Greek goddess Noelle, Pirate princess Anna Kate and Leopard kitty Rose hope you had a spook-tacular Halloween! 

We love our baby child so much!!!

Rose had a few little girlfriends over last week for a costume party!  Reese, Rose, Cerly, Katie, Lizzy and Lucy were so adorable all dressed up and ready to play!

Our theme was pumpkins and kitties!  The night before, it was like Christmas Eve for Rose.  She was so very excited!  The big girls remember all their toddler play dates fondly and were really happy that Rose was getting a turn.  I love my girls!

Noelle found the “Mummy pig” idea on YouTube for me, and the girls enjoyed them.  We are trying so hard to eat healthy around here, but it’s so hard.  I think we did a pretty good job today, and the girls did get to decorate cupcakes at the end for a little treat.

Rara came to help with the party and babysit for Mike and me to go out with some friends the next night, and of course, stayed busy helping us the whole weekend.  I don’t know what I’d do without her!  Rose, Katie, and Lizzy were busy at work with their first of lots of crafts that kept them busy: Halloween window gel clings! 

After we decorated goodie bags and other sticker crafts, the girls had the cutest, giggliest freeze dance session I’ve ever seen. 

This was adorable and something the moms will always remember for sure!

And Rose’s favorite, cupcake decorating time!  Toddlers have to stay busy 100% of the time or you never know what you are gonna get.  We had so much fun, and it was just the sweetest afternoon.

I asked Rose if her kitty was sad, and she said, “No, my kitty is mad!” as she was laughing like it was the funniest joke ever.  Lizzy had a blast showing off her crazy-eyed ghost too! 

Rose and Cerly finishing up their cupcakes!

Rose’s kitty claws!  This is just too funny to me.  She got out of bed the night before, came in our room, and said, “Mom, what are we going to do for my kitty claws?  I have to have claws because kitty cats have claws!”  I thought this one up on a whim, and she loved them!

I was hesitant to plan a party because for some reason, we are all exhausted right now, like so exhausted.  But… then I thought, “Both of my big girls are in school, and it’s now or never!”  So, we went for it, and oh my goodness, we had the best warm fall afternoon ever with these girlies.  I’m always so overjoyed when I see kids playing together and having fun!  It should always be this simple, carefree and easy.  They are all such little loves!

The Lions cheerleaders had so much fun performing their version of “Calling All the Monsters” at their Halloween pep rally!

These girls trip me out!  Unfortunately, Noelle’s bloody knee wasn’t paint.  She fell on the play ground at school that day, but the worst part was some of the kids who saw her fall, laughed at her while she was trying to get up.  It embarrassed and hurt her and broke my heart when she tearfully told me about it after school.  Kid experiences make you stronger, but man, sure are hard to watch your baby go through.  Thankfully, she has awesome friends who really know how to cheer her up!

Cute little zombie cheerleaders, Hannah, Brianna, and Noelle!

Emily, Noelle, and Bri may have this down a little too good! 

Little sisters, Anna Kate and Sydney, aren’t far behind them!

What a blast!  These moments in life make the falls a little more bearable.  So thankful for the fun!

We had the honor and pleasure of attending my Great Aunt Polly’s 90th birthday party on her exact birth day, October 11, earlier this month!  I wouldn’t have been anywhere else in the whole wide world that day, along with these beauties!

This 90 year old red-head is super special and totally amazing!  I try to call her each week, and every time we get to talk, I realize how strong and resilient she is and what a legacy I have to live up to.  She truly peps me up and keeps me going!

Noelle and Harper and Megan, Amber and Anna Kate, all cuddling and enjoying the day!

Some of Polly’s very favorite people, friends Katherine and Sherly and grandson, Troy.

Aunt Polly with three of her grandchildren, Troy, Amber and Stacey.  I’m proud of my family!

Aunt Polly was talking to Noelle about how cute the little dancers were. 

My cousin, Amber, my sissy, Nancy, and baby Saylor.  Aunt Polly asks me how “Michael J” is doing every single time we talk.  He’s totally flattered because she always brags on him and makes him feel special when they are together.  She truly knows he has a good heart and makes sure he knows she knows. 

Aunt Polly enjoyed her cards and little presents so much!  The girls couldn’t wait to give her our goodies.

Noelle made her a beaded lizard key chain that she’d been wanting, and we gave her some cozy cardigans for winter.

I’ve heard so much about her little bag that she always has with her every where she goes.  It has a pen for writing down food requests, a comb for straightening her hair, and her cell phone.  She is awesome!

Aunt Polly with the Banks family.

I love this family so much! 

I promise I didn’t plan it this way, but today, the day of this post, is October 26, 2014.  Aunt Polly’s oldest sister, my very special Granny (Rara’s mom), would have been 100 years old today.  I honestly miss her every single day, and the tears flow from time to time when I think about her and all the memories we share.  She would be so thrilled her little sister, Aunt Polly, got to know all of these precious great grand babies!  Aunt Polly and Granny were very best friends even though they were 10 years apart.  They were always together and so very funny together at that.  Their personalities were night and day, but that was the beauty of their friendship.  They are both such wonderful caring supportive women in my life, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without their love and care.  Happy 90th birthday, Aunt Polly, and 100th birthday, Granny… we love you both more than words!!!

We had a blast visiting the Banks family weekend before last.  Here’s my brother John and me, with our 5 girls combined!

I can’t get enough of these sweet kisses from Harper Grayce! 

Fun times!

She is hilarious!

Brother Man, Saylor, Fancy Nancy, and Auntie Momo!

Sand coasters, and Noelle paving the way!

The terrific 3 year olds! 

Cutie Kate is so stinkin’ cute!

Saylor Rose is too adorable and growing way too fast! 

This baby face is just so perfect!

What a super fun, sweet, special, low-key, down-to-earth, good ole’ time!  Thanks for having us, BanksFam4!

Have you ever been to BUC-EE’S?  The girls thought it deserved a blog post.  It’s the nicest, cleanest, most interesting gas station/convenient store, and we had a blast checking it out!  We tried their banana pudding and fresh fruit and both were a hit!  It’s a destination of its own, so if you are ever near one, check it out!