HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA 2011

 Our annual Day Family Halloween party began as usual with carving pumpkins.... lot's and lots of pumpkins. Layla found it more entertaining to eat caramel popcorn while sitting next to me as I carved.

 Rider did his part to contribute to the pumpkin show... He made a pretty cute pumpkin topper.

 Because it's a 2-3 day event, Layla needed to show off her pre-party halloween attire

 Rider had a few outfits and smiles to show off as well

 He takes these events very seriously....

 I carved and painted the children's profile into a pumpkin for them.... Kind of trendy -

 But cute, so whatever :)

 The girl cousins (missing a darling little red headed swiss miss)

 My darlingest little witch

 I was shocked at how much Layla loved her costume and was willing to wear her hat the entire night. And I couldn't get over her little pot belly hanging out over her skirt. Oh, she was so stinking cute - she made my night perfect.

This is "Rita" (her blog name) She's amazing! Not only did she put on an amazing feast of food for us for 3 days and nights, but she took care of Monkey the entire weekend. She really is a rockstar for everything she does for her family and I never find time to thank her enough. So - THANK YOU RITA! 

 This handsome count can bite my neck any day... 

And I kinda liked his dark hair!

 The "woman folk" of the party. All the adult ladies pulled of some awesome witch costumes and the youngin's were western cowgirls. Layla kept asking... where's their cows?

 Kday and I hit the sidewalks with Layla for trick or treating together this year and it was one of my most memorable experiences. My heart felt like it was being tickled with feathers as I watched my "baby" run up the porch and ask for a "twick oh tweet" in her squeaky little voice. She was so grown up and finding so much fun in the little things life has to offer. Kday and I slowly walked behind her and reminisced about how we got here and how lucky we are. Life is short and living in the moment and capturing the essence of the situation you're in is the best way to slow life down and enjoy the ride.
I can't say I did that yesterday during potty training... but I definitely did it on Halloween and my cup runneth over. My life is good.

 Buca thought life was great when we returned to Rita's with a full bag of candy and fresh frosted cookies to devour - before dinner :)

 The Day Family - We need to get as many family pictures as possible these days because our family portrait will be changing shortly! 

Kday getting the kids wound down and ready for bed

Until next year....

Hope your haunting was as happy as ours.