Halloween 2018

Halloween and Fall- my favorites of the whole year. We started Halloween off with Thriller. Kingston got to go for the first time this year and he was pretty apprehensive about what to expect. He held my hand most of the way in but after he saw that it was only dancing and the zombies weren't TOO scary, he was totally good. Always a great way to spend a Saturday with the Thomases.  It always makes a me a little sad to go to Thriller too. That was one of the last real outings with Ashlee before she was too sick. I remember going for my first time when I had moved back from AZ with Ash, Sunni and Jamie. We had front row seats and during the chain saw dance there was so much smoke and I had to tell Ash I was pregnant (with Kingston) because it was making me sick. Man, I sure miss her. 

 Once again we decide to do the Scare Rodeo and once again, it was a blast! The kids had an awesome time running from station to station for the scavenger hunt, playing the games and bravely (all except Enzo who cried the whole time) walking through the Spook Alley. The best part every year is the live horse with the "headless horseman". We had hot chocolate and donuts, people watched, got loads of prizes we didn't need and enjoyed one of the last warm nights of the year. I love this tradition!

Scare Rodeo Cousins

The boys and I also got to go to a darling pumpkin patch for Enzo's preschool. There were bounce houses, animals and another spook alley (animatronics in a tent that was bright as day) that I FORCED Enzo to go in all whilst screaming, "get out, get out, get out".  Mc opted to stay home and watch TV instead of join us- so weird that I can leave her home and she is old enough to be alone for a few hours. 

We carved our pumpkins right before Halloween because it was so warm, they totally wouldn't have lasted. The kids picked all their own pumpkins and for the first year since, forever, every kid was able to help clean and carve. 

We hosted the Halloween family party at our house this year and it was great. I've said it once and I will say it again, having so much space really makes this house so perfect. Mark rushed home to take the kids to Mary Ann's and Grandma Irene's while I stayed home and made soup and got dressed up. It was priceless to have the kids walk in and see me with my wig on and the lipstick on my teeth. 

I love dressing up for Halloween! I love costumes and my kids choosing something every year that suits them. Mc found an angel costume early into October and I figured she would change her mind but it stuck. She was very specific about having her hair curled and getting to wear glittery make up. Kingston opted for the Zombie. Again. This year he wasn't afraid of himself (let's not forget two years ago when he wouldn't let me put the tattoos on him because they were too scary). Enzo wanted to be a "Minja" and picked out his costume from the Target. The spider front lit up and of course, much to Mark's dismay, the swords had to go trick or treating too. 

We had soup and then sent the kids out. Cash and Kingston went for a while, Mc went for hours. So much candy! While the kids were gone we handed out candy and decorated the custom sugar cookies I had made (much too good for children). 

Hallo-Willies

Mom and Dad- Mom was The Pumpkin Man and Dad was Papa Money the Original Gangster

We also had our last ever preschool Halloween performance. Mimi and Papa came to see Enzo sing and do his "trick". Miss Amy had every kid tell a joke or do a trick and of course, it was adorable.  We did the "clean water trick" (pepper in water then add dish soap and watch it disappear). I also opted to not run myself ragged and try to do ALL three of the kid's Halloween functions- Mc and K's class parties were at the same time and Enzo's performance was smack dab in the middle of the day. Next year, they will all be at the same school and it might be a little easier to do all three.  

This is Halloween

Chick-ago 2018

When my lady posse found cheap flights to Chicago, I wasn't sure I could swing it with the impending primary program. In the end, I decided the primary wouldn't utterly fail in my absence and booked my flights! We had been talking about going to stay with Erin for MONTHS and we finally were doing it. I had the best time and can't wait to go back. I sure love these ladies and am so grateful they are in my life. Also, Mark is pretty awesome for wrangling the kiddies while I was gone.

We ate our way through Chicago- deep dish from Giorgano's that was pretty amazing. Another one of those experiences where you ask, "What is the deal with deep dish?" and then you have it and TOTALLY understand the deal. We had so much caramel/cheese popcorn from Garrett's, more deep dish, Oberweis ice cream that instantly clogged my arteries but was so worth it, life changing donuts from a French Market, more donuts, crepes, more donuts, and fresh Pasta from Eataly. 

We were touristy and did a boat tour (got rained on but didn't even care), rode the bus, saw The Bean, Surgical Museum, hiked our way to the top floor of the Sears Tower, fancy grocery stores, urban Target, rode the EL, froze to death and were wishing we had another week!

We stayed up late, lost the lottery, ate way too much, laughed and rapped, and ultimately realized how we can't wait this long to ever girl trip again.  

First stop on the food train, Portillo's- the Italian Beef sandwich and cheese sauce were killer.

No trip is complete without matching jammies (Thanks, Char!)

Bob made his way to Chicago too

That city skyline!

Top of the Sears Tower

 My only requirement this whole trip (well second to eat all the foods) was to hit the one and only surgical museum in the country. The other ladies may have been less than thrilled but they happily tagged along and indulged my love of all things gallstone. It was pretty amazing to see how they did surgery primitively and to bask in the wonder known as anesthesia in the 21st century.

gallstones..

Napoleon's death mask

Me & my surrogate child Madi. 

 While we were on the bus tour I saw an Amorino and was instantly taken back to Paris! That gelato still calls to me and I knew that was also a MUST for this trip. Who cares that it was 38 degrees outside. It's always warm enough for gelato.

BOAT TOUR-wet

BOAT TOUR- dry

When you walk past old, amazing churches it is mandatory that you go in. Fortuitously, there was a wedding happening for Jen and Steve. We got to sit and watch for a minute and no one seemed to mind. Also, while we waited I watched a young man with a seemingly heavy heart bow, kneel and begin to pray fervently to his Heavenly Father. It was touching to watch. 

Double Digits

October 16, 2008. I remember being so relieved you were here. My perfect, tiny baby was here at last. I would be lying if I said I didn't cry going back through all your baby pictures to create your birthday collage. Just for a day, I wish I could go back and hold you, see your sweet tiny face and snuggle you. In the moment, I felt like I would never forget and now, ten years later, it feels like you have always been my perfect 10 year old. We prayed for you. Waited for you (and waited and waited and waited) and are so grateful you chose our family. You are a superb big sister and take babysitting very seriously. 

Mckinley Reese at 10 you are- CREATIVE! You love squishees, Hershey's, drawing, graphic novels, friends, riding your bike, still playing with dolls (with the right friends) and you are beginning to become aware of how you look, how you want your hair and take pride in putting together outfits. We bought you a watch/phone and that has given you new found freedom and makes you seem that much older. 

My girl. 

Mimi and I surprised you at school to check you out to take you to Breakfast With a Witch. I may have lied and told you that we were going to the Dr for your well check (which was kind of true..it was the next week). We had breakfast, you drank your weight in hot chocolate and we decided that next year, we might be "grown up" enough to do the dinner. 

Witchy Women

 We celebrated with Mimi and Brayden and the Williamsons which meant another whole month of presents, cake, cousins and fun. 

WE LOVE YOU MCKINLEY REESE!

 For your birthday dinner, you wisely chose Thai Land for some delicious Thai food. We had your favorites: Ham Fried Rice, Orange Chicken, egg rolls, and Pad Thai.