A Very Happy Halloween

What is it about a toddler in a costume that turns parents into mush? I just couldn't get enough of the little ones in costume this year. We had a few rounds of dress up this Halloween and each time I put Ruby in her cowgirl outfit I couldn't help but think she was just darling. It didn't hurt that we shared the holiday with an ADORABLE little pirate and the CUTEST little lobster you've ever seen. Halloween is definitely turning into one of my favorite celebrations of the year. So fun.

Round 1 of our Halloween celebration was also little Tallon's 1st birthday party two weeks ago. It was a fun celebration and the perfect trial run for Ruby's costume. Chris and I were SO surprised at how well Ruby kept her cowgirl hat on. Here are a few pictures from the party:

Round #2 of the Halloween festivities took place at our house on Halloween day. We invited our families over for lunch so they could catch a glimpse of our cowgirl. For some reason Ruby wasn't a fan of her hat at this point- instead she wanted everyone else to wear it and let me tell you, this little girl is already VERY good at getting what she wants!

Papa, Nana, The Horsie, and Ruby

Ruby with her cousins - Jordyn & Taylor. She loves these girls!

So glad the Horsie made it in the picture....

Silly Nana...

The third (and final) round of the festivities took place down in San Clemente at the Khamis house. Their street has a ton of kids and they all gather together to trick or treat around the cul-de-sac and then they have a fun block party in the street. We were so glad to be a part of the celebration down there.

The big surprise of the night - I TOTALLY underestimated Ruby's grasp of the trick-or-treating concept. I figured she'd enjoy all the kids and running around but I NEVER imagined that she'd pick up the whole, door to door, candy in the treat bag thing. Oh was I ever wrong! I couldn't believe it but after about the third house she was RUNNING door to door with the plastic pumpkin that a neighbor had kindly given us. Ruby loved picking out a piece of candy from each bowl, dropping it in her bucket, and then hauling off to the next house. I was sweating just keeping up with her and I had to laugh at the fact that Ruby (one of the only guests) was basically leading the pack of children to each house. Needless to say watching Ruby learn the Halloween tradition was the perfect ending of our very happy Halloween!

Already cracking up and the night was just beginning.....

Mommy trying to get a picture with the cowgirl before the total chaos begins.

"Come on Daddy - let me show you how to trick or treat."

Annnnnd She's OFF! Running from door to door......

"Hmmm which one do I want?"

"Is this for real? Do I really get to keep all this candy?"

"Seriously Dad, do you see this? I even got some playdoh!"

"Come on 'Ner, let's go to your place and check out all of our loot!"

Thank you Khamis family for having us over - we always have a fun time with you!

And just because I haven't shared nearly enough photos - here are a few other fun shots from October:

Smelling the flowers

Our little pumpkin head

Guess who decided she liked candy corn this year?

Ruby, this is how I see you 90% of the time. My sweet girl...

But then sometimes, just sometimes, this is how I envision you ....

And occasionally this can be fitting too....

What shall we dress up as next year?!?