Halloween 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a hard time getting a good shot of the kids in their costumes this year.  I'm not sure it's ever easy.  Vivien was a rainbow caterpillar (Henry's costume from a couple years ago).  That kind of set the theme for the other kids.  Henry was a spider, Charlie was a bat (not really in the insect family, but eats insects...close enough), and Meg was a butterfly.  It was a very cold and rainy night for Trick or Treat (thanks to Hurricane Sandy).  Even though the conditions were miserable, Charlie and Meg didn't even notice.  They had a great time and I think we were the last ones still out going door to door that evening.  The things one will do for free candy!

Washington D.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to visit Washington D.C. the weekend of Tom's 33rd birthday.  We had a fabulous time!  We ate at our favorite restaurant:  Cafe Rio.  Unfortunately, Tom's stomach didn't feel so hot, so he didn't get to enjoy it as much as the rest of us did. 

We left DC just hours before Hurricane Sandy hit, so that really helped cut down on traffic and crowds.  We were able to tour the National Mall, the Natural History Museum and the Temple grounds.  We had a wondrful trip!  We can't wait to go back!  (We included a picture of the famous "Henry the Elephant" who greets each visitor of the Natural History Museum.) 

Kiehl Family Vacation, Norris Lake, TN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Kiehl family gathering took place this year at Norris Lake in Tennesse which is just north of Knoxville.  It was beautiful and a lot of fun.  All 37 of us under one roof!  We finally got a picture of the whole crew and then I love the one of just Grandma and Grandpa surrounded by their 23 grandchildren.  It's quite a crew.  Charlie and Bode were best buds and grew brave enough to actually ride on the tube in the no wake zone (which means we were going very slow).  The girls liked getting up the courage to jump off the famous jumping bridge...Meg stood up there and just stared down for very long periods of time and never did it.  It was very scary!  I jumped off to try and help her and my body did not appreciate it!  Ouch!  The girls had so much fun together.  Meg was in heaven!

We love this week each year, when we are able to see everyone.  We wish the country was smaller and we could see everyone more often.  We are so grateful to Grandma and Grandpa for providing this for us! 

Outer Banks, 2012

 

 

 

Our family loves the beach and we have been so blessed to be able to go with my parents and Tom's sister Jen's family the past couple years.  This year was a little windy and hard to go to the beach the last few days we were there, but it was still beautiful and the kids loved it!

Our new house!

So, this isn't the best shot (I hate that the garage door is open) but you can't beat the fall colors and they only last a couple weeks, if that. 

We got new siding, trim, gutters, garage door and coach lights.  Plus we had all the lava rock removed and new paint on the stucco.  It feels like a new house!

Henry's 1st day of preschool and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry stated pre-school this fall.  He goes twice a week for a couple hours and really likes it. 

Once a month, Charlie's class gets to walk over to the nursing home and sing and visit with the residents there.  I have a couple photos of Charlie and his buddies throwing up their 1st grade gang signs. :)

The rest are some cute photos of Vivien and Grandma watching Charlie play soccer!