Our friends the Isidros used to have an annual festival at their house for Pumpkin Fest - fun mixer games, and a potluck meal in which everyone had to bring something with pumpkin or squash. After 10 years, he retired the event (it had gotten to be about 70 people plus in their house) and 10 was just a good number. But, Jennifer worked her magic after the looonng hiatus with no Pumpkin Fest and convinced Allen to do it at the church as a mixer to get people to know each other. It was a great event, and we were happy to go and meet other people!
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| Duncan, Karis and Kelli |
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| There were lots of people there! |
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| The kids were downstairs with their own event, but Zach came up to grab some dessert, so Amy grabbed him for a picture! |
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| One of the games was "what is in your purse" - our pastor's wife was prepared! |
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| Amy snuck down at one point to check in on the kids - they were watching a video |
One of the pinnacle games that was the finale of the prior pumpkin fest events was "Tank" in which one person is blind-folded and the other partner is the "eyes" - the blind folded person has to find and pick up balls on the floor and through them at other "tanks" - and if they make contact then that tank is "dead." The partner can block/protect and give verbal cues to the tank as to where the balls are, and where to throw them. Karis and Kent teamed up (Amy and Kelli were happy to watch) - and a grand time was had by all.
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| Karis was the tank |
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| They made it pretty far each round, although they didn't win. Kent was doing his best to protect Karis! |
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| Blocking Karis and giving some strategy together |
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| Only a few people left now! |
A few weeks ago, Amy hosted an Usborne party for Kelli, and the attendees bought a lot of books, so Amy ended up getting quite a few free books herself! The kids were in book heaven when they all arrived!
Now that school has started, there are lots of birthday parties - especially as the whole class tends to be invited. At our old school, we didn't attend a lot of parties as they were often in Sabbath and people were spread out throughout town, different churches etc. Now at FLEC, it is birthday party central - Addison is in heaven! :) There was one recently that had a unicorn theme - lots of crafts, pinata and fun!
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| In case you didn't recognize her, Addison is the unicorn in this picture! :) |
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| Taking a whack at the pinata |
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| And what party is complete without cake! |
At the end of October, FLEC had the chance to sing the national anthem for the Orlando Magic game and to attend the game. Kaleb was part of the grades that did the event, so we all of course went to cheer on Kaleb and then watch the game. He is on the jumbo-tron in the picture below - second row on the very left hand side (good thing for the blue glasses!)
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| Sitting with the family after Kaleb came back to us. |
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| Nice picture of Grandma and Addison! |
Amy's finance director had a recent tragedy - and miracle - in which his wife was driving home and was randomly shot in her car by likely some gang member (that is the theory at least). She was on the phone when she was struck, and it was a miracle as she was able to pull her car over to the side and park it so if her friend hadn't heard the whole thing happen, it is likely that she would have bled out on the side of the road before anyone realized what happened. She was rushed to the trauma hospital where over the course of the next three days she would undergo three surgeries to try and save her life. The bullet did extensive damage (they had to remove spleen, half of her pancreas, it pierced her diaphragm, shredded her colon and they had to take out one kidney) and she is now paralyzed. The community has been amazing to rally around them, and their faith has been so inspirational as they deal with this unexpected turn in life - they have shown maturity beyond their years. It truly makes you feel grateful for every new day as it can change so quickly. She is recovering and is now in IP rehab up in Atlanta where they specialize in spinal injuries. If you think of them after reading this story - lift a prayer for them that God will give them continued strength, healing, and most of all faith. One day (the same day as the Orlando Magic game), Amy and a colleague (both husband and wife work for FH, one for Amy and one for his down-line) went to see them in the hospital and for the very FIRST time, Amy rode an Uber AND rode the Sunrail. It was a momentous day, so of course Amy has to take a picture of all new experiences. Thanks Brad!
We had another birthday party for one of Zach's close friends at their house - lots of soccer, boating and horsing around with the FLEC club soccer team!
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| Addison loves to play with Micah - he is so patient with her! Playing hand slap here! |
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| Even Addison got into the soccer game at one point! |
In other random pictures:
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All ready for her "rodeo" day at school! |
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| One Sunday Addison was a real trooper and went shopping for 3 hours while Amy searched for "picture-worthy" family clothes. WHAT A PAIN! For her patience and good attitude, Amy got her a small Lego set as a thank-you - which she clutched all the way home - even when she conked out for a nap! |
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| Finally we got them out to try wake-surfing again - success with dropping the rope! |
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| The three kiddos listening to a CD story |
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| Watching football with Grandma |
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| Addison swoops in for some snuggle time too |
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Date night at the mall has become a hit as there is an ice cream store there!
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