Trick or Treat Festivities

This year we enjoyed trick or treating not once, but twice.  I mean, can you ever really have enough candy?  I like to think that we got more use out of our Halloween Costumes too.  Ya, that's why we did it,  of course.  The local mall offered Trick or Treating on Wednesday night and we were intrigued and had to check it out.  It was fabulous and we will definitely attend again.  Along with collecting candy from store employees, there was an entertainment throughout the mall:  an Elvis empersonator, a local band playing halloween tunes, dance companies performing at the entrance of the mall, and games and blow ups for the children.  And what better way to end a night of trick or treating, but eating Chick Fil-A in the food court. 

                                   Tinkerbell and Capt'n Hook,  Ready to roll

Getting treats from the food court workers

                                                      Capt "Caleb"  Hook

                                                     Shopping should always be this fun!

                                                         Performers

                                                        inflatables and games

Fairy Hugs

The next night, we trick or treated in our neighborhood and also our old neighborhood behind us.  Mackenzie trick or treated with some of her new neighborhood friends, and then met up with some of our old friends.  She had a blast, despite the chilly weather.  Caleb even hit up a few houses for candy, but then decided to stay inside with Mommy and Nana to pass out goodies.  Thanks to Grandpa and Daddy who spent the night outside with Mackenzie collecting candy!

Tinkerbell and Capt'n Hook

She is sooo proud of her costume!

                                                            Nana and the grandkids

                                                             Cutest costumes ever!

Filling her bag with treats before heading out to the streets

                                                pulling candy out of the tub was big fun!

                                              Kenzie and neighborhood friend, Joselyn

                   Our old neighbors even stopped by at the end of the night for some sweet treats!

...the old gang!  We miss not having you all in the backyard everyday!

            This is what happens the day after trick or treat when Kenzie's at school....shh!

Pumpkin carving and Halloween Traditions

Part of preparing for Halloween is the much anticipated Pumpkin Carving Party.  This year, we made pizza at home, carved our pumpkins and separated pumpkin seeds for baking.  It always amazes me how much work, time and patience these nights require, but it's all about the memories and always worth it in the end.  Here's some pics from our night. . .

                                           Sketching out her pumpkin face

                                                        Down to business

                                                   Scooping Pumpkin Guts

                                             Separating Pumpkin Seeds to bake

                     Showing Caleb the fine art of gettin' your hands dirty

  Nothing like spilling hundreds of pumpkin seeds on the floor. . . oopsy!

                                                         Daddy's Lil' Pumpkins

                                                   The finished product

                                              
. . . and of course, it wouldn't be Pre-Halloween Party without our own Monster Rap.  Don't forget to pause the music on my playlist to the right before checking out our mad rapping skills, yo!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Gettin' Hitched!

It's official, my lil sis is gettin' hitched!   This past weekend, Emily and her boyfriend went to Hocking Hills to zipline and have a little time away.  As if zipping through a canopy of  treetops, on a network of cables and skybridges isn't cool enough, Cody made her heart soar when she landed.  As she neared the landing platform, she could see Cody down on one knee.  It was there that he popped the question.  How cool of a proposal is that?  (I like to joke that Cody would have kept her suspended in her helmet and harness until she said yes, but he assures me that that is not the case:). 

Congrats to the happy couple!  We wish you much happiness on your adventures as husband and wife!  We are so excited for you and can't wait to see what the future unfolds for you!  Welcome to the family, Cody!  

Below are pics of their surprise engagement party thrown by Cody's mom, Susan.  It was great spending time together and reconnecting after all these years (we attended the same church years ago as children)!

                                                                zipline fun. . .

                                                        The proposal

                                                        the ring...wowza!

                                                       The happy couple at the Surprise Party!

                                                                                                                          
                                                     Being congratulated by Mom and Dad

                                                   My new (soon-to-be) brother!

                                                              Engagement Party Pics:

                                                  Susan's Yummy Spread! 

                                                    Congrats, Em and Cody!  We love you!

Time Warp 2008

I stumbled upon these videos and had to smile.  My how time flys! 

*Pause the music to the right to hear the video.