Wrapping up October

Like we mentioned before, October has been a busy month for us.  It has been overall a great month but still has been really busy.  Take a look at what we've been up to.

APPLE HILL
We made our annual Apple Hill trip mid-October and some of the trees had started changing colors.  It was a cool day which is how we like to experience Apple Hill, but also a shock as most of the days in October have been quite warm.  Unfortunately it didn't work out for the whole Kelley family to go together like we normally do, but it was still a great time with Nonni and Papa.  Landon enjoyed eating apple donuts (his first donut experience), watching people catch fish, and riding on the train.  Landon has also enjoyed the apple cider/juice he's been having and we've enjoyed are apple turnovers!

Yummy donuts

Landon sharing with Papa

Landon with Papa and Nonni at High Hill

Same donut!

Landon loves Trains

AUNT JAN AND UNCLE BILL
John's Aunt and Uncle from Colorado made a visit to California--something that they don't do very often.  The last time we saw them out here was probably 6 years ago.  We had a great visit with them.  They joined us for Trunk or Treating at Nonni and Papa's church, which was the first time Landon really dressed up.  He had a great time handing out candy (thankfully he doesn't know candy yet so he enjoyed handing it out rather than eating), going down the big bounce house slide, and playing in the fire engine.  They took us to a great breakfast at a place we don't get to go very often which was also a great way to end their stay with us.  We were so glad it worked out for them to come visit as Landon absolutely LOVED the attention he got from them.

Handing out candy with Nonni and Papa

Playing in the Fire Engine

Uncle Bill

Aunt Jan

Landon enjoying his time with his Great Aunt and Uncle

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Landon had a lot of fun Trick or Treating this year.  Last year he was in bed before the kids arrived and was in his costume long enough to take a picture.  This year he actually got to enjoy the evening.  We went over to Uncle Chris and Auntie Kat's house with Nonni and Papa as well as Auntie Kat's family.  They made a lasagna, salads, dips, and great desserts.  We had a fire-pit at the end of their court and just hung out.  We then took the boys around to the houses and totally wore Landon out.  He would knock at the door get his candy then ask for us to "hold you."  John was disappointed with the amount of candy Landon brought home since we didn't buy any.  Thankfully, we won't have that around the house.  We also carved a pumpkin with Landon and he didn't care much about that either.  He played along for a bit but then got bored.  He did put his hand into the pumpkin once, but didn't really like the feeling.  He'd pick out the seeds from John's pile, but didn't care to actually grab any of the guts out. 

Our little chicken

 

Landon and Tyler

Biker Papa, Chicken Landon, and Farmer Nonni

Uncle Chris with his nephews

Landon and Tyler Trick or Treating

Nonni and Papa with their Grandkids

Scooping out the guts of the pumpkin

AROUND THE HOUSE

We had a really large tree in the front yard that would drop paper towel size leaves.  Every fall we would dread the time we 'd have to clean up all the leaves.  We filled so many trash cans...we'd have to use the neighbors' can too.  During the last major wind storm a couple huge branches fell down and it became clear that our tree was in poor health. Instead of worrying about it coming down on our house (or the neighbors) or paying a ton to prune it again not knowing when something else would fall, we decided to just take the whole thing down.  Landon enjoys playing in the bark and climbing on the wood pile.  It's so great that he loves being outside so much.  

Shani's old roomie from Cal Poly and soccer buddy was in town for the weekend.  She came over for a fun visit and to meet Landon.  The last time we saw her Shani was pregnant with him.  It was great fun catching up and playing with Landon.

Christy and Landon

JOHN TESTIFIES IN COURT

John testified in San Mateo County Superior Court on Monday and Tuesday last week. He was assigned a big case (a former psychiatrist who had been diagnosed with dementia), had a controversial opinion (that he was faking symptoms to avoid trial), and then was called to court to defend it. John doesn't want to put any identifying information on the blog, but if you're curious about the case, you can "Google" John's name and "psychiatrist" and read some of the articles. John felt good about his testimony and put a ton of work into the case, so he was pleased with the positive feedback he received from the district attorney and the judge (through the decision). The case has been stressful for a while, so this weekend has been especially relaxing.