HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's been over a year since we knew what Malia was going to be for her first Halloween. It was around that time that my sister-in-law, Patty, found this adorable ladybug dress at a second-hand store. I loved it! And, today was finally the day Malia got to wear her dress and go out trick-or-treating.

Now, before we go any further, here is a quick peak at the front ...


... and a quick peak of the back ...


Seriously! How cute is this dress?!

We first made the trip to my parent's house to show off Malia's costume earlier in the day. We usually aren't able to make it over, but with today being a Saturday we had more time to make the trip. It was Mali's first attempt at practicing her trick-or-treating skills. And, although she didn't quite get the words out, she sure did catch on quickly to the whole candy concept.


It wasn't long before she gave up deciding which PIECE she wanted and decided to just take the WHOLE stash instead!


Now, remember that last year at this time we were arriving in Beijing, China and missed the whole Halloween thing. We typically dress up as a family. Not just our family, but most of Rick's family. We strategically steer clear of each other as we go out to other family member's houses and then meet up at Rick's parents to reveal our costumes to each other. It is SO fun and we laugh a lot! But, unfortunately, for Malia's first Halloween in our crazy family, we were not able to do the whole family costume theme. Due to health issues and conflicting family schedules (yes, you read this in the pumpkin patch post, too), we only had two trick-or-treaters this year ... Malia and Luke. I mean, Ladybug Fairy and Optimus*Prime!


Malia did a great job hopping out of the van, putting on her headband antennae, holding her pumpkin bucket and heading to the door. And, let me just say she wasn't shy about taking LOTS of candy from those buckets!


Here she is getting her turn at knocking on a door.


And, although Spencer decided not to dress up this year, he had fun going along for the ride and getting his own stash of candy. Thanks, Spence, for being such a good sport about the circumstances this year. Hopefully next year will be more crazy as usual!


It was another fun family evening making memories together! And another reminder of just how blessed we are!