Halloween Week!

This year Halloween was so much more than a day. Once you have kids you have Halloween WEEK or even more. The weekend before Halloween my parents visited. Lyla had been asking for a pumpkin almost everyday, so we took her to a pumpkin patch to choose a pumpkin for her and Caroline. We took some cute pictures while we were there. Tommy had been out of town and was on his way home this evening, so he didn't make it to the pumpkin patch, so that's why he's not in the pictures.

Loving sisters!

Lyla thought we were there to play with the pumpkins.

While we were waiting for Tommy to get back in town and meet us for dinner we stopped by the playground. I had put Caroline in the swings several times before this, but because I'm now chasing two kids, this is the first time I got a picture of her in the swing. She doesn't stay in too long, just a few minutes.

The day after Tommy got home, we went to a wedding in Jacksonville Beach. My parents stayed with the girls, and we actually made a night of it and spent the night at the beach for a mini vacation. We had a nice breakfast alone before going home the next day. I love being with my kids, but I cherish my alone time with Tommy now.

Lyla had a Halloween party at preschool, so the girls dressed in their Halloween clothes that morning. It was a hot Florida morning, but of course Halloween clothes are always long sleeve. I thought Caroline looked especially pretty this morning. Good hair day!

The kids came in from the playground for their party (which is why Lyla is so red) and kicked off the party with a craft.

Ms. Mary Kay told the kids to sit on the carpet. Lyla sat on the L for her name. They said the cutest little prayer and then lined up to wash their hands for lunch.

Lyla still eats her pizza crust first. Can't blame her, crust is yummy!

That evening we dressed the girls in their costumes and went to the Fall Festival at our church. Lyla originally said she wanted to be a pumpkin for Halloween, but then changed her mind and wanted to be Strawberry Shortcake. Caroline went as a strawberry. They both did great in their costumes. We painted our pumpkins this year because that was something Lyla could help with and we carved last year.

We ate dinner when we arrived at the festival. They had Chick-fil-A and kids could get a sandwich and that made Lyla so happy. She always wants a sandwich but of course that doesn't come with the kids meal and she can't quite eat the whole thing. She ate really well and then it was off to the games. They had bounce houses and so many games, and Lyla did pretty much all of them. Caroline hung out in her stroller most of the night and did really well until the very end when she got tired, then she fussed a little.

Lyla fishing...the kids got a prize at every game, so she filled her little trick or treat bag.

Playing putt-putt. She chased the ball around with her club trying to corner it into the hole. We gave her some time but then had to help her. Tommy will have to give her some lessons.

The next day, the girls wore their costumes again and we went to the Stroller Strength Halloween Party. Stroller strength is the group that we go to in the mornings where I workout and the girls play.

Lyla, Anna Claire, Langley, and Mason

The same group with Caroline added in.

This was mine and Lyla's third Stroller Strength Halloween party. Every year we attempt to get a group picture of the kids in their costumes. As you can tell, it is impossible and hysterical. Some kids stand there, and some kids scream. It's always hard to get the mommy's to leave their kids and get out the picture. Lyla is at the gate beside of the Fireman and Caroline is sitting in front.

Tommy's squadron had a Vampire Ball this year for Halloween. We didn't want to be traditional vampires, so we brainstormed and decided to be Hip Hop vampires complete with hat, gold chains, saggy pants, and Tommy wore gold vampire teeth (a grill if you will).

Me and my friend Sarah at the Vampire Ball. We are Navy wives together and we go to Stroller Strength together. I've known her for over a year now and she is one of my best friends. We even have kids the same ages. We met when we were both 8 months pregnant with our second babies, so we were instantly drawn to each other when we met at our first squadron Wives Club meeting.

And, drum roll please, here we are Halloween night! My friend Kathryn lives in a neighborhood that loves their Trick-or-Treaters, so she invited several of us over to trick-or-treat with them. Everything is more fun in a group. These are friends from my Stroller Strength group as well.

Lyla showing off her candy.

Towards the end of the night, Lyla asked to get in the wagon with Fireman Nate.

And on the way home, Lyla passed out. I guess a week of being Strawberry Shortcake wears you out. It was busy, but fun! Next year will be even more fun when Caroline can participate more.