The Accidental Boilermaker

 We took a weekend trip to Michigan and the cottage. On Friday, the third graders had a nice Veterans Day program we were able to attend. Evelyn was allowed to be dismissed after the program at 2pm so we also took Jameson out of school a little early and were able to get a head start on our drive. It was cold with snow on and off all day Saturday.  Evelyn didn’t seem to mind. She would go outside for a little while to swing or look for rocks and then come back inside to warm up. We watched some sports, enjoyed watching for birds and squirrels, played some games, and mostly just relaxed.  Sunday morning we had an early start so we could attend church back in Hudsonville. Nate got to play guitar with Grandpa Paul and the worship team which was extra special. Evelyn also helped greet with Grandma Pat. While not an overly busy weekend, someone was quite tired on the drive home. 

 Evelyn and Jameson had a small piano recital today. Jameson was definitely a little nervous but he did a great job. They were the first and second performers which meant we could all relax and enjoy the other students’ pieces. We also learned a friend from school and from GOTR also takes lessons from our piano teacher. 

 Happy Halloween! The weather was iffy all day, warm but rainy. But once trick or treating started the rain had moved through. Last year we had 60 kids come to the house, so I bought a bag with 90 pieces of candy thinking that would be plenty. I also had two boxes of fruit leather I left with my dad just in case he ran out. Thank goodness because we had 123 trick or treaters! A new record.  People just loved Jameson’s hot dog costume. He got so many comments. They would ask if he wanted some ketchup for his hot dog which is just funny because Jameson loves mustard.  One last picture back home with the pumpkins. 

 Today was the final 5K for girls on the run.  It was a costume 5K and Evelyn and I made an awesome pair. I’m not sure if everyone picked up on who we were (Jasmine and Rajah). Evelyn’s costume is pretty cool if you ask me. Another goodwill find.  Jameson did a great job cheering and running around with his friend Chidera, one of the other coach’s son.  We didn’t get a picture of all the girls but every girl from our team was there except one.  Evelyn had a great run. I let her go ahead of me while I ran with friend, neighbor and fellow teammate McKenzie.  Me and McKenzie had lots of fun. Evelyn coming into the finish. 

Evelyn had a 3rd grade girls basketball open gym practice yesterday after school and again this morning. It’s an opportunity to learn and have fun, as well as to see if any 3rd graders are ready to try out for the 4th and 5th grade team. Nate dropped her off this morning and ended staying to watch because he said it was fun to see all the drills and watch Mr T the gym teacher coach the girls. In the afternoon we carved our pumpkins. My parents are here for Halloween, so Grandpa helped with the jack o lanterns. Jameson’s pumpkin Evelyn’s pumpkin My pumpkin

 Because we missed church Friday night to attend the trunk or treat, we went this morning. It worked out well because Nate was scheduled to play guitar. Jameson did not want to attend Sunday school. Sunday morning is so much bigger and the thought of being in a different classroom with kids he maybe wouldn’t know was too much for him. He sat and listened to the service just fine. After church I took Evelyn and Jameson trick or treating at the zoo. Most of the animals were able to be on exhibit since it was such a beautiful day. 

 Evelyn and I ran a 5K to benefit Fox Island county park today. Fox Island has been closed since June due to a derecho that toppled 100s of trees and made many of the trails unsafe. My dad and I did the fox on the run last October and I always think it’s fun to do trail runs. This year it was held at Metea county park. Evelyn and I had lots of fun. She found a special painted rock on the trail which I then carried for 2 miles. She also won a door prize - a very soft Vera Bradley throw blanket - which came in handy when we met Nate and Jameson at soccer and it was cool and windy. The race raised $3,400 for Fox Island. Today was also Jameson’s last soccer game. We thought about winter session but we would have to miss too many Saturdays. Jameson had a great coach and all the other kids on his team seemed like good kids. It was overall a really good experience.  Tonight was the fall food truck rally in the next addition over. Evelyn and Jameson enjoyed running around with McKenz...