pumpkinfest.

The kids and I joined our neighbors and headed to the Grayslake Pumpkinfest on a cold October evening. The fest had a character-lined trick-or-treat path, games, and inflatables.

Lincoln in front of a spooky spider web. 

Lincoln and Blue from Blues Clues.

Lincoln and a Minion.

 Are you noticing a trend? No pics of Cassidy? She warmed up to the characters after a while.

Here are both kids with Clifford the Big Red Dog.

The kids with Pooh bear.
They'll be meeting the "real" Winnie-the-Pooh when we go to Disney World in early November. 

Little sister and big brother sitting by a fire, listening to Halloween stories.
They enjoyed popcorn and hot chocolate (and they have red, salty lips to show for it). 

are you ready for some (flag) football?

Lincoln recently finished up his third season of flag football and he enjoyed showing off his experience as one of the older players on the team. Next year, he'll be one of the youngest as he'll move up to the next league.

Check him out below running in for a touchdown (#3).

Little sister cheering Lincoln on early in the season on a warmer day.

Cassie and Matt at the last game on a much cooler day. Brrr...

This is what the boys do on the sidelines when they're out of the game.
What is it with boys and wrestling? 

Lincoln on the move.

Happy little football player.

The post-game discussion between father and son.

Participant trophy.

For Jeff - I haven't broken any of Lincoln's trophy's yet. It's a miracle! 

autumn 2013.

One of the best things about Fall -- playing in the leaves! 

Lincoln getting ready to dump a pile over his head.

It's raining leaves on Lincoln and Mason.

Ta da!

Cassidy before we buried the rest of her body! 

father and daughter.

Here is a peek into a relaxing evening in the Gough house. Dad is snoozing before it's time to head upstairs and read books. Cass is fresh from the shower, nice and warm in her Hello Kitty robe, and cuddling with Little Blankie.

Awwww...

i tried.

Cassidy took her first sports class through our park district at the end of the summer/early fall. It was a fun, game-filled introduction to soccer. Unfortunately it was full of rambunctious boys and had a male instructor. Cass wasn't thrilled. We stuck it out through the 6 weeks. I played along with her during each class, but it was simply a struggle and didn't suit her personality.

On the last day of the class, Lincoln had a 1/2 day of school so he was able to attend soccer class with Cass. It was a blessing. While they often treat each other with utter disrespect (like siblings do), there are times when Linc and Cass show their love for each other. On this day, Lincoln completely fulfilled the role of loving big brother and helped Cassie enjoy the class. It was a mom's dream come true...to finally sit and watch from the sidelines like the other parents had done all along.

Cassidy, Coach Billy, Lincoln

We'll encourage Cassie to try other sports in the future. We just need to look out for something that'll better suit her personality (something that requires less aggression, perhaps, and something with fewer boys!).

For now, she has moved on to tap/ballet and is thoroughly enjoying it.

go lions.

Today is the season opener for the Lions. The kids are all geared up for it!

Please, please, Lions...I beg you...have a decent season.

back to school.

Here are the annual "first day" pics of the kids.

Lincoln started school on August 21st.
The following week, he had 4 half-days due to high heat. Crazy. 

Cassidy started in the 4-year-old preschool room just after Labor Day. 

Here she is in her classroom. 

Here's to another great year of learning and growing!