Falling into place

Before we knew it, the temps were cooling off and Fall had kicked into high gear. Gray began playing competitive soccer, Hayes was cheering for the GFL Seahawks and was also continuing with her dance and rec soccer.

Finalists at their first competitive tournament

Five goals in one game!

Best Cheer at Cheer-off

For Fall break, we headed back to Puerto Aventuras, Mexico for our 4th trip and it did not disappoint once again!  We relaxed by the pool, drank fruity drinks, slept in the hammocks, read books, paddleboarded, and ate ridiculously-delicious food prepared by the amazing Alberto.  Highlights included watching P paddleboard, enjoying the kids' reaction to the culture, the trip to Tulum with Pop and Gray, our day trip to the private beach, renting a golf cart and exploring with Pop, and celebrating Gray and Pop's birthdays at the end of the trip. I'm already dreaming of our next trip back!

Family pic at sunset on the balcony

Adam and I paddleboarding in the canal in front of the house

One of Alberto's famous dishes--cilantro lime grilled shrimp!

P did it! She paddleboarded!

Hanging out at the local market

Our day at Punto Venado--the private beach

Sipping fruity drinks with my girl at the Omni Resort

The ruins at Tulum with Gray and Pop

Pop and Gray celebrating their birthdays, which are 2 days apart

Looking for cereques with Pop

Pop enjoying a homemade churro in the hammock

 When we came back from paradise, it was time to celebrate Gray's birthday (again) with a sleepover with friends for our big 9 year old!

Now that he was 9, Gray was ready for his first communion and it was such a special experience at our new church, St. Patrick. Gray completed his prep course and interview and we were able to watch him take his vows in front of the entire congregation. It was a blessed and precious day for Gray as well as our whole family. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming!

And just like that it was Halloween! We had one very serious storm trooper who refused to take off his helmet, even though he was sweating profusely and fogging up so much he couldn't see, and a wedding cake that ripped her costume because her hoop skirt didn't cooperate when she ran house to house.

All in all, it was another memorable event with these crazy kiddos, but Adam and I enjoyed watching them make these memories. I have to remind myself that all too soon, they'll be too cool to dress up and I will miss these nights immensely.

Until next time,
The Pattersons