And we bought a cabin

 We have dreamed of this for years and even almost made it happen prior to Henry's conception.  We looked back then because if I couldn't have a second baby then I was going to have a second home in the mountains.  I got my second baby and happily gave up the dream of a mountain house.

 Then we talked to friends this summer and stumbled upon a steal of a deal.  Almost everything we wanted.  Views, space enough for friends to come, land, access from the house to biking, hiking, a lake for swimming and skiing and friends to buy it with thus making it affordable.

 This weekend was our first trip out there and we explored our little plot of land and cleaned a bit and rejoiced that the previous owners left ALL of the furniture.

We found a zip line and a rustic fort and hung up a swing.

Jeff attached a slide to the fort.

 It is not for the faint of heart as it is more like a rocket launcher.

I want to remember how this home became ours.  Well at least 1/3 of what the bank doesn't own is ours.  How Elizabeth cried after we first saw it because she thought we were moving out there permanently and she loves her Seattle home.  And then how after this weekend at the cabin she cried because she didn't want to leave.  I want to remember exploring with the Connolly kids along the lakes edge and finding frozen critters and a turtle under the ice.  I want to remember that both my kids slept past 7am which is a minor miracle and proof that fresh mountain air is good for the soul.  I also want to remember that walking Elizabeth to school this morning we saw 2 bald eagles.  TWO.  I love that our home is Seattle and in the Methow Valley. 

Halloween

 Never actually made it to a punkmen patch this year and just got them at the store.  And yes she still calls them punkmen and I am doing everything in my power to have that not change.

 Pops is in town for Halloween and he has been enjoying the crazy household.  He has seen us play many games of duck duck goose.  It is not played with rules that anyone understands except E and H.  He has read a ton of books to Henry and helped with many a puzzle.    He came along to the Halloween party and joined in on her soccer game this weekend.

 For the actual day Elizabeth dressed as Fancy Nancy and specifically Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly.  I don't sew or make things at all so I was pretty happy when she choose an outfit that I could piece together.  I got a shot of her with her teacher Mrs Koerner aka Mary Poppins.  I do wish she could have Mrs Koerner just until 12th grade. 

 We had dinner at a friends house with about 15 kids and then all left to go trick or treating together.  It was like locust descending on the candy.

 Elizabeth, Hannah and Sadie were partners in crime and stuck together the entire time.

 Henry even figured it out and went up to about five houses.  He didn't really know what he was getting but was thrilled to show off his goodies along the way.  He would holler out 'tickie treat' , 'tank you' and 'appy alloweeeeen'.

 There is a five block stretch that is decorated to the hilt and everyone is there.  One house had a keg out front and with the street closed down it is easy to let them run around.  It is fun to see all our neighbors and school friends.

 It was our first year without Lila.  The girls both were with their school friends.  Quite honestly Elizabeth didn't even notice however my heart was quite sad.