Halloween 2017

If I hurry, I'll get this post written and up while it's still Halloween evening.  I just got home from my son Steve's house.  For the past 14 years [ever since he's lived in his house], he's hosted an 'open garage' for the trick-or-treaters [and their parents].  He sets up tables and chairs where they can sit and rest for a few minutes while enjoying a Crispy Kreme Donut with a cup of cider, hot chocolate, or coffee.  When it's cold out [like it was tonight - 40 degrees] they especially appreciate it. He also sets a portable fire pit in his driveway that they can warm up by.

Washington Township has a loud siren that goes off at 6:00 p.m. beginning the two hour trick-or-treat time period.  [The same siren goes off at 8:00 p.m. when it's over].  Jerry was at Steve's  all afternoon helping him set-up.  When I got there he was taking a much deserved break while waiting for the onslaught of trick-or-treaters.

And here they come!  They get to help themselves to a candy bar treat of their choice from a big round tub.

I especially enjoy seeing the little kids like this cute dog and cat.

Brooke [right] and her girlfriend.

Steve and Sharon.  Steve was portraying Bob Wiley with his goldfish Gill, in the movie, "What About Bob?"  Mother Nature was kind and gave us a dry night.

One of the couples from church, Gary and Lori.

Our daughter, Lori, and her girlfriend, Katie, came over for a little while after they got off work.

This is what the garage looked like when the evening was in full swing.  

I'm concluding this post with a picture of granddaughter, Isabella, at her band concert last night.  We were unable to attend because of another commitment, so I was grateful for the picture.  Izzy is the second clarinet player.

I'm off to bed now, and when I awake it'll be November 1st.  It hardly seems possible.

A Full, Fall Weekend

Not one more activity could have fit into this past fun-filled weekend. After our customary breakfast at our favorite local restaurant on Saturday morning, we drove to Chelsea, MI to attend grandson Landon's flag football game.  It was football weather with temps in the 40's, but no rain.

Landon is a Radars teammate.  He's standing in the forefront below.

L-R:  Izzy, Samantha, Ellie and Roxanne [maternal grammy]

L-R:  Jerry, Jeremy and Don [maternal papa]

Afterwards we went to Jeremy and Sam's house for pizza so the guys could watch Michigan State football team lose to Northwestern in overtime.  ;-(

Following church on Sunday I went to Shore Pointe Assisted Living to do my presentation at their monthly tea. The facility was decorated so beautifully for Fall/Harvest/Halloween both inside and outside, that I couldn't resist taking some pictures to share.

In the lobby were four containers of candy corn to guess the number of pieces for a prize.

The upstairs activities area where the tea is held.

~ My small prop table. ~

After my presentation I hurried home to change into warmer clothes, and drove out to our church property where our annual Harvest gathering was held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

As I was approaching the property at 29 Mile and Mound Rd. in Washington, MI a hot air balloon was floating overhead.  It wasn't part of our event, but I could resist the photo opp. The weather was chilly, but Mother Nature was kind and held the rain off so the field wasn't muddy.

There were 11 crock pots of chili to taste and vote on.

~ Our pastor and son, Steve, in center. ~

~ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Chili Cook-off winners.  ~

~ Granddaughter Brooke ~

In the distance you can see part of our 24.5 acres of land that we will build our new sanctuary on. Steve announced Sunday morning that we have been approved by our financial institution and church district to break ground for building in early 2018.  Oh happy day!

~ Besides chili, there were S'mores and hotdogs to roast, and Cider and desserts to enjoy. ~

~ The event was well attended. ~

~There were hayrides around the property every 25 minutes. ~

~ Pony rides and a small petting zoo for the children. ~ 

Sing-a-long around the bonfire.  

It was a great day!  God is Good!

Happy Birthday, Steve!

Today is the 48th birthday of our son, Steve [middle child].  What a blessing he is to our family.  He received his b-day present last night after the children's 'trunk-or-treat' at church, hence his Wizard of Oz 'scarecrow' outfit.  When our kids became adults we started giving them money to get whatever they wanted, but I saw this bike clock that reminded me of his many summers of biking when he was younger, so he got a bonus gift.  ;-)

Close-up before it was wrapped.

I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures from trunk-or-treat last night.  Some of the cars were really creative.  It was a beautiful night with no rain for the children.  Below is Steve and Sharon in front of their car with a Wizard of Oz theme.

And the kids, of course, are always cute.

~ Granddaughter, Brooke [L] and Daughter-in-law, Sharon ~

A fun time was had by all.  Thanks for your photography, Jerry!  Now if Mother Nature will give us another night just like it on Sunday when we have our hayride and chili cook-off on the church property we'll be doubly blessed!