10-31, Halloween

 Halloween was a quiet affair for us this year.  A little pumpkin-carving, seed baking and trick-or-treating.  Sven and Nikolas did a great job with the pumpkins (as usual).  I think this is the first year I didn't even get my hands dirty!  They took care of everything (how nice is that....for me?!).  Nikolas was THRILLED that I LET him do my pumpkin for me (hee hee).  Pretty soon he'll be carving them, too, I suppose.  We carved our pumpkins a little early this year, because Sven got sent off to Germany on business (so rough....).  Nikolas and I were left to our own devices for Halloween night.  We went trick-or-treating with his buddies from across the street (shown in the last photo).  I think they had a great time.  It's not such a bad deal considering half of Nikolas' loot was chocolate (which he doesn't eat).  So, we BOTH scored!  HA!  Hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

I think he said he was the "Mystery Phantom"...?

10-22, Sven's Birthday

We celebrated Sven's 37th birthday on October 22.  Just a small family celebration-- just the way he likes it.  I think it's fair to say that his favorite part of his birthday was coming home from work and being able to get out of his uniform.  (I was able to get a photo of him before he did!)  The next best part was his favorite chocolate cake (that he asks for every year).  As I'm posting these pictures of his cake, my mouth is watering.  I won't admit how long that cake lasted (or didn't last as is the case)!  It sure was yummy, if I do say so myself.  Hope you had a great birthday, Sven.  We love you!