Boo at the Zoo

Of course, we also continued our tradition of going to Boo at the Zoo.  We went with a motley crew of a Zombie, a Tow Truck, and one friendly snail.

Our little snail got thirsty dragging that shell around all night.  Unfortunately,  there was no water in the well.  Or fountain.  Whatever.

Very disappointing.

Had to take a little time out from the candy gathering (the amount was obscene, yall--we're still eating it) to have a seat by the spooky decorations...

All in all, a very spook-tacular evening!  I did a total mom fail and did not get a picture of us on the haunted train ride...it was awesome.  Next year, folks!

Costume Party

Russ may have missed the pumpkin patch this year, but he did get to come along for Vivi's first Halloween party!  Our buddy Parker (and his folks) threw an adult/kid costume party, and we were so excited to go!  The big question...what was Vivi for Halloween this year?

 A pink and purple snail.

She came up with the idea herself.

And, since there are not a lot of snail patterns floating around out there (can't imagine why not), I made it myself.

I was worried that the giant shell would be a hindrance, but it didn't seem to bother her at all as she zoomed around with Parker.

 Parker was the world's cutest, muscley-est Tow Mater, and the Palmer boys showed up as two darling, darling garden gnomes.

I have decided I quite like adult/child parties.  As the adults hung out and enjoyed food and delicious wine and cocktails, the kids entertained each other and wore themselves out by running all over the place.

 Vivi and Parker really, really like to chase each other.  Apparently.

We had one heck of a night.  The Aerni family knows how to throw a great party!  It's fun to watch Vivi and her friends grow up and start to build traditions.  And, it was nice for Russ and I to get in on the action, too.  What?  You didn't think we missed an opportunity to wear costumes, did you?

Every bride needs her Frankenstein. Happy Halloween, Otto-style!

Pumpkin Patch!

October was a little different for us this year.  With Russ's leg still a bit rough, we didn't get to do some of our favorite things as a family.  But, he and I talked about it, and we decided that I would still take Vivi to the pumpkin patch, even though he wasn't able to go.  So, we joined up with Aunt Kate and Noah, and off we went!  Home girl was pretty excited, let me tell you.  She is getting bigger, and is able to do many more things while we were there.  This year?  Ride-on-trikes.

 But, zooming around on a trike couldn't hold her attention for long when there was an entire pumpkin patch to explore, and we quickly moved on.

She and Noah scaled the giant haystack.

 She didn't need my help this year, which made me kind of sad.

She DID need my help to drive this bad boy, though (which was SUPER fun!)

 "CRAZY DRIVERS!!!"

We took the obligatory "cut out head"shot.  This year, she chose a flower.

 And was tall enough to fit her face in without being lifted up.  The times, they are a'changing.

She was also not afraid to go on the bounce pads by herself.

Though this did not stop her from conning both me...

...and Aunt Kate...

 ...into bouncing with her (this did not really take much conning, actually.  They are pretty fun, and I did not get to go on them last year).

And then we went on Vivi's first ever hayrack ride out into the fields to pick "the perfect pumpkin."  Or three.  Since we needed one for both parents, as well.

Not content to pick out three pumpkins on her own, she offered "sage advice" to Aunt Kate and Noah.

All in all, it was a pretty awesome day.  It was sad to go without Russ, but that just means Pumpkin Patch 2013 will be even more awesome.  And who knows what she'll have grown into by then.  Miss Thing is never boring.

Carnival

No, we didn't go to Rio.  Sadly.  But we did go to a carnival!  Noah's school held their annual carnival, and we decided to tag along, with Jill and Parker, too.  Aunt Kate and I went to the same school when we were younger, and had very fond memories of attending Fest Quest when we were younger.  I was thrilled to take Vivi for the first time.

To my great delight, they still had a lot of the same games as when I was a kid!  Here, Vivi goes "fishing" for candy, which was one of my most favorite games.

 She, however, was slightly underwhelmed.  When the candy came over the side as a prize, she looked over at the lady and said, "Excuse me.  I wanted to catch a fish.  Is it still my turn?"  It took come talking to convince her that candy was an acceptable alternative.

She was much more excited about the tattoo artist (NOT around in my day, btw).

She was SUPER impressed by the giant slide, and tried again and again to make it to the top.  Unfortunately, it was a little too tall for her, and she did not quite make it to the top.  She did pretty well with it though, taking it in stride, and telling me, "I'm pretty sure I'll be tall enough next time we have a carnival."

This might have had something to do with her calmness.  There was a giant tractor ride.  Here Noah, Parker, and Vivi all get ready to go for a drive.

Who doesn't take their favorite giant leaf with them when they go for a little ride in the coupe?

All in all, Fest Quest was a little different than I truly remembered.  A little less impressive, a little exhausting (as a parent, I have no idea how mine did it with 4 of us), but still a lot fun.  I'm excited to have it be a part of my life again.

Happy Birthday, Eddie!

So, back in the middle of October (see how time flies?), Eddie had a birthday and a birthday party.  We were SUPPOSED to go to the pumpkin patch, but Mother Nature is a huge jerk who does not feel like granting the birthday wishes of a 4 year old boy.  So.  We went to Eddie's house instead.  As soon as Vivi realized we were not going to an outdoor party, she insisted on wearing "her favorite fancy party dress."  What the heck, I thought.

 Standard party wear.  Um...kind of.

Eddie's party theme was "Call of the Wildman."  Awesome, huh?  Wait.  What?  You've never seen that show?  It's amazing.  This guy catches all these animals "with his bare hands."  It's hilarious.  He has less teeth than many 6 month olds, and a truly unique way of seeing the world.  Perfect party theme.  And the cake?

 That's right, folks.  It's a possum.  I was so happy.

And, so were the kids.  They zoomed around the house playing, watched Eddie open his gifts, and got to eat the AWESOME cake.  Then, as the party was winding down, someone glanced out the window.  The Palmers have a huge...tree (no idea what kind, sorry) in their front yard and it suddenly started raining these beautiful bright yellow leaves.  It was awesome.  It was almost as if Mother Nature was apologizing for being a jerk.  Every single one of us rushed outside and watched the kids run and play in the leaves.

Elliot even got in on the action.  Is this not what fall is about?  Babies buried in piles of leaves?

 (With some help from their friends, of course).

It was such an awesome party.  A wonderful theme, a wonderful day, and a fabulous surprise ending.  With a turtle strapped to her head, our little lady squealed and zoomed around with all of her buddies.

 Eddie wanted to hand out masks of the different types of animals the Wildman catches.  So Aunt Kate and my contribution to the party was these hilarious masks.  We tried to get a picture of all of the kids wearing their masks.  We really did.  That...didn't go so well.  Worth it, I say, to have such a great day.  Vivi loves hanging out with Eddie!