Jump Start To Halloween...

We are celebrating Halloween in phases. We have completed phase 1 and 2. Both were exhausting, fantabulous, and over indulgent in the candy department. We still have 3 more phases to collect even more candy. I think I'm going to have to sneak some in the garbage when the kids aren't looking...SHH!

Boo At the Zoo, 2011

You can't go to the BR zoo without riding the train!! 

No really, you'll never hear the end of it from your devastated children.

This daddy loves his little daughter...

...and here I am with my boys.

Ian requested to have his picture taken here. 

Don't you dare try calling him Optimus Prime, either. The name's Ian.

Tonight was "Trunk or Treat" at our church.

The kids (and parents) really look forward to this every year.

Almost more than the real deal on Halloween night.

Here's Afton in her own Minnie outfit. 

I didn't finish her pettiskirt in time for Boo at the Zoo, 

but she was able to fluff up her dress this time!!

Our van. Ian looks more scary than the skeleton.

He said he wanted to make sure that he looked sad, not happy.

I think he pulled it off.

We had a cake walk with a twist-you could win donuts! 

Ian and Ayden each won three-Ian devoured his almost immediately. Just in case you noticed that Ayden isn't in any of the pictures from this evening, that's because he was buzzing around making two-maybe three-laps around the parking lots for candy. He has a FULL bag to prove it.

More Halloween adventures coming soon...

October

October's wonderful weather is finally here. The air is crisp and the skies are clear. 

I feel like I'm breaking some kind of law if I'm not outside enjoying Louisiana's nicest month of the year (weather wise-spring is still my favorite season). I have a few of the outdoor moments on camera:

 The Hutchs met up with the Mangums at one of our favorite parks while the dads were on their annual man trip to Houston to watch the Dynamos-Houston's soccer team-play . 

Here we are attempting to get all of the kids to spin on this cool contraption. 

I have no idea what these are called.  

I found 7 different princess/Tinkerbell costumes for only $6 each at a store we like to visit occasionally in Zachary. It's called "Dirt Cheap". They take reject merchandise from stores that go out of business, or that were dropped in transit, or some other sort of calamity that would cause them to be unfit for sale. Well, these dresses were from Target with the tags and I got every single one they had in Afton's size that were in good condition. SCORE!! If you know me at all, you know that I will search high and low for a good deal. 

Anyway, about the cute girl pictured above. She dresses up every day in a different gown and asks to watch either "Tangled" or "Cinderella" while she's dressed up. I think she watched Tangled about 6 times this week. She calls herself "Baby Rapunzel". This girl is a fashion enthusiast. When I fix her hair she asks me if it's princess hair. I truly didn't encourage the whole princess thing in the beginning. It's in her genetic makeup to love purses, twirling, accessories, and all things related to Dora, Minnie Mouse and Disney Princesses.

Afton has been having a lot of fun times with these two girls lately. 

It's so fun to watch them enjoy each other's company.

Ayden and Ian had their Primary program at church today.

They both sang so well. Ayden did great with his speaking parts, but Ian was too shy to go up to the podium. They are polar opposites in the performing department. 

Josh and I have both been sick with Strep Throat over the past few days, so I took the boys while Josh stayed home with Affy and we left right after the program. Ayden chose to stay at church for the Primary celebration so I didn't get a picture of him in his Sunday best, but isn't Ian just so handsome?!

I took on a big project sewing a Minnie Mouse dress with a pettiskirt underneath for extra fluff.
It was my first paid gig and it pays well.
Here I am covered in the 90 yards of ruffles I had to sew. It was exhausting, but well worth it in the end. Go HERE to see how to make one if you want to give it a try. Be ye warned: it's a lot of work.

Here's the finished product on my little model, Afton (I haven't hemmed it yet, so ignore that part)!

I had to get the back view with the ruflfled socks.

 Ian wanted to take a picture too. Yes, his shirt is backwards.
 I will be making all of this again for Afton-but in red-which is why the Minnie shoes don't match this one.
I am very proud of this dress and pettiskirt and these girls are going to be adorable!!

Oh, and here's a pic of the pettiskirt. FYI:  I made the ears, bow and ruffle socks, too.

The Zombie Bash! It Was the Monster Mash...

 My First 5K! 

The Zombie Bash also included a group of over 100 of us dancing to "Thriller".

Here I am with my nasty wounds (liquid latex and blood gel are fun to work with!) 

Better view of the cheek gash and run-friendly costume.

My fellow zombie friend, Leah. 

We worked hard on preparing for the dance and she helped me do research on how to make rotting flesh!

She did her entire FACE! The blood started oozing down her face during the run. It was pretty awesome.

Josh caught me during the run. The kids were hanging out at Aunt Robin and Uncle Brent's 

so Josh could support me without kids in tow. 

We were also nervous about them getting scared of all of the people in costume.

We had a great time! Whenever the video goes up on You Tube, I'll put up a link!