Halloween 2014

A few months ago I was bringing out the next size up clothes for Amelia, and one of the dresses was this fantastic red polka dotted number that I immediately thought, now that would be a cute minnie mouse dress. So I filed it away in my head, knowing full well that we'd have a new baby due right around Halloween, and the chances of us celebrating the holiday were slim to none ( I get very anti craft while pregnant...).

But, it turns out, I didn't have the baby yet, and I actually found some small spark of motivation to make her a little costume! I used the bloomers that came with the dress to make a big bow with some black felt circles glued to it for minnie ears. Amelia won't keep headbands on anymore, but she's totally down with the clip in bows, so that was lucky. Then we needed new bloomers so...I sewed rows and rows of lace to some a plain white set, and the cuteness level pretty much exploded. The whole time I was doing it I just kept giggling...if a baby's bum covered in ruffles doesn't make you happy, then you are living in a cold world, my friend.

The grandparents were helping with a church trunk or treat last weekend, so we crashed their party. Just like last year...I guess this makes it officially a tradition!

Highlights:

• Lace on Amelia's bum. I mean, thats just got to be listed first.
• It was pretty cold when we left in the morning, so she wore her red pea coat and red mittens, and it totally matched, and how are you so cute??
• Cornhole--she started out way back, but quickly figured out it was more efficient to stand directly above the hole
• Donut eating on a string was also a hit. She thought it was the trickiest trick that her donut was tied up.
• Trunk or treating. She had to have the candy handed to her, then SHE would put it in her bag. A few times people just dumped some pieces in her bag and she gave them the most offended little look. Snooty girl.
• Hearing her little garbled "trick or treat". Mostly she just said "treat". Thats my girl.

And just for fun, let's compare last year's costume to this year. Oh. my. word. If I wasn't so super pregnant right now, that little baby owl might just convince me it was time to have another baby. How is this her second Halloween?? Oh time, you are a fickle mistress.

Family Pictures 2014

Last weekend Freya was in town and she asked if I would snap a few family pictures for them. I would do anything to get an extra hangout with Freya (they're always booked up with pesky "family" time on their short visits...) so of course I agreed. And then I asked her if she would take a few pictures for us too, and she agreed! So I got two extra Freya hangouts, and some pretty awesome family pictures.

Cory has such a hard time understanding family pictures. When I told him about these he was all,"Didn't we just do those? When we went downtown with Freya and took pictures in front of things?" And I was all, "Umm...you mean our maternity pictures? From before Amelia was BORN??" And he's like, "Yea, we just did those." And I'm like, "..."

Needless to say, we needed updated ones. And once new baby comes, we'll need them again, so get ready babe.

Anyway, Freya did an awesome job, as per usual. Even with a pretty grumpy/squirmy little toddler, she managed to get the money shots. She's so good. And, I can't fathom how big this belly is going to get before November 7th.  I mean, surely it can't get bigger than this, right??

K & J's Wedding Reception

Cory's sister Kyli got married this summer, and I got to help plan a little reception for her and her new hubby last weekend. Kyli was super laid back about it all, and pretty much let me do whatever I wanted, which was pretty awesome.

We wanted to keep it pretty simple, and went for a kind of vintage neutral vibe. We had lots of twine, kraft paper, and babies breath with a loose cream and brownish color scheme. We ate appetizers and desserts, and just had a nice time chatting.

It was at the Allen's home, which was great because we could do lots of set up the day before and not feel super stressed the day of. We originally wanted to get everything catered, but that didn't work out so we decided to do a lot of the food ourselves and hire two of my BFF's to help with the food prep and refilling during the party. We didn't realize it at the time, but this saved us. They were constantly running around refilling things and checking things and making sure everything was running smoothly. Without them Kim and I would have been a mess during the entire party. So, lesson learned.

Anyway, it turned out really pretty (in my ever so humble opinion), and these were the best shots I got with my limited photog. skills. I'd plan a party for someone as laid back as you any day of the week, Kyli! We're so excited to have John in the family! :)