Halloween and Serra Do Cume

The kids finished soccer last week, but I forgot to post their trophies and pics so before I start with the week, here is a picture displaying their trophies and pictures.

Monday was Halloween. The night was spent with the Parkinsons and the Rameys. We ate chili dinner at the Parkinsons and then went trick or treating together.

This Halloween was like none we have EVER experienced! The gates to the housing closed from 6-7:30 for the American kids to trick or treat through base housing. After that, the gates open for the Portuguese (who come from all over the island) to trick or treat from 7:30-9).
While we were trick or treating, we saw this costume. Sterling didn't believe us when we told him it was a man. He insisted 'she' was a 'girl'.
Following tradition, we took of a picture of each kid with their nights hard work earnings.




We got the kids situated with a movie and some candy securely in our home and then waited for the Portuguese. This is the gate into housing. Their were TONS of people waiting to get in.
Here they are coming to our neighbors door and shortly ours. We were out of candy in less than 10 minutes! We've heard of people buying $100 worth of candy and it's gone in no time. We literally need to start planning now and buy candy for next year. It was crazy and fun. The kids were opening their bags for candy and so were the adults!
oops, pictures are out of order. Here is another shot of them waiting outside the gate. Some were even on top waiting to jump down when the security guards gave the word.
Tuesday and Wednesday we had a weather alert. The wind got up to 45 knots or above, which is about 52 mph, so the kids school ended early before the wind got to 45 knots. It was really kind of fun to stand outside and feel the wind push you along. Colson got off balance a few times trying to walk against the wind. Friday the kids had a day off because the teachers had a teacher day. I took the kids to duck lake and my new favorite place, Serra Do Cume.

Driving to duck lake we saw some pretty scenery.
And, a common occurrence, COWS aka vacas.



We got to duck lake and it was kind of chilly outside, even though the sun was shining. The ducks saw us coming and followed us all around waiting for us to throw them some bread. The kids were scared of the ducks. Cole ran away from them.




Then we jumped in the car and headed toward Serra Do Cume
Some of the views on drive up the steep hill. This is a view of Praia, where we go to church and the beach. Also you can see the Mary statue.
Introducing...Serra Do Cume: I LOVE this place!

There are windmills there too.

More Serra Do Cume





Here you can see the flight line on base and a couple planes.
I was surprised to see cows eating on this steep hill.
For date night, we stayed in and made cookies. Before they cooled, we topped them with ice cream and toppings. Mmmm.
On Saturday I went to a market (actually a Portuguese man's garage). He has about 5 or 6 greenhouses and grows fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs. He also has other people bring some things to sell. I bought this strawberry guava jam. After trying it, we found that I'm the only one in the family that likes it. It has a very strong flavor, but it's good.

Saturday night we made caramel apples as a family.