the happiest of halloweens!

Happy Halloween all!!!

It didn't take me too long into this parenting gig to realize that photos of your kids on tirck-or-treat night never turn out well. Not to mention the zillions of layers they require in order to go out. It's just too much for everyone. So I like to dress them up a few days prior for a dry run. My sister-in-law had a similar thought and so she graciously took these photos for me (thank you thank you Ash!). And so I give you my Belle, Iron Man and Captain America! 

And because I doubt it'll happen tonight here are all the trick-or-treating cousins!

Enjoy the festivities today and eat that candy! Most importantly, have fun!

Past year's costumes here, here, here and here.

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a fall family photo shoot

Every year I ask my sister-in-law to take some updated pictures of our family and every year she oh so graciously agrees. And not just agree but really puts in serious effort for us and we appreciate and love her so! She recommended we head to the Farmingdale Trail for any of you local folks at the "magic hour," just as the sun is setting. And she is right about that light, it is magic. 

Do not let Ashley's miracle work fool you... for my children were uncooperative little (dare I say beasts?) things. The boys anyway. Dom wouldn't look or wouldn't join the rest of us... David kept turning around or putting his hands up or pouting... Matt and I tried all manner of bribery and threats and promises... there was lots of harsh words through smiles happening as well... but you would never know it would you?

It's so hard to choose and she literally gave me hundreds to pick from so here are just a few (ha!) of our favorites...

Thanks so much Ashley! I will cherish these forever and ever!

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things making me happy right now...

1//The photos my sister-in-law took the other night! I just love them so very much! I can't wait to update the gallery wall with some!! How to narrow it down though? 2//It's Friday! I get to throw the kid's lunch boxes into their assigned cabinet this afternoon and not pack their lunch for tomorrow! It's one of my favorite Friday perks! 3// We only have two more weeks of school till vacation, as if you didn't know that's on my brain as of late... Two weeks and then: Disney! 4// Tomorrow is our anniversary! Eleven years. We will be heading out for a little late lunch while my parents watch the kids. A rare break from the kids for us two! 5// Carving pumpkins with the kids and cousins this weekend. I'm sure it'll be a complete mess but at least there will be wine! 6// Christmas decorating is so so so very close! I have been listening to Christmas music all week and dreaming of decorating the house... I brush your judgement off easily, it is my favorite time of year! Start the fun early I always say! 7// Another Outlander episode! I completely respect people who just wait till a show is done and then binge watch it because this week to week business is killing me! I'm just so glad they are back together! Gah! 8// Turning off my alarm for the weekend. 5:15 is early for this mama folks. Sleeping in till even 6:30 is like a dream. Literally. 9// Having all my babies with me all weekend! 10// Coffee. Always and forever.

Happy happy Friday all! Soak up that weekend, ya hear?

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disney memories!

I was just perusing old blog posts about Disney the other day in preparation for our soon to be happening Disney vacation and my goodness! So many good memories! I can't wait to add to our arsenal of happy Disney memories! So, just for fun...

Dom's first visit to Disney World and when we finally got to meet Anna and Elsa!

The time that I got on the wrong bus and a kind Disney employee made me cry. See also, David crushing hard on Princess Aurora...

Our final viewing of the Festival of Lights!

When Merida wished Letty's best friend a happy birthday and we also got to see how they film the Christmas Parade!

Matt's first exposure to a basil chili margarita at La Hacienda, now a family favorite dining spot.

Letty got to watch the Beauty and the Beast stage show, always a favorite show that B&B.

David running up and hugging any and all characters regardless of diaper situation...

And of course other things that happened at Disney before the blog existed (monstrous times, that)....

Drinking around the world at Epcot!

Some of us ran the Jingle Jungle 5k!

 David's first visit to Disney World at the ripe old age of three months!

Aunt Ashley dancing with Baby D!

Letty meeting Tink and not being sure how to feel about meeting your idol!

Letty's first visit to Disney World at 14 months and the first ride we put her on was Pirates, of course!

 Showing Letty our most favorite of all parks, Epcot!

 T was there, but Rob was not! Weird.

 And of course running in to this chick whenever we can....

And what else?? Oh my goodness! All of it! Every second! More exclamation points needed! Fireworks and every single character meet and greet imaginable. The pool! The sun! The palm trees! The food! All the rides! The road trip down! The sheer amount of laughter my brother is going to create once he gets going. The nostalgia! The hotel! The morning runs! All of that is nothing to just spending time with my family and making so many fond memories that clearly we will cherish for years and years to come!!! We will sure miss those of the family that can't make it.... I'll self medicate myself don't you fret.... sniff.

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