A Happy Halloween it was...

Sometime yesterday I realized that I had failed to purchase any Halloween goodies for the kids. Awesome. 

Luckily Target is a good friend of mine and I think I kind of hit the jackpot on the last minute purchases. I got these adorable felt buckets for $1 each, flashlights, donuts and a Halloween classic.

Holiday saved.

(And what do you mean? Why would I buy donuts for the kids and then plan to eat the majority of them myself....)

We like to leave little surprises for the kids on special occasions so they were treated to some ghostly reflections this morning, too! I should have filmed how funny Emmy thought this was. Hysterical! And why do I spend money on toys? Dry erase marker and a mirror. Done.

They were all smiles and ready for the day to begin!

(Today was one of those days that started out chilly-ish and ended up in the mid 80s. I think that's why Emmy had an "accident" - she was hot and wanted to put on her shorts. Ha!)

After school/work we rushed home, got dressed and headed to the Bailey's for their annual Halloween party. All three kids have been at their house for their first Halloween - isn't that fun? Krista loves Halloween and she does a great job making it fun for everyone!

(Don't worry - Emmy wasn't hurt she just barely bumped her head and  "needed" a band aid. We choose our battles around here and that wasn't one I needed to have.)

Star Wars was clearly the costume of choice this year...

(from left to right)

Back row: C3PO (Emersyn), R2-D2 (Annaliese), Anakin (Radley), Padme (Caroline), Storm Trooper (Jackson), Leia (Kayla)

Front row: Chewbacca's girlfriend ;) (Landry), E-wok (Millicent) and Master Yoda (Atticus)

(I just realized they are both in height order. And they are on a major slope in the yard so Kayla isn't really 5 feet tall!)

I never in a million years would have guessed that I would dress one of my children like a wookie - much less one of my DAUGHTERS, but holy cow... how cute is she?!?!?

The weather was perfect and everyone was ready to get started!

Uncle Pete even stopped by to say hello before we went gathering for goodies!

And then the gang was off! And these two. 

I believe I've mentioned before that Anna has paired the RHMs off into buddies - well, she takes that role very seriously and did not leave Emmy's side all night. 

I think I took 100 pictures of them. 

(I promise I won't post all of them!)

We really had such a fun night! 

The big kids are big enough to know what to do and be somewhat on their own.

The babies are sweet and can sit in their seats and entertain themselves with whatever distraction we give them, which means the grown ups had some fun conversations! Wahoo!

We decided not to mess with the wagons this year, and I was a little worried about how Miss Priss would do - but she rocked it. She didn't want to be carried and she was very into going door to door to get some treats. I was actually kind of surprised - but so proud of her!

Landry didn't quite make it to a door, but she did have a fun time playing with her bucket!

And these two did a great job, too! I love watching Radley play with his friends and him and Jackson crack.me.up. They can get a little rough but they are just hilarious to watch!

No Halloween is complete without a "selfie"! We still got it!

And check out these hot mommas!

You would think Jackson and Kayla were years older than Radley and Caroline - nope. 

Kayla is 1 day older than Radley and Jackson is 4 months younger!!

(they are on another slope, but still)

Every now and then Radley would check on Emmy - but get too impatient to wait on her.

She did move a little slower than most of the group, but her legs are maybe half the size of everyone elses and it only gave me an excuse to pick her up and get some squeezes. But she quickly requested to be put back down so she could go get "tweets, Mommy". 

Will and Krista did a much better job than those of us that just wore SW t-shirts. Will made them Jedi costumes - we were all very impressed!

The party was tons of fun and the blessings of a beautiful Texas night made it even better. The memories made watching the kids while just walking and talking with friends are just what I needed.

That and slobbery cuddles from Chewy!

Happy Halloween!!!

The party don't stop...

We hit party number 2 last night! One of the student organizations I advise hosts a campus-wide party for all kids of TAMU faculty, staff and students. It's free to attend and tons of fun! We had about 450 people attend so things were a little crazy!

Ryan works late on Monday nights so it was just me and my cute crew! Landry's costume was a big hit  - are you surprised? I mean, how could you resist this little Chewbacca?

Radley was in heaven - he always is whenever there are "big guys" around. He puts on the charm extra thick and loves all the attention. (The free flowing candy didn't hurt either)

Emmy was really just more concerned that her sticker stayed on her back.

"Where my sticka, Mommy?"

She attempted one game.

And by attempted I mean she stood there. Held the ring. And then looked at my students like they were crazy. 

She did decorate a cookie at some point.

For the most part, she resumed her usual spot right under my feet.

**sigh**

::who am I kidding, I LOVE this Mommy stage::

The more we walked around the more crowded it became. I kept trying to keep up with kids, take pictures, be engaged, chat with students, take work pics, talk to parents, etc... 

At the point that Radley was getting his face painted I just started laughing. 

I was hoping that she would take a long time so that Radley would be content.

I had given Emmy an entire un-opened package of smarties because it would keep her occupied for 5 minutes. 

I shoveled baby food down Landry while trying to keep Chewbacca hair out of her mouth.

And I gave up taking pictures. 

And I prayed a silent prayer for all the mommy's out there that are single all the time. Not just for the two hours that their husbands are at work so that they can provide for their families. 

Then we all went home, ate some candy and fell fast asleep. I woke up to clean dishes, prepped school bags and our weekly bible verse on our chalk board - all done by that sweet husband that couldn't be at the party. That I sometimes forget is at so many more important parts of our days and life.

Have I mentioned....

That this tiny little adorable lovely princess makes my heart beyond happy?!?

(and the hat doesn't hurt)

Yes, another soccer post (and Halloween)...

Well, it finally turned to fall in Texas. 

And you can guess what that means....

bring out ALL the winter clothes!!

;)

It was pretty chilly on Saturday for Rad's 9am soccer game (40 degrees!) but he didn't seem to mind. 

Gigi and Landry were LOVING it!

Ashtyn...not so much. She was so cute and kept her hands inside those sleeves the entire time. I felt like the cold weather was a great exercise in NOT using your hands. 

He really wasn't loving the cold hands. We told him to follow Ashtyn's lead...

But then she started having a tea party with Mia on the sidelines.

Landry really did love the cold - she just kept squealing in delight. 

It was pretty precious!

Meanwhile, Emmy was trying to survive the "arctic" temps.

Radley toughest competition this week was Camden, the "star player" from the Sharks. 

I don't know if he would have survived if a girl beat him though...

luckily he inched ahead and scored.

Just in time for the end of the game and ever popular spirit tunnel! 

Which was good, because I don't know if Emmy would have made it much longer.

HAHAHA!

After lunch and naps we headed to a Halloween party hosted by the Locklear's. Cade is one of Radley's buddies from school and just such a doll!

Clearly these four were beyond excited to be there (well, at least Landry seemed happy).

The trampoline was a big hit

(and yes, Star Wars was a major costume choice this year! Way to be a trend setter, Caro!)

Emmy assumed her regular position that we have come to expect...

"Hold you, hold you!!"

But she eventually warmed up 

and showed Landry the fun of a slide.

Alyssa, Cade's mom,  did such a great job of making every part of the party so fun.

They had "monster mask" relay races, themed food, and just personal touches that make parties like this extra special.

 The kids had a great time and we loved getting to know the parents' of Radley's classmates better. It was the perfect start to a great weekend!!

A haunting we will go...

If you are here from Kelly's Korner - welcome!

I must confess that I am not an over the top Halloween mom. But, I do think that our last few years of costumes have been super cute... 

2010: UPS Man and his special delivery

(My husband works for the company)

2011: Superheros

I did make the capes, but don't be fooled - it's just hot glue and wonder under! We were expecting baby #3 so I had a "sidekick", too!

2012: Star Wars

Our son has a little obsession so his sweet sisters get to join in the fun, too! And our friends at the Hot Mess Munsons are joining in the fun. The idea was actually lead by their Sweet Caroline - a SW expert!