Halloween in Memphis

For Halloween we actually ended up in Memphis.  It wasn't planned and it was actually for a really sad reason.  A very dear family friend (more like a part of the family) suddenly passed away.  Marsha was the kind of lady who truly left an impression - lots of spunk, an infectious giggly laugh, generous, and lots of fun.  It's hard to imagine a world without her in it.

And although it was one of the saddest occasions, it was good to be with her family and help out a bit.

The road trip to Tennessee is LONG.  Beckett passed time by listening to Justin Timberlake (that's all we had!) and eating snacks.

If there is one thing that can brighten up a sad occasion, it's being around babies and toddlers.  Beckett played so well with Sydney.  They were precious together!

And, of course, he got some good Gigi/Thunder time in too….

Alex and Jess helped to make "tunnels" for Beckett to race through.

This is about the only pic I have of Halloween night.  The kids were so funny!   Sydney would politely say "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you."  (And wasn't she the cutest Alice in Wonderland?) Beckett, on the other hand, would shout out "I want some stuuuuufffff" in the most hick Texas accent you can imagine.  He also thought he needed to taste test each piece of candy at EVERY .  SINGLE . HOUSE.  We were cracking up at the two of them.  

We made it home safe and sound (obviously), but the trip was a reminder to not take life for granted.  Things can change suddenly.  Life is precious.  Surround yourself with those you love and things that make you happy.  

Fire Truck Open House

This was the coolest event!  Each year our town has an open house at the Fire Station.  They let the kiddos climb all over the trucks, test out the equipment, watch a helicopter land, and give free food and goodies.  Beckett is obsessed with any and all trucks/helicopters, firetrucks, etc.  Basically if it moves and has wheels, he is in love.

One of the first things we did was climb on a bunch of the trucks.  Beckett thought it was REALLY cool.

I think his favorite thing was watching the helicopter land.  I mean, look at that smile!

He also tested out the hose.  

And as a grand finale we waited in line for him to sit in the helicopter.  Pretty exciting stuff!

So glad our community has events like this!

Beware of the Cookie Monster!

As I previously wrote, Mr. Beckett was having NOTHING to do with his Lightening McQueen costume.  I guess he was just holding out for the Cookie Monster.  Can't say that I blame him :).
Who doesn't enjoy a plate full of chocolate chip cookies?

Dirty hands!

When it was time to go home, he actually starting crying and pretty much begged for more pictures cookies.  Ha!  

Getting Halloween Ready

I LOVE October.  In Texas it's the real start to fall, with the weather finally cooling off and it's actually enjoyable outside.  I love the anticipation of the holidays and Halloween is no exception!  This October we did quite a few things to celebrate and get ready.

We attended Beckett's school Halloween Party, which was pretty adorable.  I wish I could say that it was wonderful and Beckett had a blast but that really wasn't the case.  The second we walked in the door he started crying and pretty much cried or stayed glued to our side unless he was eating.  I guess having Momma and Dada at school just threw him off way too much.  :(

He did LOVE going to the Pumpkin Patch though.  We actually went several times and he had the best time.  His favorite part was definitely going in the Bounce House, but a close second was the tractor ride.  

I was so proud of him for going down the enormous slide all by himself.  It took him forever to climb the stairs (and he was super hesitant the 1st time), but he did it and then wanted to do it again and again and again.

I thought I was really ahead of the game by ordering his Halloween Costume in early September.  I figured he was old enough to want a costume that was something he was really interested in, so I picked out a Lightening McQueen costume and thought nothing of it.

Oh but he had other ideas.  He refused to wear it and had zero interest.  This picture is the only one I have of him in this costume.  He might have worn it for 60 seconds at the Winkids Halloween Fest….maybe??

Well, no matter because 2 days before Halloween we finally smartened up and took him to the costume store so HE could pick what he wanted.  

And guess what the little monster chose?  Hee hee.

September in Review

Hmmm, well I have obviously been on a bit of a blogging break but I am going to attempt to get back on the bandwagon!  I thought it would be easiest to do a recap of the last few months….here we go! Beckett is still in love with his trains - they are always getting "stuck" and need "help."  Good thing it's B to the rescue!

This summer Beckett started helping Dada with the yard.  His "help" actually doubles the work, but Guy was incredibly patient.  Beckett was SO proud and now requests that he always help Dada.

We went to the Home Depot Kids' Saturday one day.  He made a ring toss and was quite proud of his work.  "I MADE that!"

Speaking of painting… We worked on some Halloween pumpkin painting while the weather was nice.

Beckett also likes to help in the kitchen.  Guy has been on a juicing kick, so we made "nummies" for Dada.

Our vegetable garden bounty...

One of the biggest events of September was Beckett starting pre-school.  He goes two days a week for three hours each.  It's a perfect amount of time to give me a little mommy break and him and chance to grow socially and academically too.  I won't lie, there were definitely tears the first 2 weeks.  Big tears. But according to his teacher he did GREAT once he got settled into the room.  I'm so proud of him!

I was also lucky enough to go on a girls' trip to Seattle this September!  Guyla, Jessica, Jenny and I all had a wonderful time and made some really good memories.  And it was perfect timing - right at the beginning of my 2nd trimester, so I was feeling really good.  We had all kinds of fun!!

That about wraps up September.  On to October!