{good & happy things}

• Sharp cheddar cheese on sourdough bread grilled with real butter + Trader Joe's tomato soup = a PERFECT rainy day lunch.
• watching the World Series with my boys (No gender stereotypes here; Gracie is just not interested.)
• Drew's new love for the game of Monopoly. We played a game for ninety minutes yesterday and he can't wait to return to it this afternoon when Katie naps. 

• Katie's excitement over Halloween decorations around the neighborhood. My favorite is when she squeals "ske-ta-ton!!!" when she spots a skeleton.
• I captured this picture last week as we were all leaving a store. Without a word from me, Gracie bent down and picked Katie up with one hand, expertly shifted her to her hip, and then grabbed Drew's hand with her other hand. She's a natural with kids and it seems to make her so happy to help out. 

• trampoline fun at Nini and Papa's house-

• Luke's last week of being eight is a fun one. Rather than a birthday party this year, he opted for a weekend of fun. We offered him a weekend in Indianapolis complete with a hotel and pool, but at the last minute, he has decided he wants to stay in St. Louis to celebrate turning nine. He is still deep in thought as to exactly what he wants to do, but I know a long trip to the City Museum is a definite as is Chinese food for dinner. 
• Pumpkins on the porch make me happy. So does that cute smiling five year old peeking out the window.