Halloween

On Halloween, the kids got to go trick or treating twice. First, we drove down to ConAgra, and the kids got to trick or treat around to all of the offices at John's work. Afterwards, we paused outside to take a few pictures of the kids in their cosutmes, before heading home. (Hudson had refused to wear his costume at ConAgra, but luckily we got it on him before trick or treating around the neighborhood.)

My parents came over for dinner, and then went trick or treating with us around the neighborhood. It is fun for us to be able to have them come along. The kids loved, loved, loved trick or treating this year, and were SO excited. They literally sprinted from house to house. We struggled just trying to keep up with them! At one point, Makenna (along with 2 of our neighbors) got a bit ahead of Hudson, and while running after them, he yelled, "Wait for me...I'm a fighter pilot!!" It is so fun as a parent to be able to experience the excitement of Halloween again through the eyes of your children. 

When we got home, Makenna sorted her candy into piles, which is something I always loved doing.

Hudson rolled around in his...

And Clara learned to wave for the first time!! Cute girl!

Trunk or Treat

After spending the afternoon making cookies at my mom's house, we spent the evening at our Ward's dinner and Trunk or Treat. The kids were so excited to wear their costumes, see their friends, and begin collecting candy.

Hudson - the fighter pilot, and Makenna - Dorothy

With some friends

Playing games

Handing out candy

Clara - a butterfly



Pre-Halloween Activities

We have had so much fun celebrating Halloween this year, and the main event isn't even here yet. It all started with a couples party that John and I attended. My younger brother had a gorilla suit that I borrowed, and we went as King Kong, and 'Ann Darrow' (the girl he kidnaps in the movies). Since the gorilla suit was too small for John, I wore it, and John got to be the girl!! HAHA! We had a fun time getting John ready!

Our next Halloween activity was Thursday when Makenna got to dress up for her dance class. Makenna has been planning on being Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz since last Halloween. She even asked for all Wizard of Oz stuff for Christmas last year. My mom and I made her a Dorothy dress, so that it would be just like the real movie version. I literally finished sewing the buttons on an hour before her dance class! I am so happy with how it turned out, and most importantly, Makenna LOVES it!!

Makenna with one of her friends

The next day, my mom had all of the grandkids over to decorate Halloween cookies. First we made roll out cookies, and then while they were baking in the oven the kids got to frost and decorate 3 dozen more cookies that my mom had ordered. They made a huge mess, and had so much fun doing it! We also had a little craft for them to do, and then all stayed to enjoy lunch. I am so grateful that we are able to live near family, and that we can get together on a more regular basis. The kids love hanging out with their cousins.

Testing out the frosting...

Great-Grandma Gloria holding Clara (And no, she doesn't have orange hair...just being festive!)

After the kids decorated all their cookies, and were hyped up on sugar, my mom played a couple of very rambunctious games of ring around the rosie with them. The kids get wild when they are together, and have a blast!!

The Zoo

I have been neglecting my blog lately. September was a crazy month for us, but things have slowed down, so the time has come to catch up on a few posts.

We love the zoo in Omaha, and a yearly membership is a must-have for our family. I remember going to the zoo growing up, and it is so fun to take my kids there now. We made several trips to the zoo this summer, often with cousins or friends. ConAgra also sponsors a day at the zoo every year, where they provide lunch for all of their employees. Here are a few pictures from some of our visits.

 Climbing on the lion.

All of the Omaha cousins (minus the 2 new babies)

On the train