Neither shallow nor hollow

Group shot before we headed out.
(thank you, Sophie, for holding Zach!)

This one below might just be my fav...Reece was a very patient treater.Often he just stood at the door after everyone else had gotten their candy. I think he left a few houses without getting anything. Not sure if he was being shy or what. This sweet lady was asking him if he'd gotten one.Love this next one too -
the mad dash from one house to another.Yep, that's a the real MaCaw. ; )
I'm glad Calypso wasn't giving out the candy...squawk!Awesome hand-tied rope web.
Grayson, Foster and the James fam joined us this year. So great.Thanks again, Mel. <3
Love this quick snap of Kiley running to the next house.And then Ronnie and Amy with Marian.
Great moments and expressions.Above would have been one of my favs.I decided I'm mastering a new shot...the butt shot. (as in, the camera is on mine.) The wiggle factor is the major problem right now, requiring serious attention.Ahh, that was a good one. It all seems to happen a bit too fast, but oh so good nevertheless. Afterward, we had pizza (and maybe a few sips of a marg) at Lisa's. The kids sort of kept it together given the candy and lateness. Great times with great friends.

It was neither shallow nor hollow, but just one big Happy Halloween.

quick with the knife

What a long one. D got to take a private jet to a Southern Miss/UofH football game in Houston at stand on the sidelines. His college friend is the coach at Southern Miss...pretty cool opportunity.

So with Keith gone as well, Kir and I and the boys hung out and then went to the park. It was a gorgeous one. Got back, did lunch, tried for naps (the boys tag-teamed me) and then got up just in time.

There was barely enough time to carve the pumpkin before the festivities began. Zach sat in the bouncy seat, which I brought outside, while we (I) worked on the pumpkin.Reece didn't want to handle the icky insides, which was just enough of an opportunity to talk about how ugly sin is, and how God through Jesus cleans us out and puts a little light inside.That's always what I think about when making a jack-o-lantern. So it is always happy or silly faces for me.

Lisa and Olivia were carving theirs too. (You can see their little pink specs in pic of Reece above.) It was almost a race to get finished in time for the 5:30 meeting in the yard for group photo and treating. I won the pumpkin carving race, but they won getting ready first.

I was running around crazy when Mel and fam arrived. I basically gave her Zach with a minimal greeting, and got the rest done. Then I exchanged him for my camera and made her take a quick photo of me and my boys. Thanks, Mel. : )Side note: I'm still mourning that I couldn't fit into my disco momma outfit without seriously looking pregnant. Makes.me.sad. But, I think it was actually a blessing when Julia wanted to borrow my beloved white go-go boots. They were hers to wear this year. But, Julia, you'd better find a new costume for next year. Disco Momma WILL BE BACK.)

As we headed over for the group photo, D arrived just in time, and the treating began.

whole lotta love

Bailey and Reece played soooo well today. They spoke so kindly, respectfully, shared, and had a great time being together.

Reece's favorite toy was Bailey's Hannah Montana head set with microphone. He walked around for nearly an hour being a crew chief and talking to Bailey as if she was the car. She didn't quite get it, but played along anyway. They also played trains, computer games...and even dress-up. This is the conversation I overheard...
Bailey: Reece, do you want to play dress-up?
Reece: Sure.
Bailey: I'm sorry, Reece, I only have girl dress-up clothes. I don't have any boy clothes.
Reece: That's ok, Bailey.
Bailey: Do you still want to play dress-up with me?
Reece: Sure.Not sure why he chose Cinderella, my guess is because it was blue.
But, don't be fooled by the dress. He's no girly man, he's a ladies man...Actually, I love the passion with which he kisses her. It tells me that's what he sees from me, and from daddy and me. I'm not going to like this kind of passion in a few years, but for now, it is a reflection of the love he gets...and it's a whole lotta love.

Trunkin'

And tonight (what a busy day) was Reece's school festival...trunk or treat. I have to admit that I hadn't a clue what it meant until we got there.A couple of dinosaurs made there appearances...Zach, Reece, Kiley, and Grayson. Some were scarier than others. ; )And a precious puppy dog and handy manny (or bob the builder, you choose)Brothers and their lollipops.A toss game complete with prize.
(Love her expression as he's hitting the target.)Kiley at another toss game,
and another great expression as he's about to get hit!Who wants to do this again next year?