Fall Bits and Pieces

 Like the variety of colorful leaves falling from the trees, our month was filled with many colorful and fun activities.  I've raked them up into a pile for you.  Jump in and enjoy!  There is a sneak peek at the kids' Halloween costumes at the end.

Zack and Joe at the National League Championship Series (NLCS), San Francisco Giants vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, Game 5

The Cardinals led the series 3-1 so game 5 could have been the clincher to send the Cards to the World Series.  Unfortunately it was not meant to be, the Cardinals lost 5-0.  They went on to lose the series to the Giants.  Despite the disappointing end to the season, it is still awesome to be one of the last 4 teams still playing baseball in October.  Zack was thrilled to attend his first ever playoff game with Joe.  Thank you to Fabick for the tickets in right field.

Zack checking out their seats

The Clydesdales were there which is always a thrill to see in person.  They only do a few games a year.

Zack enjoying his giant Sprite and pre-game dinner. 

Joe and Zack 

Chris Carpenter (starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals) at Zack's soccer game  

Since the Cardinals weren't playing in Detroit last weekend, Chris Carpenter was at his son's soccer game vs. Zack's team from Sacred Heart on Saturday morning.  Joe saw Carpenter walk by our car when we got there.  Carp drives a tricked out black Jeep with tinted windows and the back windows were out despite the 40 degree temps. that day.  Carpenter was kind enough to sign autographs for the team after the game.  

I was trying to take a stealthy picture before the game started.   He's in the white ball cap.

Carpenter signing autographs after the game.

Signing for Zack.  Zack is #7 and Carpenter's son is standing next to him, #5.

Signing a hat for Gabe

I was too slow to get one of him showing his face but hey, it is him! 

Zack with his new Chris Carpenter autograph.

George's Cub Scout Go See It to the fire station

The Valley Park fire department gave George's cub scout den an in-depth tour of their firehouse.  They showed the boys how the equipment worked, let them "drive" the trucks, showed them where they live while on duty and extended the ladder truck all the way up.  One of the firemen climbed to the top of the ladder while it was up.  Very cool!

George says, "I'm driving Mommy!"

Andy wanted to honk the horn but it wasn't turned on.

Lined up waiting to drive the truck.

Joe and Jen celebrate '11 in '12!

Joe and I enjoyed an evening out at Citizen Kane's to celebrate our 11 year anniversary.  Their steaks are fabulous and we had a very tasty bottle of wine to go with it.  Happy Anniversary!

This picture didn't turn out too great but it is documentation.  

I made Joe a book on Shutterfly with pictures we took through the post season last year when the Cardinals won the World Series.  All the pictures were taken on our cameras.  The link to view it is currently not working.  I'll try to repost it later.

Joe got me a Keurig machine for our anniversary.  Hence the reason I am currently wired on caffeine.  I'm really enjoying trying out the different flavors.  It will keep me out of Starbucks.  

Bunco Bonfire at Eckert's Apple Orchard

The fall weather this past weekend was perfect for a bonfire.  We met up with a few Bunco friends and their families on Saturday night at Eckert's apple orchard (where we picked apples earlier this year).  They allow you to reserve and pay for a bonfire pit.  Then you pay the regular admission price to enjoy all the activities.  There are tons of bonfire pits going, it is a great way to gather and enjoy the season. 

Andy and I were picked to be one of the pig rooters during the pig races. The pig we were rooting for was called Sam Hamford from the St. Louis Hams (named for Sam Bradford from the STL Rams).  Our pig didn't win so no pooping pig prize for us.  I'm proud of my shy Andy for going up in front of the group to be rooter.     

Andy rode this tri-cycle around and around for over 30 min.  He said it was really fast.

Mary, Jen and Andy.  Can you see Mary's eyes in there under her little lamb hat?  She was the warmest of us all and eventually fell asleep.

George hanging out at the fire.  

Fall Hayride and Bonfire with Cub Scout Pack 680

Bonfire, part 2.  Sunday afternoon, Pack 680 gathered to enjoy three legged races, sack races, mummy wrapping, a horse drawn hay ride, chili and hot dog dinner and a s'more making contest.  We entered the s'more contest with an entry called "the Candy Pumpkin".  It had regular s'more ingredients plus a toasted pumpkin spice marshmallow and candy corn.  We won 2nd place for best presentation.  The kids are tickled with the trophy we brought home.    

I love this picture of Zack.

Hi George!

Our two Cub Scouts

Andy and his freckles

Hi Mary!

A very patient boy scout being mummy wrapped by Landon and George.

There were three wagons that held 20 people each for the hay ride.  We had 50 kids and a few adults on the beautiful ride.

Jen and Mary getting settled in.

Max, Andy, Zack, Jackson and George

Getting ready to go

On our way back
Jason, Jen, Mary, Eric and Max

The end of the ride

 Sneak Peek at Halloween Costumes at Trunk or Treat

We decorated our trunk and headed out for treats on Friday night at Sacred Heart's annual trunk or treat.  Here's the first peek at the kids' costumes this year.  More pictures to come in a separate post. 

George the candy corn, Mary the flower, Andy the tiger and Zack the Wii remote