The Slutty Baseball Bat?

Halloween 2012. I had been looking forward to last night for quite a while. Not only did I finally get to attended the best Halloween block party in Moline, but Dylan is now old enough that he can grasp the idea of Halloween. Of course, that caused me a little trouble too! Let me rewind a bit…

The Moline Parks department had a Trick-or-Treating event at Prospect Park a couple weeks ago. So, my mom and I thought we’d take D for a practice run. This year, Dylan was Jake (from Jake and the Never Land Pirates). We can’t seem to escape Jake! We seem to tackle Jake once a year. Last year, it was his 1st birthday party, this year it was Halloween. It does really help that D is really cute when he says, “Ahoy mateys!” 

It's Jake! Oh, I mean, Dylan!

He was getting the hang of “Tick o Teat!” and “Tank you!” I think it helped that Mommy ad Nonny seemed to know all the people giving away candy – thank you, Music Guild. He did great and for the next couple weeks, we talked about Halloween and how he was going to dress up as Jake again.

The night before Halloween, Dylan was getting ready for bed at Pa & Nonny’s house (Mommy was lucky enough to be starting her Halloween off with a bang by going to the Rocky Horror Picture Show with some friends so D was having a sleepover - win/win for all!). 

Monkey Pa

Bob brought out his Halloween mask so Dylan could start to get used to it. Side note: Bob has been the same thing for Halloween for as long as I can remember. Some people (Like the May’s granddaughter) call him “Monkey Man” and Dylan started to call him “Monkey Pa.” We were a little worried that D would be scared of the mask, so we were trying to get him acclimated and show him that it wasn't scary.

Nonny told him that she was going to be a witch. I, on the other hand, hadn’t really planned on dressing up. But Dylan started listing off Halloween costumes, “Din-in be a Jake, Pa be a monkey, Nonny be a witch, and Mommy be... a bat!!”  Ummm, what? Now I have to be a bat? And Dylan was adamant about it! He said it about 8 more times that night and 2 the next morning.  So, now it was Halloween day and I, apparently, had to scrounge up a bat costume.

I told a few of my friends about how I had to scramble to get a last-minute costume. By the way, I have some really creative friends! I got some great homemade bat ideas and two of them suggested I twist Dylan’s idea and go as a baseball bat. My friends are awesome. I did think about looking for a Batgirl costume, but that was quickly shut down. There is a lack of non-slutty Batgirl costumes. Yes, I know that girls can make almost any costume into an excuse to show some skin. But not only was it frickin’ cold out there, but I was taking a 2-yr old trick-or-treating, spending the evening with my parents and all their neighbors, and my husband is on the other side of the planet…it was a no-go for the slut factor!

Just smile & nod and say I look like a bat. Please.

I managed to find a reaper robe thing that I cut up into a shirt (the arms looked a bit like wings) and bought a face mask. After I threw the outfit together I came out of my room and asked Dylan, “Does Mommy look like a bat?” His reply was a whispered, “Wowww! A bat!” I don’t really think I looked like a bat, but if the kid bought it, I claim success.

After making the rounds to Dylan’s great-grandparents (yes, we went to 3 homes in an hour and a half), we headed to my parents’ neighborhood. 

I am sure that very few people are aware of this, but my parents’ turnaround is the best place to be on Halloween! The neighborhood started this tradition a few years back and I had been looking forward to finally being able to go. If you've been to my parents’ house, you know that they live on the last street in the neighborhood and it has only one streetlight. Therefore, most parents will get to the top of the street, look down towards the turnaround and think, “Nope! Not going down there!” So after years of giving out candy to hardly any kids, everyone decided to just throw a block party and make up for the lack of kids with lots of food and adult beverages.

It doesn't hurt that my parents live next to the best martini-maker I know, who happens to travel with a mobile bar! After a few blocks of Trick-or-Treating I was more than ready to join the party!

The mobile work station for my favorite Martini Man

I wasn't the only non-resident at the party. One of my favorite girls came over to join the fun!

Ani & Erin

And Uncle Mike & Aunt Liz made a repeat appearance.

Ani & Uncle Mike

It was a great Halloween. The only downside is how cold it gets! 

Construction worker D telling Aunt Liz about his sword

But there was coffee & Bailey’s and there was a firepit in the middle of the turnaround.  But as I kept adding layers to both Dylan and myself, our costumes started to transform. Once I put Dylan’s orange Halloween hat on from Meme Gisele, he started to look like a construction worker…with a sword. And I ended up being a girl with lots of layers on wearing a black mask. Maybe I should have gone with “sexy baseball bat?” Oh well, there’s always next year.

Disney Days - a Magical Magic Kingdom Day

You may think that we did everything a little backwards with our Magic Kingdom day last, but it worked out great for us. Coming in second place behind the wonderful Christmas decorations at the Magic Kingdom, comes their Autumn/Halloween stuff. Since this park is the home to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties, they really go all out with decorating.

They even dress up scarecrows for the holiday!

And don’t get me started on the giant pumpkins! (Okay, so they are fake…but they look great!)

They even put up special statues around the Walt & Mickey statue in front of the castle.

We found Pirate Goofy! Cindy was super excited because Goofy is her favorite and, let’s face it, pirates are cool! So we had to get some good photos with that funny scallywag!

And what kind of trip to the Magic Kingdom would it be without stopping to see Mr. & Mrs. Disney (Mickey & Minnie)?

I just want to take a brief moment to mention how happy I am that Cindy D wanted to come on this vacation with us. I’ve known her since I was in grade school and she has always be wonderful to me. I’m not at all surprised that she treats my son the same way. She’s one of those people that you want around a lot because she has the ability to brighten up your day. She really made the trip more special…and fun!

Our day at Magic Kingdom would not be complete unless we had Dole Whips. It's a Magic Kingdom tradition for our family. If you’ve never had a Dole Whip, you are missing out on one of the true treasures at Walt Disney World. Next time you are there, stop at the refreshment counter across from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and treat yourself to a bit of tropical bliss in a cup. Trust me! All three of us ladies got different flavors and Dylan sampled them all!

Our final night in Disney World ended with me holding my son while watching Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. I had forgotten how many times I saw those fireworks and heard the music (When I worked at the Grand Floridian, one of our jobs was to be a Fireworks Cruise boat captain on Pontoon Boats. So I took families out on that Lake many, many, many times for this show). All the words and my favorites parts came rushing back as soon as it started. It was a simple joy that I wasn’t expecting. Maybe that sweet song is one I should add to my Dylan lullaby repertoire.

It ended up being the perfect end to a wonderful vacation with my incredible son, my wonderful Mama, and a very dear family friend. I’m so lucky to have those memories.

Happy Halloween!

Our Halloween was a little bit off this year. Josh was in California for two weeks for a training school and only got back on Oct 29. So he missed the Trunk or Treat on the base, we didn't have time to plan and prepare for a Halloween Party (like last year), and I didn't want to do the Halloween event at the Zoo without him. But at least he was here for Trick or Treating on Halloween night.

At first, we weren't sure of the plans or if Josh was going to be around, so Dylan and I planned costumes together and let Josh do his own thing. Dylan was a huge inspiration for his costume this year. He is a wild man and is ALL BOY! So what better costume for him than the super strong and outgoing Bam Bam Rubble. And Betty is adorable, so I was all for it!

The bad news was that I could not find a cute Bam Bam costume anywhere. All of the ones online looked a little ridiculous! So, that meant I had to stretch my creative powers and try to put something together. Thankfully, Dylan is the cutest little guy ever and wears anything well. I think it turned out pretty decent. And he even carried that club around for the first hour! Way to play the part, Buddy!

His "club" was his tee-ball bat, the "fur" sash was a scarf made by my Grandma Gisele, and the bone was drawn and cutout on thick Styrofoam posterboard. His vest was a bit too small, but I figured if that was the one thing that went wrong, I was still doing okay.

Josh kept up his Superhero streak and went as Clark Kent. I think he pulled it off really well. Doesn’t he look really different in those glasses? Hummm…maybe Lois Lane wasn’t quite the idiot we make her out to be! Regardless, he was a stud. My hero!

We went over to the Runnels’ neighborhood because they really go all out over there. The Scott’s came too, so we had a 2-yr old Elleah as a clown, 1-yr old Bam Bam, and 4 month old Lily the Owl!

Dylan did great while Trick or Treating. Just like the big boy that he is, he walked most of the way! But, just like the rebel that he is, he wanted to go his own way, on his own terms. So, we ended up having to carry him for most of the second half of the neighborhood.

Overall, it was a successful night. Dylan’s pail was full from making the rounds...so that made Daddy really happy! When we finished our loop of the neighborhood, we all went out to dinner together.

Our Halloween ended with cuddling on the couch while watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” What a way to spend a holiday! I hope you all had a fun and frightening Halloween!

Nana Connie comes to GA

This week, my Step-mom (Dylan’s Nana) came to visit for a few days. Connie gets lots of Dylan time, Dylan gets lots of spoiling, and I get lots of relaxation…everyone is happy! She came for a 5 day vacation, which we all agreed is not long enough! Next time, we will know better.

We picked her up on Saturday, just in time for her to come to the ‘Trunk or Treat’ on base with us and the Runnels Family. I didn’t have Dylan’s costume ready so he just wore a “I heart Mummy” shirt - and I think he looked adorable! I’m not sure if he was scared or amazed at all of the costumes around him. In this photo, I couldn’t get his attention because I think the Mario Brothers were standing behind us!

‘Trunk or Treat’ went up one road and back down the other, and there were lots of trucks, cars, and even boats all decked out in Halloween decorations. It was sunny and gorgeous out, which meant that LOTS of other people were there at the same time as us. The line to walk up and down the street was really long! But we still had fun.

Dylan really liked the big blow-up lawn ornaments. Every time the spider would move his head from side to side, Dylan would laugh and clap. I guess he didn’t get the memo to be scared around spiders that are bigger than your car.

He also liked the giant black cat. His head moved back and forth too. After clapping for a while, he went over to pet the kitty. But that one wasn’t as cuddly as Oscar.

All of the cars had different themes and cute stuff. Dylan liked the Pirate themed one (of course) and tried to steal some treasure instead of candy. He knows what he likes!

Us with Katie & Elleah

I’m so glad the Runnels let us tag along with them and their little half angel- half devil. The only down side was that both of our kids didn’t take good naps that day, so neither one of them was energy packed and ready for fun. At least there was no screaming and crying! Now we’ll just have to hope that our group Trick-or-Treating night goes well!

Dylan has been having so much fun with Nana Connie. I think they are both going to be sad when she leaves. At least he got a huge amount of spoiling squeezed in the past 5 days. Between all of the hugs, and long walks through the neighborhood, and book reading, and snuggling, and presents (more on that later)...he has been one lucky little fella!

Dylan & Nana Connie

Pumpkin Carvers

It has become a bit of a tradition for Josh and I to carve pumpkins every year. We started a few years ago, and aside from last year (we were a bit too busy between our 3 month old and the Halloween Party we were trying to put together), we’ve been doing it every year! We knew it was a bit early to do it on Oct 14, but Josh is leaving on Sunday for a 2-week school in California. So it was now or never!

Of course, this time, we had an excited little helper! Dylan was really into it, even though he had no idea what we were doing. He wanted to get right in there and get his hands dirty…literally!. He is such a fast learner too - I dipped my hands in once or twice and he immediately followed my lead and was pulling pumpkin guts out and putting them on the table.

Of course, once my pumpkin was almost completely cleaned out, he wanted to start putting stuff back inside. “That’s where that stuff belongs, right? So, that pumpkin guts step took me a little longer than planned. But it was well worth the cuteness that I got in return.

Once the carving tools came out, he quickly got annoyed that we were doing something that he couldn’t help with. But at least he gave me a little love before leaving the room to go play with other toys. Is he the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen, or what?

The process takes a bit longer when you have a 1yr-old running around the house, but we both managed to finish our pumpkins. After Dylan went to bed, we took a couple photos of our masterpieces! Another year of awesome carvings!

Happy Halloween, Everyone!