Halloween

It should be noted that I despised Halloween a little less this year compared to the last few.  Since having kids, its seemed to be a holiday with a lot of fuss for ultimately a few hours (if that!) of actual celebrating.  We kept things really low key this year, I tried my best to be organized and plan ahead, and I took a few good pictures on the front porch before the madness started.  Oh, and I had some wine with my Papa Murphy's pumkin shaped pizza! 

Pat and Finley did a last minute pumpkin carving session last night.  One small pumpkin in the shape of a jack-o-lantern.  Keepin' it simple over here, folks!

Finley helped me add mice (gus!!) to our stairs.

Her bejeweled pumkin

This picture makes my heart so happy!  We love these little girls so much.  

Finley was Lady Bug Girl (a character from a really cute children's storybook series) and Fiona was a puppy (or Bingo, Lady Bug Girl's puppy sidekick!)

"Finley, can you put your arm around Fiona?"

Fiona was having none of that!

"Don't touch me, Sissy" says Fiona.

The Lady Bug Girl pose

The annual Halloween dinner at Emma's house.  This is the best I could do with 4 rambunctious, excited 3-5 year olds.  

Fiona eating at the big girl table.  

Hello 80's - there were jello jigglers!

Logi fell asleep in his high chair with all of the commotion.  I love this!

Papa and puppy showing off their blue eyes

candy collectors

Pat had a little helper at our house.

We had such a good time visiting neighbors in our 'hood.

I asked her to stand under this spider - can you tell she wasn't thrilled?!

Until next year...

Boo

Halloween might rank up as my least favorite holiday now that I'm a parent.  I'm becoming more of a supporter of a Sunday trick or treating celebration because this weekday rush to get it all in before bed time stressed me out. 

Thank goodness we went to the Zoo Boo at Como the Sunday before.  It was pretty cold and windy out, so I think the crowd was smaller.  We also got there 15 mins before it opened and parked right in front of the entrance (which never ever happens at that zoo).  Our only mistake was not buying tickets before we got there.  Lesson learned, we'll definitely be back the same time next year. 

Finley was a fairy princess (her choice) despite having a perfectly cute kangaroo hand me down costume.  In the car on the way to the zoo she looked more like an elf princess, but she wouldn't tuck those ears in!

She LOVES her wings.  Actually, they were a great $11 investment because she has worn them enough and they are now in the dress-up box.

We got some really great snacks (not just candy) and I thought it was totally worth it. 

This snuggly little cow didn't get any treats, but did get a nice warm bottle!

On the actual day, we went to our neighbors for a Halloween themed dinner. 

The cow and the cowboy.  (Patrick dressed up as the Woody to Maria's Jessie)

Fiona was getting sick with a cold and was really cranky that night, so the costume was removed about 5 mins after we put it on. 

The orange punch was a total hit - with moms and dads too!

These girls crack me up with their different personalities and costumes.  They had so much fun going out together!

Finley did such of good job of please and thank-yous and would run down the driveway saying "go to the next house!"

One house gave out fangs.  She loved it!

Monster Cupcakes

Our treats for the neighbors - everything Finley loves.

Fall-o-ween

 Here's what we've been up to - the fun stuff anyways:

Pat's company's family picnic was at the MN Zoo this year.  It was a super crappy day, but for free zoo tickets we were still in!  The zoo was way better than I remembered and had lots of inside exhibits.  Finley LOVED it.  At the picnic, all of the kids got $10 to spend in the gift shop - which is where Wolfie came home with us (not sure he's made the blog yet...)

We consumed more than our fair share of apple doughnuts (understatement).  With the Morgans in town, we teamed up to eat 4 dozen.  Awesome!

Pat and Greg ran the Twin Cities Marathon on a beautiful Sunday.  Their goal was achieved at just under 4 hours!

The lady below is not quite as proud as we were with their finish...We can't all be winners.

October weather was amazing - which meant lots of outdoor time in summer clothes!!  Here's Wolfie -

What would any post be without Finley performing some daredevil tactic?

We made it out to the apple orchard for a wagon ride thanks to an invite from our friends, Pat Lauren & Collin

A few girlfriends and I snuck away to Galena, IL for a weekend of fun at a bed and breakfast.  It was the most relaxed I've been in probably 3 years and I loved every minute of it.  I came back totally re-charged and ready to do this every year.  I didn't take any pictures, except this on my way out of town.  Cutest place I've been in a long time. 

Meahwhile, Pat and Fin went to Chuck E. Cheese, the mall, a waterpark, and the library...and found time to have the house clean and parmesan chicken on the table when I got home.  Cheers to mom getting away more often!

Lastly, we had a lion sighting on our front porch.  She had the cutest little roar.  Trick or treating was fun and Finley did a great job saying "trick or treat" and then "thank you" but wanted to then go inside everyone's house.  Silly girl!  She loves anything sweet and has been saying "trick or treat" every morning since Halloween.  Unfortunately, we don't get to eat candy every morning. 

Emma and Finley

Finley and Henry - going in for a smooch

Life is resuming normal around here!

Halloween

We called her Finnie Mouse. 

I could squeeze her chubby cheeks all day!  I found her hat online and then created the onesie dress out of leftover curtain fabric from her nursery. 

Our neighbors paci pumpkin :)

Our neighbor Emma (10 mos) with Finley (9 mos)

Finley's boyfriend stopped over too!  What a smiley guy :)  Finley can't wait to have a rice cereal date with Henry (4 mos) soon!

The Thursday before Halloween great-grandma B had a party at the assisted living facility.  Grandma B loved getting to see Finley.

It was a great first Halloween!

(annie and erin, this is for you :) )