Friday, October 31, 2014

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Growing up we would switch going to Missouri or Tennessee or some times Michigan for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some years I couldn't keep it straight where we would be spending the holidays, but every Halloween I knew where our family would be spending this holiday. Every Halloween we would head into town and spend Halloween with the Kuiken family. We would go to their house and eat and then trick or treat in their huge neighborhood. Today I am thankful for so many fun and wonderful memories of Halloween. The Kuiken's had a son whose name was Joel. He was a year older than me and as we grew up together Joel became one of my best friends and like a brother. In 2000 my dear friend passed away at the age of 23 years from complications from Leukemia. I think of my friend often. I miss him and it makes me sad that he was taken from the world at such a young age. He worked at the Super Kmart in town during high school so  every time I go home and go to that store and I come around the corner to the refrigerator aisles I almost expect to see him back there stocking the shelves but I know he is not going to be there and it hurts my heart. But every Halloween I miss him, but I smile at all the memories we had together and I am thankful that for 20 plus years this young man was in my life and helped me be the person I am today.

I know that Halloween is so different than when I was a kid, but I want my kids to have fun each Halloween and make their own memories. I miss taking our kids to Johnny and Cathy's house and the Fall Festivals at church, but we are trying to start new traditions here in Chicago. The weather the last two years has changed all our plans. Last year it was pouring rain and today it is so cold that it is actually snowing! They are just flurries, but it's still snow! Well, I just want to warn you before you scroll down, I have posted a lot of pictures. I tried to post a picture from the kids last 8 years and two pictures of my siblings and myself at Halloween.
Samuel's first Halloween. Loading up at the Corlew's house


2008

2009
2010

2011
2012


2013

2014 (costumes tonight) 

At the Kuiken's house



Trick or Treating at the Kuiken's house with Joel and Kristen



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