It was a graveyard smash

Now that all the preparatory excitement has been completed, we can get down to the real party. Today was Halloween! That means we get to fulfill all our wildest (or scariest, or craziest, or coolest) dreams. The day was filled with parties, parades, and pandemonium.

Hadley got the day started with a cool school party. Looks like a lot of little super hero and one magnificent feline!

Allie had parade day at school. 

And crazy story time. There were lots of great faces in this small space.

Allie and her teachers showing off their great looks.

Both girls got to help carve pumpkins at Allie's school.

Hey Diddle Diddle,

The cat had a fiddle,

the cow held over the moon,

the little dog laughed to see these sports,

and the dish only wanted to hang with he spoon.

Great time on Halloween this year. We got lots of comments not he family theme and everyone enjoyed the look. Now on to deciding what we shall do for next year (I am thinking super hero's, Smurfs, or Marry Poppins, we'll see what sticks!)

The Monster Mash

This year we had a lot going on for Halloween. Costumes had to be made (thanks Rach), pumpkins had to be carved, and fun had to be had (I know, its a tall order when free candy is available). We had the Phelps family party on Monday (so costumes were ready early), and pumpkins on Tuesday (to be ready for trunk or treat - not pictured today - whoops). Then the rest of the excitement followed on Friday (it was so much fun we will even need a second post to cover it! I know, crazy).

Here was our beautiful cat and dog. 

Both costumes courtesy of the Rach Boutique.

A couple happy campers going to the Phelps party.

There was a costume parade to show off all the cool digs.

Miles got in on the act (at least briefly until he got tired of the hat).

A little barnyard family. 

For pumpkin carving we had to get in the mood with mummy dogs first

 (including lots of blood for topping).

Hadley was excited to carve pumpkins (but really not excited to touch the guts, she wouldn't do it no matter how hard I tried).

Allie had no problem and dove right in. She wanted to get the seeds to make a nice snack (which she gave out at the trunk or treat the next night after we ran out of candy).

Miles was happy to eat a few pre-trick or treat candies.

Wonderful pumpkins for Hadley and Allie. They each picked out their own patterns this year. 

The final pumpkins for the Meldrum family. 

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween!

Temple Night

We went to the Phoenix Temple open house this week. It was beautiful. The girls loved the sparkly lights inside. Miles liked the lights too. It was great to see the House of the Lord and take the kids. 

Sorry the pictures didn't turn out that great, so this is about all we have to show for the trip (but it was great).

We love our GGs

We had the opportunity to see all of our GGs this week while we were on vacation. It was great to see all of them and get some pictures so our children can remember their great grandparents! The girl just love all of them and they are all so sweet with our children. 

GG Meldrum at her 95th Birthday Party!

This was the first time she got to meet Miles and he loved her as much as the rest of us.

GG's Naylor on their back porch.

We got to spend some time with them and the kids love their big backyard, their swinging hammock, and the chocolate bucket by the fireplace.

GG Shaw (popcorn) spent an afternoon with our family. 

She was great and took them to the store to pick out a special present. 

They really loved hanging out with GG and always enjoy the popcorn and lemonade when we visit.

It is quite amazing that our children have had the chance to meet and get to know 4 of their GGs. They love spending time with all of them and will treasure these pictures we got with all of them!

Today's the day the Shaw's have their picnic

For one night we decided to have a picnic in the canyon. All the Orem cousins, grandma, and grandpa came along for the party. We got there in time to enjoy the nice weather and have a good meal. We played around a lot, and everyone got lots of energy out.  

The most common thing Miles hears lately is no as he gets into things or places he should not be. But up the canyon he was able to run free (for the most part) and do whatever he wanted. He was thrilled! This is him coming out of the car running across the giant grassy field. Just what he wanted.

Miles spent a lot of time running around. He also enjoyed the leaves, sticks, and dirt he got to play with (the only thing missing was a rock to eat, and then he would have had all his favorite outside things). 

This is how he looks when he is totally happy.

Hadley decided there were not enough leaves not he ground yet, so she had to help. 

The girls playing in the leaves with their cousin Brooke.

Did I mention that Miles was super happy here?

He probably would have come back everyday if he could.

To end the evening, Grandpa took all he cousins for a hike up the side of the mountain. Thanks for the fun times everyone! We look forward to coming back again soon to enjoy the mountains and family.