Halloween 2013

Halloween.  My most dreaded holiday every year.  The kids LOVE the Halloween Fairy, so, the uber-practical side of me says, "why not talk them out of even dressing up and just hand over their pajamas at the beginning of October?"  But, then, I remember they are kids and they LOVE to dress up, so, I can't be a total scrooge and take all the fun away.  

So, this year (2 years in a row!), I decided to go with a family costume again.  I made the girls poodle skirts when Morgan was in Kindergarten (for 50's day), and, they are starting to get a little snug, so, we hurried up squeezed one more wear out of them!  And, with felt on sale, and 50% off coupons, I was able to make my skirt for under $10.  Add some tulle ribbon for scarves and bows, and we were good to go!  

Here we are just before the ward party.  It's a lot of fun--a chili cook-off, and the youth set up a bunch of carnival games for the kids.  Too many cupcakes, too many temporary tattoos, but, lots and lots of fun!

Morgan and her friend, Eliza, from school.

Carson was drawn to the speaker, playing (way too) loud Halloween hits!

Then, there was Daddy's work party.  We have 3 of about 25 kids in the entire office, and everyone loves to decorate and pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters, so, the kids scored way too much!

This year, they did a photo booth, and this is my favorite picture.  I wish the quality were better because I'd love to frame this!

After only 2 nights, these kids had more candy than they knew what to do with!  After all, Morgan only got 7 pieces, Sadie 5, and Carson 2.  That meant a LOT for the Halloween Fairy.

By the week BEFORE Halloween, the kids were done.  After Daddy's work party, they asked if I could call the Halloween Fairy and ask her to come early this year.  They would leave all their candy from trick-or-treating with the Hursts in Arizona.  And, since they came up with the plan all on their own, the Halloween Fairy came early, bringing new pajamas!  

And, they still went Trick-or-Treating with the Hursts when we went to Phoenix!

October in a Nutshell

We have a general rule in our house that when you turn five, you are too big to ride in the stroller.  On occasion, we let that rule slide (tantrums trump to save my sanity!).  So, we improvise, and, Carson climbs in the bottom of the stroller.  

So, are we playing basketball, baseball, or dress up??

"My Chew-yo!"  (I'm regretting ever sharing my Costco treat with this cute boy.)

When the only TV is in mommy and daddy's room, and, there's a HUGE cabinet in the living room, where you normally play...you spend a lot of time on mommy and daddy's bed watching Disney Channel.

Papa Dale and Grammy Tammy BBQ'd in Dana Point, so we went down and camped overnight.  Complete with a tent, sleeping bags, and s'mores!

Carson is always looking for an opportunity to build something!

On the first, cold, rainy day of fall, this is how I found Carson napping.  (Hey, he was asleep!)

Just doing homework.

 I've been promising the kids we can get an ice cream if we make it back to Main Street without tantrums.  After 6 months of Disney passes, I finally paid up.  And, boy, was I glad! (The trick is to leave without squeezing in one.more.ride.)

We love it when the Hursts come to town!  Disneyland fun!

Sadie has been watching a particular movie lately.

I went to a bridal shower for my cousin and had the wonderful opportunity of seeing my great-aunts! I love Aunt Barbara and Aunt Joy!

Carson decided he was too big for diapers.  So, he started potty training.  It went well for a few days, but, now, it's a struggle.  And, just for the record, I learned my lesson with the first two about potty training young.  I did NOT initiate this one!

Morgan cracks me up!  She's always curious about what it was like "way back in the nineteens!"  So, she asked her dad a few questions and wrote a little report about it.

This guy could do Thomas puzzles all day long. (And, some days, he does!)

Another Disney trip.  We will sure miss our passes!

 I just love his smile in this picture.  Love my Carson Dude!

For Halloween, we were in Arizona.  We went trick-or-treating with the Hursts.  Such a fun time!  (More on Daddy's work party, the Halloween Fairy and the ward trunk-or-treat later.)

Dyeing Eggs and the Balloon

Easter Weekend  

Spring Break 

+ Cousins in Town 

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lots and lots of FUN!!!

The Montierth's visit to sunny California happened to coincide with Easter weekend, the final weekend of the FREE Great Park Balloon (don't worry, you can still come if you visit us, it's just not free anymore), and Morgan's spring break.  Additionally, Great Grandpa and Grandma Miller came down to visit at the same time.  So, we moved into Grammy and Grandpa's trailer and joined the party!  Daddy came down for a couple of days, but, then had to go back to work.   

I did my best to take pictures, but, there were 17 of us when we were all together, 11 of them under the age of 7.  

Adventure One:

When everyone got to our house, we packed up the wagon with all the egg decorating supplies and headed off to the park to dye eggs!  (This year, we did it because there were so many people, but, in the future, I highly recommend it!  No mess to clean up in the house--leave it all at the park!)

Morgan and Grammy Tammy dyeing glitter/marbleized eggs. This was definitely a one-on-one task.

All the other kids, waiting for their eggs to color.  (I know, they look bored, but, they really did have fun!) Aunt Courtney showed them how to make two-toned eggs.  

Ethan decided to skip out on egg-dying and enjoy animal crackers instead!

 Rich, playing with Evie and Lincoln.

Grammy and Lincoln

Courtney and Evelyn

What kid doesn't enjoy playing with cups and water?  These three boys had a blast! Thank goodness for the warm weather!

Adventure Two:

Soon after we moved to Orange County, we learned about the Great Park Balloon.  It's one of those things that people driving on I-5 look at (come on, it's a HUGE orange balloon!), but only the locals seem to know the secret.  

When everyone came to visit for the Color Run back in November, we tried to go on it, but, they were full for the night.  So, we went on the carousel instead.  Since then, we have been a few times with our kids and friends, but, the Montierths, who live in Utah, haven't come.  Afton continued to talk about it and was so excited to come back and go on the balloon!  

For whatever reason (Brian says it was a city council vote), the city decided to start charging for balloon rides, beginning in April.  So, naturally, everyone in Orange County wanted to ride the balloon one last time while it was still free!  

We anticipated a large crowd, so Brian left work early and went straight to balloon to wait in line for 3 hours!  But, we all went for a ride on the balloon!  And, because of the marine layer, they had to shut down the balloon for the rest of the evening soon after we flew!  

These babies won't let anyone hold them while they drink their bottles!

Papa Dale and Ethan on the balloon.

Mei, Ben, Afton, Morgan

Harold and Nona Miller (my grandparents, kids' great-grandparents)

Grammy Tammy with Carson, Ben and Sadie. (Not sure why the grumpy face, though)

Rich, Courtney and the twins.

The whole gang (17 of us!) after our wild ride on the balloon!

Of course, no trip to the balloon would be complete with out a carousel ride (or seven)!  Too many lights and too much action to get a good picture, but, this one of my mom, riding as the responsible adult for 7 kids turned out neat. Even though the camera captured her stillness, I'm sure she felt like the chaos all around!  

Grandma and Grandpa chose to ride the horses, instead of sitting on the bench (my preference).  I only hope that I can grow up to be like them!  They celebrate 57 years of marriage in August!

Morgan and Afton

Sadie and Mei

 Stay tuned for more adventures from Spring Break and our Cousins' Visit!