Halloween

I am a few days behind, but I wanted to blog about Halloween.  On Tuesday, 10/29, Mike took Mikaela to Chick-fil-a for Trunk or Treat.  She had a great time going to different trunks and also getting her face painted.  It was a good daddy-daughter date.

On Halloween, we took some pre-costume pictures before heading out to Trick-or-Treat in my parent's neighborhood.

Then the kids got dressed up for the main event.  Nicholas was a cow for his first Halloween.

Cow Tipping

Nicholas stayed with Graemma and Aunt Amy to help pass out candy while we walked the neighborhood.  Mikaela was very independent this year, unafraid to go up to people's doors, knock or ring the bell, and say trick-or-treat.  She had a great time.  Leaving one house, she exclaimed, "The is the best Halloween!"

We had a great time building memories.

Stay tuned for Mikaela's 4 year old post.  I am waiting for dr stats tomorrow to post.  I'll include her birthday party when I do.

Murder Mystery Dinner

Last Friday night, Mike and I had a fabulous time solving a murder mystery with some of our closest friends.   If you've never done one of these before, you should.  It's a blast!  Each person assumes a character/identity.  During each round, the characters sit around and chat revealing information according to our character profiles, putting clues together to try and figure out the killer is.  We did this with our friends three years ago (sadly I didn't blog about it) and were finally able to do it again.  This time, I think we plan to make it an annual event.

Cast of Characters:

 Ladies:

 Gents:

 Donald J Brooks & his wife, Florence Wing Brooks: Donny & Flo

 Eiaguella R. Aminmund or "ERA"

 Dr. Malcom K. T. Praktiss

 ERA with Miranda T Shetes, "Randy"

 Jeremy, the innocent bystander

 Roger S. B. Astird: The Killer

 Laughing - which we did A LOT!

My Character: Dame Allison Bigh "Ali" and Jessie was Prosper Alvin Bates Esq "Pro"

Monsters University

We took Mikaela to her first movie theater.  Mikaela has always had an aversion to loud noises, so we knew a movie theater could be a harrowing experience.  So... we waited a long time to take her, chose a movie that was at a dollar theater (in case it was a total bust, we weren't out much money), and let her have lots of popcorn.  We took her Minnie Mouse headphones that she wore during the movie to help soften the sound.  I think this is more psychological than anything, but it gives her comfort.  She climbed in my lap for a later, more scary scene from the movie, but was able to finish watching the movie in my arms.  Overall, it was a great experience and she really enjoyed it.  Mike and I had a great time taking her.

Pumpkin Patch