Trick or Treat

Beautiful beautiful beautiful day for Halloween this year.  I think it was in the low 60s.  The kids did not need jackets for trick or treating.

Miss Wickham...errr....I mean Waldo.  The other side of the twin home belongs to a haistylist who's front lawn is decorated with mannequin heads.  Megan did not trick or treat at that door.

 Not too often you can trick or treat in ND in flip flops

The Loot

We made our usual route through the neighborhood, visiting the homes on our street, making sure we stopped by Mr Shreve's and Miss Wickham's, as the boys claimed they had special treats for them (which they did).  Then, we walked past Johns Drive and 4th St and went to 5th St where all the action is.  We saw lots of the boys' classmates. 

As is tradition, once we get home we dump all the goods out on the floor.  Then, Mom and Dad in their anal retentive-ness sort the candy.  Yes, we sort the candy.  Here is the tally for 2011
Reese's PB cups-30
Kit Kats-26
M&Ms- 22
Snickers-25
Almond Joy-3
Baby Ruth-9
Hershey's-27
Skittles-23
Tootsie Rolls-72
Laffy Taffy-18
Ring Pops-5
Dots-6
Root Beer-2
Butterfinger-3
3 Musketeers-10
Whoppers-11
Milky Way-5
Milk Duds-5
Twix-8
Twizzlers-13
Snickers-16
Heath-2
Pez-3 packs
Pencils-3
Miscenllaneous (Pretzels, popcorn, granola bars)-25
Fruit Snack-8

Tally was taken after the kids all had a few treats.

Leaves

 After being forced to have nice smiles, the kids all made some silly faces

 Jonathan DID NOT want Megan on his back..."Mom, get her off of me!"

 He is even less amused to have his brother on his back

Megan has been waiting and waiting to jump in the leaves.  The trees haven't given many up yet, but there were at least enough on the lawn to make a Megan sized pile for her to enjoy.  She tried to help Nature a bit by pulling the leaves off the tree and adding them to the pile.  The boys took a little break from backyard football play as well.

Shower

Last weekend, Megan and I went to Fargo for Holly's bridal shower.  Megan kept thinking it was the wedding, but was no less excited for it when she realized the actual wedding is still 2 months away. 
We all had a nice time.

 The cupcakes

 The other goodies

'Jason' and Holly answering their almost newlywed game questions

 Lisa reviewing the answers for the 'then and now' matching game

 Mom passed Jason's Tyg and blankie on to Holly

 Megan was Holly's gift opening assistant

Holly models lingere for a Winter wedding



Eric

I think Eric is turning in to a History geek.  He prefers non-fiction over fiction books.  The book he just fninished is an interactive history book on the Medieval times.  It's like Oregon Trail meets the Choose Your Own Ending books.  You read a bit about a Medieval life situation, then chose how you would react in that situation if it was you.   The other night when he was reading,  he came into Megan's room (where I was reading to her) laughing the famous Eric chuckle and said "they killed my wife and family".  Guess he didn't make the right choice.  He loved this book so much that he wanted to read it to his friends at recess time.  He didn't have any takers for that.  At least no one beat him up.

Friday Night Lights, pt 2

Last night at Faris Field, the #2 and undefeated Mandan Braves defeated the #1 and also undefeated Bismarck Demons.  The Braves have not beat the Demons since 1994, which is also the last year that they have had a season with 7 wins.

Today at Faris Field, the Swarm (3-0-1) faced the Mighty Ducks (4-0).  The Ducks are known for their passing attack, their QB can throw the ball 30 yds.  They have a height advantage.  They are fast.

But.....there is more to winning a football game than passing the ball, height, and speed.  The Ducks scored first, and led 21-14 at halftime.   Soon into the second half the score was tied at 21.  Then, with 10 minutes left to play, the Ducks attempted a long pass down the field.

It was intercepted and ran back 30 yds.  By Jonathan.  The Swarm had great field position and were able to take the lead 28-21.

Both boys had some nice 'tackles'. Eric threw a block on offense that lead to a touchdown. The team played great, as did their opponents.

Friday Night Lights

On the morning after Mandan High's decisive victory over Grand Forks Red River, exciting football action could be found on the lower field of Ft Lincoln Elementary school.  The 11:30 game featured The Swarm taking on The Razorbacks.
The Razorbacks went 3 and out on their first possession, setting up great field position for the Swarm.  Not only did the Swarm score on their first 2 possessions, they dominated the Razorbacks with aggressive defensive play.

 #9 LaFleur and #3 LaFleur protect the line during The Swarm's first scoring drive of the game.

 J. LaFleur discusses defensive strategies with Coach Jablonski

 E. LaFleur and J. LaFleur line up in I formation

 QB B. Arenz delivers the ball to Eric LaFleur on a 22 Dive.  LaFleur gained 3 on the play.  J. LaFleur lead blocking for the run.

 J. LaFleur carrying the ball on a 33 power run good for 25 yards.

 E. LaFleur (left) provides a key block on R. Bergman (red shirt w/blue pants), opening up another 5 yards of running room for J. LaFleur

 J. LaFleur is finally forced out of bounds on a 37 sweep.  Had he hurdled #26, he could have scored a touchdown.

The Swarm are 3-0-1.  Next week they face The Ducks at Farris Field.  The Ducks are undefeated.  The season is on the line.
When asked about the offensive strategy for today's game, Jonathan LaFleur stated: "We needed to establish our running game early.  The safeties for the Razorbacks are good tacklers".  Eric LaFleur had no comment.