We finally got around to carving out pumpkins last week.
Not quite the same without Josh Downs around, but it was fun (and messy) all the same.
Annie made that bat-cat-hat at school (and I can't get enough of it.)
That's a witches broom.
And now it's her dance partner.
I don't know why, but I love that one (especially the blur of Shinand's wagging tail.)
I love that one too.
And the finished pumpkins...
A happy pumpkin.
A robot pumpkin.
And a pumpkin that never quite got finished.
Hope your Halloween is wonderful.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...I'm not quite sure how I'm going to pull off all these holidays without you (but I promise to give it my best shot.)
gorgeous -- as always. all of your kids look so happy. :) hope you all have a happy halloween!!
Posted by: lauren | October 30, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Wishing you a very happy halloween! It looks like you are doing a pretty darn good job so far! (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Denise Medeiros | October 31, 2011 at 03:50 AM
I love the photos and that broom stick (stick ha, get it) is awesome....Annie is so much like Sienna, always got that mouth open for pictures...making funny faces. Beautiful memories...
Posted by: Kathy | October 31, 2011 at 04:51 AM
I'm sorry your family has to be separated during the holidays...hopefully that will make the homecoming all the sweeter! My nephew and his family always have a "Holiday Party" when he comes home from his tours to celebrate the holidays he was away. I'm saying some prayers and crossing all the parts that cross that Josh Downs will be home where he belongs sooner than you think.
Posted by: Corrine A. | October 31, 2011 at 05:09 AM
You have such amazing Fall colors in your yard! Courtney's pumpkin has the biggest stem I've ever seen!! Annie cracks me up! Really great photos!! Sorry your family has to spend this time apart, but thankful you can all stay connected through your blog and the aid of various technology. Happy Halloween!
Posted by: ♥ Debbie | October 31, 2011 at 08:18 AM
Wow Karen! Now that's what I call GOOD orange!!!! Fantastic colours all round. Lovely stories going on.
Posted by: caro | October 31, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Love Corrine's idea of celebrating all the holidays you missed when he comes home. I think about you all often and wish you didn't have to be apart, but I'm grateful for your sacrifices. Shindand has gotten so big! (And it goes without saying that the photos are perfect.)
Posted by: Cyndi | October 31, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Such pretty pictures with nice fall colors for the background. Nogales who made me laugh more... Annie or Courtney. Have a great week!!
Posted by: Gina f. | October 31, 2011 at 09:31 AM
I love your kiddos! They crack me up :) I love your photographes... makes me want to hop in the car and hear your way. Have a fun and safe Halloween.
Posted by: Betty Shirley McArthur | October 31, 2011 at 10:00 AM
*head your way!!! LOL
Posted by: Betty Shirley McArthur | October 31, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Looks like loads of fun!!
Posted by: teresa b | October 31, 2011 at 11:53 AM
I love the happy pumpkin...:) And Karen, I feel you! I'm in the same boat (with hubby in Afghanistan, mine left about the same time as Josh Downs) and the holidays just won't be the same. Although I don't wish this upon anyone, I am thankful for your blog and your sharing, because even though I don't know you, it helps to know you are not alone. Thanks and blessings to you all:)
Posted by: Jill | October 31, 2011 at 12:45 PM
great shots karen...thinking and praying for you and yours while your sweetie is away!
Posted by: Kimber-Leigh | October 31, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Love that stem on Courtney's pumpkin!!!! Also, love that witches broom. They all did a great job and you are too Karen...hang in there my friend!
Posted by: Tracy | October 31, 2011 at 05:23 PM
Love the bat hat!! LOL!
Posted by: Heidi Bork | October 31, 2011 at 07:47 PM
How long will Josh Downs be away? Too long in your opinion, I'm sure. Sorry and thankful for y'all.
(You have us too, Nellie! ;)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | October 31, 2011 at 08:03 PM
I like how Annie is all done with her pumpkin and playing around while the other 2 are still going at it!
Love that stem on Courtney Lee's pumpkin too. And what a cool Robot!
Posted by: {vicki} | November 01, 2011 at 11:08 AM
You all could come to our house for Thanksgiving..... :) Take that as an invite Karen. We'd love it! ♥
Posted by: Robyn Clark | November 02, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Your pictures are amazing Karen! I'm LOVING your class! and you are an amazing woman too...thanks for sharing your challenges :)
Posted by: celeste | November 02, 2011 at 05:34 PM
All of your kids are beautiful, but that little Annie is soooo stinkin' cute! Just wanted to let you know :)
Posted by: Misty-rn | November 07, 2011 at 01:13 PM