Halloween is easily becoming a favorite for me.
Trunk Or Treat: It's All In The Planning
Monday, October 31, 2016
Tonight was our very first night trick or treating with our children! Up until this point I have been extremely adamant that Ava bug was just too young.. but there was no denying that this year she was ready. For weeks we've known she wanted to be Anna from Frozen. We've known that Olivia was going to be Elsa (also from Frozen). We knew that daddy was going to be Olaf (I was suppose to be but since I'm sick - last minute change) as of a few days ago. I mean this plan has been in the works for quite some time. We told Ava that when we knock on the doors of our neighbors we say "TRICK OR TREAT" for all to hear.
And you know what? Our babe did just that. She used her manners after receiving goodies from each stop.. tonight could not have gone better. Justin got off work early so he could be apart of all the festiivites (so thankful for this). We left the house around 620? maybe earlier or later by a smidge. I took photos in our front lawn, we got our yard ready for the trick or treaters that may come when we came home, and we took off into the 80 degree weather that Texas provided us this evening. To be honest, there was a breeze and it didn't truly feel that hot. I was so thankful for this.
Our entire divison of homes is SO HUGE so we barely made it through two of the subdivisions before Ava's halloween bucket was completely full. Ava was a littl shy at first, but she quickly came around. Walking up to each door by herself, knocking, and running away with a huge smile on her face. I really loved that most of the families that were handing out candy were out in their driveway. They were prepared for their trick or treaters and were so animated! Justin, Ava, and Olivia got so many compliments on their costumes. One child even got so excited about seeing Olaf that he ran up to Justin for a warm hug.
I had my camera the entire time - although I forgot my cell phone at home (definite blessing in disguise). We stumbled upon a halloween block party just across the road from our cul de sac and boy was that fun. Ava and Olivia both were gazing at the lights, listening to the music, and they waited to receive candy from over SEVEN different candy bowls on one table.
I think that was the best part. Watching my preschooler light up and watching her dad love every single minute of their time together. I am so thankful for Justin. I know he was hot in that mesh Olaf costume but he didn't take it off even once while we were out with the girls. Not to mention he held Olivia the ENTIRE time. This experience reminded me of my younger years and my many annual halloween trick or treating. I can't wait for next year!
Happy Halloween!
♥- Leilani
And you know what? Our babe did just that. She used her manners after receiving goodies from each stop.. tonight could not have gone better. Justin got off work early so he could be apart of all the festiivites (so thankful for this). We left the house around 620? maybe earlier or later by a smidge. I took photos in our front lawn, we got our yard ready for the trick or treaters that may come when we came home, and we took off into the 80 degree weather that Texas provided us this evening. To be honest, there was a breeze and it didn't truly feel that hot. I was so thankful for this.
Our entire divison of homes is SO HUGE so we barely made it through two of the subdivisions before Ava's halloween bucket was completely full. Ava was a littl shy at first, but she quickly came around. Walking up to each door by herself, knocking, and running away with a huge smile on her face. I really loved that most of the families that were handing out candy were out in their driveway. They were prepared for their trick or treaters and were so animated! Justin, Ava, and Olivia got so many compliments on their costumes. One child even got so excited about seeing Olaf that he ran up to Justin for a warm hug.
I had my camera the entire time - although I forgot my cell phone at home (definite blessing in disguise). We stumbled upon a halloween block party just across the road from our cul de sac and boy was that fun. Ava and Olivia both were gazing at the lights, listening to the music, and they waited to receive candy from over SEVEN different candy bowls on one table.
I think that was the best part. Watching my preschooler light up and watching her dad love every single minute of their time together. I am so thankful for Justin. I know he was hot in that mesh Olaf costume but he didn't take it off even once while we were out with the girls. Not to mention he held Olivia the ENTIRE time. This experience reminded me of my younger years and my many annual halloween trick or treating. I can't wait for next year!
Happy Halloween!
♥- Leilani
Friday, October 31, 2014
I can't believe this will be my last blog post for the month of October! This time of year always flies right on by, but I am loving every single second of it. I'm super excited for today, but not for the reasons many may think. Of course most enjoy the creative costumes, overload of candy, and Halloween party festivities occurring, but for my family that isn't the case. Halloween is special because some pretty monumental things have occurred on this day. Halloween 2010 was the first time Justin told me he was in love with me. He came home from a Halloween party on post covered in green cupcake (him and his battles had a cupcake war in the car), and he had the biggest smile on his face. I had no clue he was going to say it, but it was one of the sweetest, most tender moments in our relationship. That was the first time Justin really allowed himself to be vulnerable with me.
Today also marks the third birthday of our dog, Cooper. Oh, Cooper. He was the first baby I ever got to really mother. He taught me (some) patience, responsibility, and lots and lots of love. I remember Justin begging for a dog, and I was all too reluctant. I'm so glad he's apart of our family now and I can't believe our little boy is three! Cooper does so well with Ava bug and I couldn't be more thankful for the patience and love this pup gives to our little girl. I never thought I'd ever be that person that treated her animals like people, but they kind of are. They have their own emotions and thoughts, and Cooper is all too handy with letting us know what kind of mood he is in.
This Halloween is also the first time Ava bug is dressing up AND handing out candy. Last year, we had her in a "my first halloween" onesie and tutu. She was like a my first halloween ballerina! I think she had a tutu for every month and every single holiday (thanks Victoria)! This afternoon we are FINALLY carving our pumpkins, (if you are a Facebook friend, look out for those pictures later) and taking Halloween pictures of our sweet girl. Justin even purchases goodies to make pumpkin bars, and I'm sure we'll be roasting the pumpkin seeds shortly after. I'm super excited for all the fall festivities that will be occurring in our home today.
Take a look at my flashback Friday photo! It's crazy that the first picture was taken over four years ago.
Happy Halloween all!
♥- Leilani
Today also marks the third birthday of our dog, Cooper. Oh, Cooper. He was the first baby I ever got to really mother. He taught me (some) patience, responsibility, and lots and lots of love. I remember Justin begging for a dog, and I was all too reluctant. I'm so glad he's apart of our family now and I can't believe our little boy is three! Cooper does so well with Ava bug and I couldn't be more thankful for the patience and love this pup gives to our little girl. I never thought I'd ever be that person that treated her animals like people, but they kind of are. They have their own emotions and thoughts, and Cooper is all too handy with letting us know what kind of mood he is in.
This Halloween is also the first time Ava bug is dressing up AND handing out candy. Last year, we had her in a "my first halloween" onesie and tutu. She was like a my first halloween ballerina! I think she had a tutu for every month and every single holiday (thanks Victoria)! This afternoon we are FINALLY carving our pumpkins, (if you are a Facebook friend, look out for those pictures later) and taking Halloween pictures of our sweet girl. Justin even purchases goodies to make pumpkin bars, and I'm sure we'll be roasting the pumpkin seeds shortly after. I'm super excited for all the fall festivities that will be occurring in our home today.
Take a look at my flashback Friday photo! It's crazy that the first picture was taken over four years ago.
♥- Leilani
Friday, November 1, 2013
Halloween was a bit of a dud! I was so disappointed with the small amount of trick or treaters we got. I thought living in a subdivision would supply us with an overload of kiddos last night. Justin cut open our cute little bags we had (he thought we were going to run out of candy) and decided to pour them all in the candy bowl. Now we are stuck with SO much candy. Other than that, our night was fantastic. It was so fun seeing my husband light up when the door bell rang. He was just so cool! Telling our trick or treaters how awesome their costumes were, smiling and holding Ava whenever he answered the door. We made a decision about future Halloweens, we will not be taking Ava until she is old enough to say, "Trick-or-treat." We got a lot of little kiddies last night and I feel like it's a little ridiculous to take them out late at night, for all that candy, they won't be able to eat. We will be dressing her up next year, she'll just be on candy duty at home.
I am glad October is behind us though. November marks two of my favorite holidays. Veterans day, and Thanksgiving. I want to do something really special for Justin this year, since he was deployed last year. I'm already brainstorming an epic day for him! I'm thinking about dressing Ava up as an adorable turkey for her Thanksgiving photos. Honestly, how cute would that be? I love this time of year, I really, really LOVE it! I'm loving it more this year, because in a matter of weeks, we'll be out of Georgia!
I say this a lot, but I am SO SO glad Justin is here for the first year of Princess A's life. I can't imagine going through all these holidays, and special events without him. I have been looking at all the photos we have taken since he returned from Afghanistan, I've got to tell you, they mean more to me than gold. I can't imagine doing her first Christmas morning without him, or her first New Year. It's also nice to see us grow as parents, together. Everyone knows about maternal instincts, but paternal instincts are just as strong as well.
Ava will be six months old in 16 days... This is so crazy for me. Having babies really does make the time move so much faster. We have been talking about Howland babies again. Looks like we'll be trying in NOV 2014. I'm hoping we get lucky and it only takes us a month or so to conceive another babe. Ava will be eighteen months, it's really a perfect time for us. I'm having trouble grasping the fact that I will be 23 years old next year. I wonder how weird that is for my parents? Having their little girl completely grown up, with her own child.
Feels like it happened in a blink of an eye. Well, I'm off! We've got a busy weekend, and I've got some school work to do. Justin has today off, so i'm staying off of networking sites most of the weekend! I hope everyone had an awesome Halloween! Happy Friday!
♥- Leilani
I am glad October is behind us though. November marks two of my favorite holidays. Veterans day, and Thanksgiving. I want to do something really special for Justin this year, since he was deployed last year. I'm already brainstorming an epic day for him! I'm thinking about dressing Ava up as an adorable turkey for her Thanksgiving photos. Honestly, how cute would that be? I love this time of year, I really, really LOVE it! I'm loving it more this year, because in a matter of weeks, we'll be out of Georgia!
I say this a lot, but I am SO SO glad Justin is here for the first year of Princess A's life. I can't imagine going through all these holidays, and special events without him. I have been looking at all the photos we have taken since he returned from Afghanistan, I've got to tell you, they mean more to me than gold. I can't imagine doing her first Christmas morning without him, or her first New Year. It's also nice to see us grow as parents, together. Everyone knows about maternal instincts, but paternal instincts are just as strong as well.
Ava will be six months old in 16 days... This is so crazy for me. Having babies really does make the time move so much faster. We have been talking about Howland babies again. Looks like we'll be trying in NOV 2014. I'm hoping we get lucky and it only takes us a month or so to conceive another babe. Ava will be eighteen months, it's really a perfect time for us. I'm having trouble grasping the fact that I will be 23 years old next year. I wonder how weird that is for my parents? Having their little girl completely grown up, with her own child.
Feels like it happened in a blink of an eye. Well, I'm off! We've got a busy weekend, and I've got some school work to do. Justin has today off, so i'm staying off of networking sites most of the weekend! I hope everyone had an awesome Halloween! Happy Friday!
♥- Leilani
Monday, October 28, 2013
This weekend was a hectic one. Aside from being in the mall for over three hours shopping for Christmas outfits (the trip was a success), I managed to scrub down the entire house, get our goody bags ready for Halloween, and get ahead of the learning curve in my next week's course. For a mom, a wife, and a student, that's a lot to have gotten done. I'm still a fan of time management, I don't know how I lived life without it!
Macy's was good to me on Saturday. I picked out Ava bug's first set of ornaments and I am in love. They are little glass shoes, with pick laces. Over the shoes it says My first Christmas in pink letters, with the year. We almost bought a nutcracker too! We decided against it, but I think we'll end up getting one after Thanksgiving. I found a new ornament for Justin and I. Each year of our marriage we have always received home made ornaments from Justin's Nana. I LOVE them! They mean so much to us. With Nana's idea in mind, I set out to buy very special ornaments for each Christmas we spend together. The year before last was a football, it was decked out in glitter and sparkles. This year I'm thinking of getting something to represent a family of two becoming a family of three.
This year will also be the first Halloween Justin and I pass out candy. I am so excited. I've been so late with the Halloween decor (not my favorite holiday) but I'm so excited for the trick-or-treaters. We spent over an hour bagging candy into little festive bags. This will be Ava's first Halloween, and even though she's not doing anything extraordinary, I'm glad Justin will be here to hold her up in her little tutu, while passing out candy.
♥- Leilani
Macy's was good to me on Saturday. I picked out Ava bug's first set of ornaments and I am in love. They are little glass shoes, with pick laces. Over the shoes it says My first Christmas in pink letters, with the year. We almost bought a nutcracker too! We decided against it, but I think we'll end up getting one after Thanksgiving. I found a new ornament for Justin and I. Each year of our marriage we have always received home made ornaments from Justin's Nana. I LOVE them! They mean so much to us. With Nana's idea in mind, I set out to buy very special ornaments for each Christmas we spend together. The year before last was a football, it was decked out in glitter and sparkles. This year I'm thinking of getting something to represent a family of two becoming a family of three.
Did I mention how wonderful Sunday was? The Broncos won (which is enough to make any Sunday wonderful) and we got a lot of things done at home. Justin bathed Cooper for the first time since he got back from Afghanistan (we usually send him to the groomers), he cleaned his grill out (for the second time in a long while), and we spent a good chunk of time outdoors with Ava bug. She got her little toes wet for the first time by a hose. We've been looking at houses in Washington and Texas. Trying not to get too excited about either location, but it's been hard.
Justin has a three day this weekend (I can't wait for Thursday to hurry up and get here). We are buying everything we need for making baby food at home for Bug. She is definitely showing signs that she's ready for solids! We've got less than 3 weeks until Princess A is 6 months old (time flies), and I just want to be prepped and ready to give her some yummy purees.
well that was a lot more than I intended on writing. It's Monday, so pave the fabulous-ness for the week! Happy Monday all!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
It has been a perfect Saturday so far. I realize I have been blogging every day for the past week or so; I just want to have all my thoughts and feeling documented as I go through this process with my mom. A year from now, It'll be nice to see that some days were easier than others. It'll be nice to know I still smiled and enjoyed my days.
We woke up kind of late this morning on account of no sleep Friday night. Ava has been sick and I've been freaked out by her congestion. I stayed awake most of the night just watching her sleep and giving her saline and tylenol when needed. So we did my love bug's first Halloween photo session today and I am in awe over the photos! I'm so glad Justin came with us. I have NEVER seen my baby smile like she did today. She is a definite daddy's girl. Sometimes that makes me a bit jealous.
Daddy making Ava giggle hysterically during breakfast
I've found myself getting irritated with Justin a little bit today. He was being so socially awkward. It was weird for me. He's definitely not used to hanging out with the friends I made throughout deployment on a regular basis. I love him to pieces, but It was unexpected. There's also the "funny guy" factor. I swear his jokes... (most times) are just not funny. I have found this problem with guys in general.. starting to think it's just me that can't take a joke.
Aside from that, I have no complaints. Princess A did taste dirt for the first time today. I was mortified. She had her little hands in the grass and instinctively put her hand in her mouth. I keep telling myself dirt is going to happen. It's going to be everywhere and I need to jump on the "dirty baby" bang wagon NOW!
I guess we'll see how far that goes! Oh I almost forgot to mention I carved pumpkins with family and friends this weekend! It was a blast. Justin was so much better at gutting the pumpkins than I was. I swear he's a natural at almost everything. I even got some yummy pumpkin seeds! So far, we have stuck to the holiday traditions that I love so much.
Well I'm off! Spending the rest of my afternoon with my little family! Happy Saturday all!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Today has been the best day I've had all week. Best isn't really the right word, more like today is the first day I haven't cried. Today I woke up being thankful instead of being filled with guilt. Even with all that's going on right now, I'm trying to sort through the positives my life offers me. My mother, man she truly is a trooper. Here I am weeping for her, but she has yet to weep for herself. All she wants is her family near her. This time of year is for family and I'm praying that we will soon be with her! Okay, I promised myself I'd write a semi-happy post today, so here we go! As of last night, I started listening to Christmas music. If you know me, you'd know this usually starts in August for me. I love Christmas. I love the holidays. I love the tradition. It uplifts my spirit in ways that I can't even explain. To make things better having Miss Ava here just takes my spirit to mountain tops of happiness. I've been focusing a lot on this season. What traditions my little family will choose to do.
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Decorate our house in Halloween decor
carve pumpkins
roast pumpkin seeds
get dressed up and pass out Halloween candy (until our kids are old enough to go trick or treating)
bust out the Autumn decor
Attend parades (especially if we are in Washington)
Football is a given
Possibly volunteer at a soup kitchen (not sure with Ava being so small)
I also want to try a new breakfast/appetizer this year. Who knows, Justin may love it so much, we can continue doing it every year.
BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING
Snagging a real, pine Christmas tree!
decorate the tree the day after black Friday. Hot cider/hot cocoa the works AND allow the Christmas music to commence
Christmas Music the entire month!
Hang up our wreaths and lights around the house
Get Christmas photos taken and then send them out
Have a Christmas movie night with Kettle popcorn (home alone is a classic)
Read Ava Twas the night before Christmas... every night for the entire month
Zoo lights!
Add a new ornament to the tree for another year Justin and I have been together
Go caroling? (Far fetched for Justin)
Church is a given (if we are in Washington)
I think some of my other ideas for Christmas could be:
- Make gingerbread houses
- Drive around the neighborhood to see houses decorated with lights for Christmas
- Christmas countdown calendar (especially when Ava is older)
- PJ day! Have the family wear the same PJ's for Christmas morning
I know traditions are just something new you try with your family that ends up being a big hit. We have plenty of time to add on traditions. Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, and this year is even more special for me.
That's all for now. I've got to start on dinner for this evening and dessert. Cooking new recipes has been very calming for me. I know my husband doesn't mind, he gets to try all new, yummy foods! Enjoy your Saturday All! Hold your loved ones!
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