Goodbye sweet October

Man, that sucks. I can't believe October is over already. The one month I wish had more than 31 days. Boo.

Here's a recap of the fun we had towards the second half of the month.

Quincy and I met up with Jaime and Maia for a long overdue playdate. We enjoyed delicious salads from Market Bistro at the Moon Valley Park by our house. I was so excited to use my $5 off coupon that Market Bistro handed out at our neighborhood Blockwatch event - but like I really need an excuse to go in there. =)

Quincy and Maia had a blast on the swings and jungle gym, and Jaime and I just enjoyed it all.









On Wednesday, Mama Mimi and I took Quincy to the Talmachoff Farms Pumpkin Patch. It was 4 years almost to the day that we got Forrest from that same place. It was a little brisk that day, but we had a wonderful time. I can't wait until next year, when QB is actually able to run around and play!

The goat thought I had food for him

They all liked Quincy!

This one was really funny and cute - had the goatee and a bouffant!

Quincy picking out a BIG pumpkin!

They had strategically placed photo ops everywhere

Quincy sharing some corn kernels with Mama Mimi


They had these sunflowers that were just blooming in the middle of everything - and they looked so beautiful on this awesome day


He had a blast!



On Halloween morning, we participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's annual walk with several other Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae. It was a beautiful day for this 5k (3.1 miles) walk around Tempe Town Lake, and the nearby community. There were about 20,000 people there!


While we were walking from the parking lot to meet up with the rest of the group, we saw Sione Fa from Season 7 of The Biggest Loser running past the lake. I said out loud, "Hey you're Sione!" And he said, "Yeah, I am." And I said, "You were our favorite!!!" And he said, "Thanks!" So glad to see that he is still doin' it! He looked great!!!


Now, onto the best part of all: HALLOWEEN!!!



My little Dirt Devil


This has always been my favorite holiday. I love the costumes, the candy, the Jack O'Lanterns-o'plenty. I love it all - everything but the scary movies... not a big fan. Our neighborhood isn't the greatest for trick-or-treating. It's a little spread out, and not everyone participates. Last year, we had maybe 6 groups ring our bell. So this year, we decided to go to my parent's neighborhood, because majority of their whole street really gets into it.



We knew the boys were still too little to cover the entire street, but we covered some good ground since there were several neighbors that we definitely wanted to pay a visit to. Quincy and Kellan had so much fun! Quincy was captivated by all the costumes, lights and decorations, and Kellan represented for both of them by saying "Trick-or-Treat," "Thank You," and "Happy Halloween." Kellan especially liked all the scarecrows that were sitting on everyone's porches. At one house he told the lady, "Hey, your scarecrow tried to take my bag!" It was priceless.

Kellan the Dragon



There is one family that takes up like half the neighborhood - brothers, sisters, cousin, etc all came together to put together a Haunted House. I went through it ALONE, and was genuinely freaked out!!! Granted, it doesn't take much, but those kids did a fabulous job. My heart was still palpitating 4 houses down. I was able to introduce Quincy to many of the neighbors who has seen me grow up, so that was a really special experience. I had so much fun! It will only get better as Quincy and Kellan get older.




I decided last minute on a "Rag Doll" costume. It was really all I could put together after a few years without really dressing up. Next year, it's time to get serious. I think Solon might even dress up - he wants to be a Lion. So we will try to come up with something fun.

Tomorrow is Dia de los Muertos in the Mexican culture.

Day of the Dead is a time when Mexican families remember their deceased family members and friends, and celebrate the continuity of life. The day is spent sharing stories of their loved ones, and remembering how those individuals enriched their lives and their families. It is beautiful and fascinating tradition in the Mexican culture, and I encourage everyone to take some time tomorrow to reflect on their loved ones who are no longer with us, and carry their memories on to another day.

xoxo