Mama's Memories for M: All Things Autumn

Mali ~

It's October now so, of course, we had to go apple-picking! Unfortunately, it started raining almost immediately when we got out of the car, therefore it turned out to be the quickest apple-picking trip ever. But, we still had fun!

While it dampened our apple-picking, the chillier and rainier days brought more snuggles from GG. Both of you love your snuggly blanket.

About halfway through the month, I went to Las Vegas for a friend's birthday. Since I was going to be gone for a few days, you decided to make me this sweet bracelet to remind me of you while I was away from home. It says "MOMS IS AWESOME" because, as you explained, you couldn't decide between "moms are awesome" and "Mom is awesome". I loved my new bling and believe it or not, it was the only piece of jewelry I wore the entire time I was in Vegas. You are the best kid ever.

While I was out of town, you enjoyed a fun sleepover with your cousins.

You also spent some time riding your bike with Lao Lao, even making it to Easton and Starbuck's for a refreshing drink before heading home. I think Lao Lao said you made it 10 whole miles that day! Wow!

Did I mention how much you love your bed and snuggly blanket lately?

I also finally caved and let you get your sides shaved and a lightening bolt shaved into your hair this month. We added some color once we got home to make it all POP! I was surprised by how much I liked it too and your smiles made it all worth it. My unique, "march to the beat of your own drum", kiddo!

One evening you arrived home after me with Daddy and I surprised you by running out to the car in my new cow onesie (that you hadn't seen yet). You squealed and laughed so hard. It was hilarious. Then you just had to try on your new bat costume for Halloween too! We look cute, don't we?!

taking a drink from Mom's udders ~ LOL

And then I found some great costumes for Suzy and GG...they will be pirates this year! Arrgh!

Abby already had a football jersey from Notre Dame in the closet...an oldie but a goodie.

And then...talk about terrifying! You found this Donald Trump mask at $5 Below...yikes!!

Along with all of the fun fall activities, October also brought parent teacher conferences (by the way, they went fabulously ~ Mrs. Callow adores you!)...which means extra days off from school. Since Daddy works from home now, he is fortunate enough to be able to hang out and take you on adventures on these free days. On one particularly beautiful fall day, you went to Dill's Greenhouse where Papaw got to spend some time showing you around on their tractor, hayride, pumpkin patch, and playground. According to Dad, it was a perfect day and from the smiles on your faces when you got home, I think you and Ana had an amazing time too.

since Daddy used to work at Dill's during the Fall Fest many years
ago, he was able to use his "street cred" to finagle driving
you around on the barrel train ~ nice perk, huh?

I love those cute nose crinkles!

Another evening, you went fishing with Daddy. Again. Shocking, right?

look at that smile! pulled this little fish
out all on your own ~ yay, yay, yay!!

The weekend before Halloween we finally made it to the pumpkin patch. You cleaned and carved this jack-o-lantern all on your own. Look at that! Fantastic job, right?!

tah dah!

looks great all lit up too!

Finally it was Halloween day and Daddy and I were lucky enough to be able to attend and help out at your classroom party. We handled the "pass the pumpkin" game and it was a big hit. Before the big celebration, the entire school had a costume parade to show off their amazing costumes. This was the first year that Daddy has been able to help out and while I helped the other moms decorate your classroom, he was outside giving almost the entire school high 5's. Ha ha! He is pretty much a big kid himself. I was glad that I got to come outside just in time to see you, Jalysa (Pikachu), and Jude (cheerleader) go by. You all looked adorable.

believe it or not, this mummy is you wrapped in
toilet paper (one of the games)

That night, Lao Lao came over to go trick or treating with us. You decided you wanted to do face paint for your bat costume and did it all by yourself alongside Lao Lao.

Here we are...ready to go!

you (bat), me (Holstein cow), Suzy (pirate), Lao Lao (vampire),
Abby (Notre Dame football player)

you, Ana, and Evie waiting for your treats

Unfortunately, your toe was sore (a mysterious injury from the weekend you slept over at your cousins') and it was pretty cold so we really only lasted about an hour outside. But, you still got a sizeable haul in that short period of time, so yay for Halloween!

And of course, it wouldn't be a usual blog entry if I didn't include some of your recent antics as only pictures or screenshots can do justice.