Halloween 2013

We kept our tradition going this year by trick-or-treating with the Spottsville's and the Wichterman's.  I absolutely love celebrating and decorating for all the holidays because I have such warm and fuzzy memories of holiday traditions and decorating as a child.  Since Mikayla's due date was October 17, I was obsessed with making sure everything was in place for a spooktacular Halloween for Jack.  I knew his world (and mine) was going to be turned upside down with the arrival of our new angel, so I wanted Halloween to go off without a hitch.  Jack's costume was ready, trick-or-treat bag out, and decorations up.  Of course, nothing goes smoothly no matter how prepared you are when you are talking about doing anything with two toddlers, a newborn, and an 8-month old, but we had fun nonetheless.  Mandi made some awesome turkey and sweet potato chili and I made some pumpkin cornbread.  By the time we got out of the door for trick-or-treating, it was already 7:00, but it was perfect because Jack and Anayah have little legs that can't last that long anyway.  Jack and Anayah were stinkin' adorable as Jake and Izzy from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates."  They stayed in character all night, often correcting us if we called them Jack or Anayah, and they would naturally hold hands when they crossed the street.  My heart melted.  He is so blessed to be growing up with such a sweet friend.  Mandi and I had to turn in early since we had feeding and bedtime schedules to mind.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween!

My little pumpkins and me

They are soooo cute!

Choosing candy...a kid's dream come true!

"Follow me Anayah! Yo-ho let's go!"

Isn't she gorgeous?!

The trick-or-treatin' crew: Surya holding Jack (his shoes gave him a blister, so he had to call it a night); Maddie as Catniss from Hunger Games; Sarah as a pirate; Anayah as Izzy; Lilly the car; Kaitlyn the ghost

My new little pumpkin Mikayla settling in for the night

Exhausted and sugar crashed!

Jack's Art Show

There are many reasons I love living in Temecula and one reason is all the fun classes the city offers for kids.  I signed Jack up for an art and literacy class this summer.  Each art project was accompanied by a book.  Nana took him to classes when I had to work and she made a suggestion that I have an art show displaying all his art work at the end of the session.  I thought that was a grand idea!  Even better, I decided to have it at my baby shower so he didn't feel left out.  We displayed all his pieces in the front of my sister's house on the day of my baby shower for Mikayla and made special art cookies.  As guests arrived, he offered them a cookie and juice box and showed off his art work.  It was so awesome to see how proud he was, especially since all summer he was so shy about sharing his work with anyone.  What fun we had!

He loved handing people a juice and cookie.

I love how happy and proud he looks in these photos!

Jack's 3rd Bithday

We decided to have a small party for Jack's 3rd birthday since his time as an only child would be ending in a few short months.  When I first asked him what kind of party he wanted, he was obsessed with the show, "Octonauts" so I found all sorts of "Octonauts" themed party ideas and started planning.  Well, any of you with small children at home know that Disney had commercials all summer long about a "Pirate and Princess" summer and advertised the shows, "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" and "Sofia the First."  Mandi (remember, Anayah's Mommy) and I quickly realized how effective that advertising was because it wasn't long before Jack wanted a "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" themed party and Anayah wanted a "Sofia the First" party (thanks Disney!).  Nevertheless, I had lots of fun planning the party.  It was a small party, but tons of fun.  We went to my sister's house again to utilize the pool on a hot day and had a blast!  I can't believe my baby is already three!  I find myself getting emotional by how quickly time is passing by.  I just want to hold on to every moment. 

Jack's actual birthday

His aunt and cousins brought him cake and presents on his actual birthday.  He loves these girls SO much!

Pre-party fun with Grandma Sherry

Surya's mom came down to celebrate Jack's 3rd birthday and he loved every minute of her being here.

Pirate Party Time!

They are checking their maps for how to find the treasure!

"Here it is, guys!"

The tablescape

Gotta have a pinata!

Fun details

Party favors

Surya and I did our best to make pirate-themed cupcakes.

One of my favorite pictures of the birthday boy.

Waiting patiently for their turn.

CANDY!!!!

Mila won the game!

Madie so wanted to join in with the big kids.

Besties

"Look at this, Anayah!  We can play this together later!"

What great memories!

Happy 3rd birthday to my sweet angel from heaven.  He is growing up to be such a thoughtful, caring, loving, and wonderful little boy.  Every day is a blessing with him.