Halloween and More

Some things are just more fun when you have kids and I think the biggest thing is holidays. Ella is at the perfect age to not only understand everything about holidays but really get into them. We talked about Halloween for weeks, pointing out all the jack o lanterns on our walks, talking about the costumes and of course the candy! She told everyone for weeks that she was going to be a strawberry fairy! Really, it had to be a princess or fairy for this girl!

 Maddie of course went along for the ride wearing the costume that Ella wore when she was 2.5 months old. Good thing Maddie is such a little peanut (or should I say pumpkin!) and can fit into all of Ella's old outfits! And we got good use out of our costumes this year, wearing them to 2 parties and then of course on Halloween.

 The day of Halloween, Mike came home early from work and we were excited to participate  in our new neighborhoods Halloween parade and pizza party before heading out to trick and treat.

Ella and Wyatt with Will in the background. (Our new best buddies in the new neighborhood, Ella and Wyatt were in the same preschool class last year.)

 There are TONS of kids in the new neighborhood. Ella and Maddie are a little bit on the younger side but a local fire truck came to lead the parade down the street with all the parents bringing up the rear.

 Then the madness began! We were one of the first houses on the trick or treating route so we had to hurry home from the pizza party before the mad rush of kids came. We had heard stores about how many kids would be coming so we stocked up on candy.

 This little strawberry fairy got into the act also, stocking up on lots of yummy candy. Mike and I were laughing that night because after eating a lot of candy, she was acting wild! This girl LOVES her sweets!

 Last week, Ella's preschool had Donuts with Dads day at school. Mike was able to eat breakfast with us and then take Ella to school. Based on the stories, I think they both had a great time.

 I realized in looking back over my past couple of posts that Ella definitely dominates in the pictures so I think it is time that miss Maddie Grace gets her share of pictures as well.

 This little girl and her big smile and huge blue eyes capture our hearts everyday. She is the sweetest little thing and I hope she always stays this happy and content.

 As she gets older, they are interacting more and more. Trust me, Ella doesn't share all her toys but to see them with each other just melts my heart.

 We had to most beautiful weather this past week and weekend and it was perfect timing since Mike just put up this new swing in the backyard. Anytime the weather is nice, you can find out outside enjoying the new backyard.

 Maddie loves all the food she is trying each day. We haven't found anything she doesn't like yet. I made corn muffins the other day and she ate them up and created a huge mess in the process!

 It broke my heart a little but I finally took Ella to get her second haircut. Her hair was getting long and a little unruly so we went to get it trimmed up. She was so good, sat so quiet and loved getting it blown dry.

 And the final product. Don't worry, it is not too short, I would never be able to bring myself to cut it super short but it does look a lot better and more healthy now.

 We discovered a new park right near the house and Daddy and Ella went this weekend on their bike ride. They found a zip line which she thought was pretty awesome!

Can't believe Thanksgiving is in less than 2 weeks and then it will be December and Christmas. If Halloween taught me anything, it is Ella will be so excited for Santa and Christmas and I can't wait! But for right now, I am going to enjoy the rest of November and all that I am thankful for this year.