the Dawson girls came over to carve Jack-o-lanterns.

 

The kids took a Jack-o-lantern carving break to go on a night golf cart ride with our neighbor Brian.

 

Jake wanted to be a ninja again this year and Tyler wanted to be Iron-man.

It's great to be back home. The boys and Mommy are happy to have me back. Jake & Tyler are getting excited for Halloween. They've made a couple trips to the pumpkin patch and so far we have 10 pumpkins to carve!

  A neighbor bought a golf cart and gave the boys a ride.

Tyler's school trip the pumpkin patch.

  Grandma Sharon sent Halloween treats.

  Dad is back so the garage barber shop is back in business.

Jake has been asking to ride his bike to school so he, Tyler and I rode them on Friday. We got some sad news that our good friends the Dawson's are moving this November. We had them over Saturday evening for a BBQ and a dip in the pool. The boys are going to miss the Dawson girls : (

 I'm off to Maryland again tomorrow for another 2 week vacation... I mean business trip.

My little helper on a Home Depot run.

 

 

Not sure what to say on this one other than he is Kristin's child.

No rest for the weary, back from travel for work and now I'm demoing our bathroom getting ready for the house re-pipe/bath re-model. I took Jake to get some professional batting lessons from former MLB player Chris Richard. We got some great tips. Tyler has been doing much better with both his behavior and assignments at school. He is cute but it doesn't always get him out of trouble.

 Jake did a little riding Saturday. He is ready for a bigger motorcycle. Hopefully he is good enough for Santa to bring one, so far it's looking iffy. Jake had a ball game Sunday. Tyler and I cheered him on. Jake got two hits and fielded a fast grounder to make the out at second. He was awarded the game ball. It was in the high 90's so we cooled off in our little pool afterwards.