We started a new tradition a few weeks ago. Caleb and McKenna did not want to go Trick-or-Treating for Halloween (Caleb actually wanted to protest with his very own picket sign at school, but that's a whole other story =) )...they get scared by all the costumes and stuff that come out this time of year. I, of course, don't mind...no need to buy costumes, no candy to sort through...no problem! =) So, we set some candy out for the kids that I knew would be knocking on our door, and we started a new tradition (for us anyway). Friday night is now "Movie Night" at the Pifer house. We borrowed several kid movies from the library earlier that day, had pizza for dinner, got our jammies on, brought our pillows and blankets out, popped popcorn, cuddled and watched movies. We had so much fun together. Last Friday, the kids and I actually made the pizza (with a little help from the Pillsbury dough boy =) ). Caleb and McKenna sure can make a mean pizza! I tried not to be uptight about making messes and just let them have fun...and we did =) Here's a picture of them with their masterpiece:

A few weeks ago, we went up to West Point to watch Air Force play Army...well, to watch Air Force BEAT Army (Army actually played better, but Air Force came up with the win...Go FALCONS!) =) We were sitting right by the cheerleaders, so McKenna was entertained the whole time by that (okay, McKenna and I ) =). It was SUCH a gorgeous day for a football game...60 degrees and sunny, and the leaves that surrounded us were at their peak. Perfect.
After the game, we drove around a little. We had seen pictures, of course, but nothing can really prepare you for the castle-like buildings and the serene views (although I'm sure there's nothing serene about it for the cadets) =). It was all pretty amazing. We would like to go back sometime for an actual tour, but on a day when we hadn't already sat through an entire football game with the kids =).
The only bad part about the day was that our oldest (as in known the longest, not age =) ) Air Force friends (Chris and Mary Jenny) were supposed to meet us there, but couldn't make it. We sure missed being able to spend time catching up with them, but overall, it was a wonderful day to spend together as a family.
Thought you'd like to see a few pics:

on our drive up more scenery 
the game "The Bird"



more beautiful color their incredible chapel one of their amazing buildings