Halloween 2025

Another year in the books and just as quick as a wink we were back down to only 2 trick-or-treaters.  The oldest 3 opted to not dress up this year.  They walked with us through the local drugstore candy line, but didn't come along when we took the youngest 2 out for the evening.

We had an awesome fighter jet pilot...

And a beautiful Belle...

Evie was impressed with my "glow rings" to go with her outfit.

pretty proud of my "Belle hairstyle"...

Evie was sparkly eyed about trick-or-treating this year and they both had such a fun time!  The older three chose a movie/show/video games for the evening and gave out treats to the few friends who stopped by.

The kids also got to trick-or-treat Grandma and Papa Tallman last Saturday afternoon and Grammy Sara and Papa Phil had treats for them when we stopped by Saturday evening.

Field Trip to Keosauqua

We took a field trip to Keosauqua with our HSAP group and had beautiful fall weather for the day.  I felt really thankful that all 7 of us were able to go together!

We started the day at the Van Buren County courthouse - the oldest courthouse west of the Mississippi River that still operates.  It was a beautiful historic building.

In the judge's seat...

And my jurors...

Next we toured the Pearson House complex.

The Pearson House has a trap door leading to an underground railroad room in the basement.  Mia was especially excited to see this piece of history.

In the basement...

The trapdoor...

The underground railroad room is now brick and has an entry via the basement but those features were added later.  Originally it would have been dirt walls and floors and only accessible from the trap door in the office/study.

The kitchen...

We were bummed that the parlor and study/office were shut off for restoration.  Mia would like to go back to see the trap door in it's room.  The house was quite large with lots to see inside.

The bedrooms were upstairs.  The children were allowed to test out a straw tick on a rope frame.

The complex with the large house also hosts a one room schoolhouse...

And a one room log cabin...

After our tours we headed to Lacey-Keosauqua State Park for a picnic lunch, hike, and kayak/canoeing on the lake.

The hike was beautiful and my ankle mostly cooperated.  I got to visit with some of our HSAP families and my co-workers while we walked 2 1/2 miles around the lake.

At the end of the hike the park rangers met us with kayaks and canoes and all the students 3rd grade and up got to take to the water.

Poor Evie....this was an exercise in patience and understanding for her because she would have LOVED kayaking.  She did not complain, though, and once we got to the beach area she enjoyed wading in the edge of the water.

The girls had planned to go together in a double kayak but were needed to fill some canoes so they split up. 

A lake full of homeschoolers...

The kids really enjoyed their afternoon and it was a beautiful day.

We headed towards home mid afternoon and made a quick stop at the American Gothic House.  We didn't do the tour but the kids got to see the outside of the house.

It was a wonderful day and we made great memories!!