Thursday, November 1, 2012

Fall

I love Fall!  I love the smell of the air and the excitement of upcoming holidays.  I love saying goodbye to the threat of sunburn and getting to wear jackets.  I love candy, which they hand out for free on a certain night this time of year.   

As awesome as last year's Halloween was, I am just as happy spending it at home with all of our traditions, and making some new ones while we were at it.

Pumpkin Carving Night
Stuff Our Faces with S'mores & Hot Chocolate Night







Our super impressive pumpkin!
(I told you our priorities were elsewhere.)

I remember my mom making these pumpkin-shaped cereal treats with us when we were younger and this year I decided to make them with my own girls. My craving for Rice Krispy treats may have been a small motivator.




Completely amazed by Dad's ability to make a bow out of candy corn.
Not sure what this face is, but it's so Ellia.

Normally I am all about making my kids' Halloween costumes.  This year we did something a little different by wearing some vintage costumes from the collection of my Grandma Payne, who recently passed away.  She was the only grandparent I have ever known and she was extraordinary.  Ask anyone.   She sewed most of the costumes herself, and I thought it would be a fun tribute to her (who, by the way, was also a huge fan of candy--namely chocolate.)

Ava the gypsy
A slightly bigger gap in her smile,
thanks to lost tooth #2. 

Ellia had decided on her costume long ago so she didn't wear one of Grandma's.  But holy cow, have you ever seen a cuter Peter Pan?  



Feel free to never grow up.

Earlier this week Ellia's preschool put on a Halloween program.  Can you find her among the princesses and fairies?  I'm so glad she's not afraid to be herself and stand out in a crowd.













Fiona as Little Red Riding Hood
What a cute face you have!
The better to manipulate you with.


After collecting a sufficient amount of candy, we finished off our Halloween traditions with my mom's homemade chili, and a bedtime showing of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." I insist on watching it every Halloween. Apparently I keep forgetting how boring it is. But I can guarantee that come next year I will be searching TiVo for it once again.


Speaking of Charlie Brown...

My nephew, Callen, who did not receive
any rocks while trick-or-treating.

Since he was a baby, I had been telling my sister that he would make a perfect Charlie Brown.  She finally humored me.  And I was totally right.  As always. ;)


Happy Fall!