The Dutch Elm Tree. Goodbye backyard shade. Hello Neighborhood party.

We asked the city to tell us whether our tree was sick, and we asked whether they would like to pay to have it taken down, for the greater good of the neighborhood. They came, they declared it sick, they gave us a deadline and some estimates for us to pay, between $1000-$2000. As we are currently poor (though still top 2% in the world...) Daniel opted to rent a cherry picker for $200 and do it himself. The children and I walked to Aldi to pick up a $35 electric chainsaw. Trent loaned us his gas one, and the guy who lives in the house behind us (!) also loaned his. Daniel of course also had his hand saw. All were used, and the tree came down. The final stages were thanks to Heriberto, the handy and friendly neighbor who used to have a job taking trees down. He very carefully sawed the last chunks while Daniel and a neighbor whose name is "Heriberto's friend" pulled the rope for the tree to fall in the desired location.

We are VERY THANKFUL to report Daniel is not broken and we don't owe any neighbors money. The Lord provides, even for PhD poverty. Not just for missionaries. And some neighbors who have never wanted to talk to us wanted to talk to us.

See the chainsaw?

I couldn't fix the lighting.
Can you see him up there?

October

"O" is for October and for Outside.

GOBBLING UP his beans

His pet "beetle bug"

The family outfit - which cousin wore it first? 

Grandma knit the sweater and hat for Lukas
before he was born and his gender was unknown.
All three have worn the sweater,
only Frida has sported the hat. 

His head is *literally in the sand.

An October picnic in the backyard!!!

Frida loves her bunny as much as Lukas did his. She got a second one from Grandma so I can wash one and still let her sleep with the other. Mostly she sleeps with both! Here are all three, in order of amount of love received. You'll notice Lukas' bunny's patch, from the tragedy, on the left.

Fall Leaves!! What could be better?! (Can you tell the boys apart?)

Mama is always itching to get rid of that baby fat. The body prefers to keep it. Lukas LOVES to do the ab video when I allow. This is good for moral support. Not as good for productivity.

the plank

Don't you just want to eat him?!

And her?!

Broccoli was a favorite. Not so much this week. See it in her neck in the 2nd photo?

We love to trick or treat with these fun cousins!!!

I'm a flamingo, in case you're wondering

* literally is the most over-used Millenial word so I try to avoid use, 

but it is literally the only word for this picture.

A Sibling Photo Shoot

It was before dinner, so the conditions were questionable. But the light outside was perfect, they had matching sweaters, and sister was positively glowing in her church clothes.

One of my favorites... enlarge if that helps you appreciate it!

The other favorite :)

The neglected middle child needs a solo photo.