Halloween 2013

Halloweens always a fun time in our house.  I think it's safe to say that Jordan and I get just as excited about it as the kids...  Every year the decorations seem to grow, and the Halloween activities take over the weekends in October.  This year was no different.  Between Fall Festivals, Halloween parties, pumpkin patches and carving jack-o-lanterns, I'm not even that upset that it's Halloween day and pouring outside.  The plan for tonight was supposed to be a Halloween parade up and down our street lead by the local fire truck, and then trick-or-treat afterwards.  Not sure what tonight has in store with all the rain, but I am sure it will include many umbrellas and rain boots.  An update on the festivities will follow.

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The kids usually have at LEAST two costumes...  This year Isla chose "Izzy" the pirate from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates", and "Supergirl", although she is quick to tell you that she is not "Supergirl", she's "Super Isla".  Holden kept it simple, and settled on "Cubby", from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates".  Okay, Isla told Holden he was going as "Cubby"...

When Isla got home from school and saw her "Super Isla" costume, she insisted on putting it on, and wore it for the rest of the day.  She ran around the house asking me what was wrong, and when I told her that her stuffed cat "Sophie" was stuck up in her bedroom and couldn't get out, she ran around the house making flying noises, (swooosh, swooosh), as she attempted to free her.

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The pumpkin patch went pretty much as expected. I was super excited to get some cute "Fall shots" of the kids, and they were super ready to make that as hard as possible for me...  At least this year, it wasn't stifling hot.  Don't get me wrong, it was still hot, (don't let the sweaters fool you), but either we've gotten used to it, or it was a bit more manageable this year.

Isla basically spent the whole time at the pumpkin patch attempting to put EVERY pumpkin she saw in her wagon.  And then attempting to push that wagon around.  With absolutely NO success.

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Holden basically enjoyed wandering around the patch trying to climb over anything he saw.  As always he was ready to throw a fit at the mention of the word "no".  But we were ready with tickles and were able to get a couple sweet shots, even if they aren't totally indicative of his overall pumpkin patch experience.

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Isla's Fall Festival was much more of a success.  Both kids had fun running around her school collecting candy and playing at the various stations and of course on the playground.  Isla was most excited to see all of her friends outside of everyday school, and was the first one to run up to anyone she recognized.  She actually seemed proud to have her little brother there, and was very giving with her hugs.  Not surprisingly, it seemed as though every teacher we saw knew her name, and had a funny story about our quirky little girl.  We didn't leave until we had tried every single activity...  Our plan to tire the kids out in preparation for our adult Halloween party the next night was in full effect.

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Even Super Isla can't free this kite caught in a tree...

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The next day was spent keeping the kids busy and on the go, and included another Fall Festival.  Unfortunately, we kept Holden a little too busy, and he was a disaster.  We spent the majority of the festival in the van while Daddy got Isla a Tangled balloon, took her to a petting zoo, and of course helped her get some more candy...

After a long day we came home and put the kids to bed so that we could get ready for our party.

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Loved seeing all of our friends dressed up, and fortunately, I was able to get most of the costumes on camera.  

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Well that post took long enough that the rain has seemed to let up a bit.  Despite the flood warning that was just issued for our county, I am starting to feel a bit more optimistic about trick - or - treat tonight.  Even if it is a little wet.  

Wishing a very spooky and dry Halloween to you all!