Fall Review...finally

Life has been crazy...nothing new.  And now as the holidays approach and things tend to get crazier, I figured I'd better finish updating this blog entry that I started in mid-October.

It's cooler at night making it quite chilly in the morning.  This prompts our little girl to ask "Five more minutes, please?" as I try to peel the layers of pillows, stuffed animals, and her favorite princess blanket off her when waking her up for school.  I often give in --- giving her 5 more minutes to sleep as I run around the house like a crazy lady.

This season has brought lots of fun times such as going to pumpkin patches, riding ponies, finding the ultimate Halloween costume, taking (another) vacation to FL to check out the family, and stuffing ourselves with lots of Turkey when giving thanks.

Kristina's a lucky girl -- Nana and Grampa brought her to a pumpkin patch two weeks before Halloween and then we took her to a different one the following weekend.   It's apparent why Kristina loves to go to pumpkin patches.  Nope - not the pumpkins.  Definitely not the corn maze.  Ah, yes...the ponies!  We spent more moola on tickets for Kristina to ride the ponies than we did for admission, but the smiles and laughter were priceless.

Nana and Kristina hanging out with some locals...

Ah, yes...a pony ride!  This pony tried to buck Kristina off without success.

Kristina and Grampa checking out the tractors.

All ready to hit up Pumpkin Patch #2 with the parents!

Says it all!

What?  Another pony ride?

Strike a pose!

Someone has "had it" with the corn maze.

We had to take a hay ride through the fields.

With daddy on the hay ride.

And our final pony ride of the day...for real.

Taking a break from trying to organize all the pumpkins so they are sitting up straight.

Halloween was great.  Since it fell on a Monday, Jon and I were able to go to Kristina's school to see her costume parade.  Later that evening, Kristina and her girlfriends went Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhood while Nana did us the great favor of handing out candy at our house so both of us could escort Kristina.

And what did our angel choose to be?  First, she was going to be a Pink Power Ranger.  Second, she was going to be a Mommy.  But ultimately, Kristina's heart belongs to Ariel from The Little Mermaid so that is who she chose to be.  I didn't dare try to dye her beautiful white locks red -- even with temporary spray -- for fear it would turn pink and not recover!  So, she was a white-haired Ariel, and a cute one at that!

Kristina and BFF, Gaby, hanging out at school before the Costume Parade.

Kristina got an award for Most Original!

When Gaby was upset that she didn't get an award, Kristina offered Gaby her goody bag!  Awww.

Our blonde Ariel - The Little Mermaid

After the parade, it was Trick-or-Treating at each classroom.

Kristina and daddy

At the end of the school program, Kristina changed into regular clothes...and then didn't want us to leave!

Can you tell this girl's got 'tude?

Four cuties waiting to hit the 'hood.  (L-->R:  Gaby, Andrea, Kristina and Kira)

The usual "self-service" stop.

Trick-or-Treating next door at Aunt Rose's and Uncle Marc's house.

Visiting Nana at our house...for MORE candy!

Our Little Mermaid, Halloween 2011

Kristina got a card with some moola in it from
Uncle Jim and Auntie Erin.
"I heart you!"

It was a fun holiday and one that won't be forgotten soon -- because we have enough candy to last us until next year!

Coming up next:  Florida trip to see the Cassidy Clan and Thanksgiving with the Deary Clan.