Better late than never - Halloween!

I swear I sat down every day last week to put together a blog post, work on grades, and complete assignments, but each night ended the same way - falling asleep on the couch with little accomplished! Such a frustrating pattern I've gotten myself into, I tell you.

So much to do, so little time.

At any rate, one of the posts I was hoping to put together was a Halloween update! The day took an unexpected change of plans. We intended to spend the afternoon at home, cleaning and making treats. We were invited to a friend's house for a Halloween party, and even though most of the guests were going to be her high school friends and their kiddos, we were excited to go.

Then, as we were walking out of the Y following Ava's gymnastics class, I got a phone call from Chad's cousin, Kim. She asked what we were doing. I told her and followed it with, "why?" Their oldest boy's birthday is November 3, and they decided to go to the Cities, pick up another one of their cousins, go to a trampoline park to celebrate the birthday and then back to the cousin's house to go trick-or-treating.

I decided I would give Ava the choice. She thought about it, and in her 5 year old wisdom said to me, "Well, I did want to go to Baby Lincoln's party, but Preston is one of my best friends. So, I am sad to say, but I want to go to Preston's birthday." I think she said she was sad because I told her I had been looking forward to actually putting together a costume and going to the Halloween party! Still, I couldn't not let her go to the birthday party. I also thought it was pretty neat that her almost 11 year old cousin wanted to make sure she was invited to go along!

We got her packed up, and sent her on her way. They did text Chad one picture of her on a climbing wall at the trampoline park, but somehow I didn't get that one saved. These are the pictures that were shared with me! The first one is actually from the Costume Parade at school on the 30th! Oh - and we carved pumpkins the night before, too. Nothing like last minute jack-o-lanterns!

pretty proud!

Halloween parade

Aunite Kimmy dolled her up for trick or treating!

Ava, Preston, Chase, Levi - ready to trick or treat.

I still handed out candy, and they kept me company! Though I didn't hand it out the entire time ...

With our free afternoon, I let Chad pick something for us to do. Bad idea! While I should've insisted we stay home so I could do work, instead Chad suggested we go to the casino. We don't spend a ton when we go - just enough to have fun. I don't love going, but he does. We came home only spending half of what we took with us, so not a bade afternoon. We got home about 6, and then I passed out candy for two hours! Those that came to our door likely got more candy than they would've if I had started at 4!

Halloween is one of those holidays I like more as a mom than I liked before! Can't believe another one is in the books!