Unexpected Halloween fun

This year, Jason and I were super excited to dress Audrey up. We had two costumes that were kindly given to us from past use - Lady from Lady and the Tramp and a Lady bug. I had planned to dress Audrey up in the lady bug costume for our story time and playgroup parties last week but those plans were squashed when Audrey came back from the doctor with an ear infection early in the week. So I had been building this Halloween dress up thing in my head all week. At first, it was a disappointment when we put the dog costume on and Audrey literally ripped it off in an upset panic:

Too bad she looked SO CUTE in this costume. So now Jason and I are thinking hey, maybe she just hates being a dog? Let's try the lady bug costume! Yes, great idea!

Yep, not so much of a great idea. Hmmm.....okay let's just take it off and give it a break for a few minutes. And this next part is exactly why I love Audrey for who she is. She immediately grabbed a book, sat in my lap, opened it up and calmed down when we started reading.

This is when we realized it was time to stop pushing her to do Halloween the "correct" way and let her enjoy it the way SHE wanted, not the way we THOUGHT she would enjoy it. In the end, we all had such a blast. Here is what we did:

Put Audrey's pj's on and set up with our candy bowl by the front door.

Chauncey and Audrey waiting for the Trick-or-Treaters. Audrey (and Chauncey) really had no idea what exactly she was waiting for but she was excited about it!

We taught Audrey how to trick-or-treat and she enjoyed carrying her bag around.

We coaxed one of our cats to hang out with us and let Audrey walk Chauncey around the foyer on his leash.

Okay, so our cat Lucy REALLY got into the action....

They were so cute passing out candy together!

And my favorite discovery of the night bowl spinning.....

Feeling Important

I have to admit, it can be very flattering to watch Audrey acting like me. I absolutely love being her role model and I find it fascinating that she learns so much from just watching me. I'm always caught off guard by the little things she emulates from me. Today was a great example and it really pulled at my heart strings to watch her walking around the house acting like me with my purse over her shoulder. She felt so empowered and important and there is nothing more that I want for my daughter to feel growing up in this world.

Neighborhood Harvest Festival

It was a gorgeous sunny day and that made it perfect to be outside enjoying these last few nice days of fall. Our neighborhood had a Harvest Festival that kicked off with a cute little parade and then everyone headed to the pond. There was a huge bounce  house, kids bike parade, chili cook off, dessert competition, face painting, and pizza tasting contest so you can try the local pizza's! We had such a great afternoon together.

Parade going through the neighborhood



Walking to the pond

Audrey and Melina

"Daddy, I don't want to wait in line"

Yay, I finally made it into the bounce house!

Jason and Audrey tasting pizza

Hanging out in the backyard

Happy Friday!

This was our relaxing and dishes free dinner tonight, Outback Steakhouse take out. Audrey sat in her high chair and colored for a little bit then got down to bang on my back with a few books before retreating the living room to stack blocks. I actually think we had a decent conversation during dinner for once. So, that was our simple little "Middaugh Adventure" today and I loved every second of it!

Sunday Art Day

It was a gray and rainy day outside today, perfect for staying indoors, being comfortable and just enjoying the company of our family! We played with Audrey's new kitchen that her Aunt Wendy gave her, read books and made brownies. We also decided to do a few art projects since Jason was home to share in the fun (he is usually at work when we tackle these projects).  Here are a few pictures from our day.

The best seat in the house while reading books with mommy!

Audrey organizing her new kitchen

Using her binky to help swirl the paint

Trying to twist the cap on and off

Daddy helping

Really wish I could fit both hands in this bottle....

Patterson Farm

Last weekend, we took a trip to Patterson Farm to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL fall day and to purchase some apples for an apple party we went to that night at a neighbors house. We also hoped to buy our pumpkins but we did a little too much apple, cider and pie shopping that we physically ran out of arm room to carry it all back to the car. So we decided to skip the pumpkins and get them next weekend instead. We had a really fun time walking on the gorgeous paved trail on the farm and took so many pictures that I had a hard time deciding which ones to post. Did I mention that I'm LOVING our new camera?

Mom, I want this pumpkin!

I am in love with their Daddy/Daughter relationship!

So precious!

Running to catch leaves

Loving the wind blowing in her face!

Looking for a frog....

Look Daddy!

Daddy carrying Audrey back after a long hike

Geez mom! Enough with the pictures already!!

Audrey is 20 months old today!