First beggars night

Thursday night was beggars night in Ankeny, and for the first time in years, this household partook. After Everlee's 3 1/2 hour nap, we got her dressed, fed her dinner, and waited for the Miller family to come join us. 

Abby Cadabby!!! BIG thank you to Grandma CoCo for making this one of a kind costume!! Everelee loved it, and looked absolutely adorable in the creation. 

Abby and her bestie Elmo ready to start this trick or treating business.

First house we stopped at had a Skelton in the bushes, creepy music, and a faux bloody door that said go away. Everlee was not fond of this house, cried, and 

turned to run away. Mr. Farmer could  not entice her to the front door with the pot of candy, but was kind enough to come out, set the candy down, and let Evs cautiously help herself. One house down. Couple more to go on this chilly night.

 Second stop was a home that left out a bowl for trick or treaters to help themselves to one piece of candy. This was a good way to introduce the girls to picking out a special treat. 

After a few houses the girls knew the drill, but it was so cold, we decided to head home, warm their bones, and hand out candy. 

This part was a riot, and actually may have turned me into a fan of Halloween/beggars night. Every time the doorbell rang, Maci and Evs immediately dropped what they were doing, and sprinted to the door. Their little legs running as fast as the could, screeching, and laughing all the way to the door. They would eagerly greet the kids, stare at them, chat with them, and would even grab a piece of candy for themselves to put into their own bag. Then would run back to the living room, cackling like hyenas. So funny, these two!! 

This was the best Halloween ever, and was hoping that seeing it through our daughters eyes, would change my opinion of the day. I will say that I may slowly be changing my tune, may be able to tolerate this day,  and MAY even actually look forward to next years festivities. All because of this little fairy ;) 

Is there a full moon tonight?

Because this little red head has been completely looney tunes all day long. She's been laughing at everything and doesn't really want to sit still. 

At dinner we played a little game called "Watch me put yogurt on my hand with my spoon, and when dada tells me No, I'm gonna cackle like a hyena."

Kind of a long name for a game, I know. 

But a weird game deserves a weird title. 

The madness continues during cartoons. 

I think this is called "1000 TV watching positions in less than 3 minutes". 

I think I get more and more clueless about girls with each minute I spend with this little firecracker... And I know this is just the beginning. Fun stuff. 

Reporting for Doodie

For the past couple of weeks when Everlee goes #2, she announces she is going poo poo. Well we decided it was time to purchase a potty chair, and Evs obviously chose an Elmo chair. We brought it home, put it in the bathroom, and had many poo poo conversations. Evs was quick to understand the concept, but the execution was rather entertaining. 

Yes!! Understanding the sitting to go poo poo concept. 

Ok, at least she's still sitting. 

This is a rather odd way to sit on the potty. Things are getting interesting. 

It is a holding container, but not necessarily for her body washes. 

And now she's got a new hat to add to the collection. 

Oh we are going to have sooooo much fun with this potty training journey:)

Fall festivities

Saturday afternoon we were invited over to Brigett and Steve's new house for some afternoon festivities. It was so nice to see their house, and while we didn't see before pics, the work they have put into their home is beyond impressive. Of course Everlee had so much fun seeing her cousins, aunts and uncles, and loved playing at their new digs. 

After some playing and some early afternoon noshing, we attempted to partake in the fall festival activities, but Evs was way too overwhelmed and upset with the loudness, and commotion inside the fire station. We opted to bypass this activity and walk across the street and play at the quiet park. This was more Evs pace, and she enjoyed playing where it was a bit more peaceful. 

Couldn't get enough up and down on the stairs with her cousins.

One of the few things kept from the previous owners at The DeVos home, a play set, and the little kids just love it. Thanks to Brig and Steve for having us over, especially on their first year anniversary ;)

Orchard Time

Friday we took our first family trip to the Center Grove Orchard. Much like the zoo, I have been eagerly anticipating this day with my loves. The weather was a bit foggy and brisk, but that didn't stop this crew. We bundled Evs up, and made our way up north. 

Scoping out the joint upon arrival. 

First stop, corn pool. Everlee did NOT like  this activity. She kept trying to climb out, wiping her hands, and saying icky. I would put the corn on my leg, and she would brush it off saying "no icky".  Oh well, on we go. 

Done at the petting zoo, time to look at the pumpkins. Oh, and dad I'll pull the wagon myself. 

So while Everlee was captivated by all of the pumpkins, daddy was captivated by a uniquely shaped gourd. It's a good thing mom is the photographer, or this pic taken by daddy, would be our only picture of our orchard experience ;)

Enjoying her hand picked Apple, and deconstructing her sandwich. 

Her bite sized apple cider donut, wasn't big enough, she had to swipe mommys bigger donut. Then it was on to daddy's  apple turnover. 

Family selfie

Zoning out, reminiscing about her morning, and refusing to let go of her apple.

That night after dinner, we enjoyed some of the best apple pie we have ever had. We brought home a pie from Center Grove, and thoroughly enjoyed every bite! 

What a sweet day with my two favorite people!!  We are so glad daddy took time from his work day, and joined us!! What lucky girls we are:)