How 'bout them apples!

Halloween was such a treat, the fact that it fell on a Saturday night and included Daylight Savings was even sweeter.

There are so many moments, so many things, that I have sealed up in my heart after this weekend. Between school spirit weeks and tailgate trick-or- treating, fall parties and being outside, there have been lots of random pictures and tidbits that I'm holding onto for as long as I can.  Payton's bank of facial expressions and Cameron's ever-growing sense of humor are over-filling this glorious life, daily.

Our family costume was awesome, one I will definitely hold on to for a long time. Disney holds a very special place in my heart and these costumes, well let's just say best.halloween.ever. Who knows, we might pull it back out for a dance party at home one night next week... or re-create it again a few years down the road.  Cameron was thrilled to dress up as Donald Duck and his smile was glowing when he first put on his costume.  

 Payton didn't really love the Mickey hat, but otherwise he was a good sport and followed his brother around like a shadow. Cameron grinned when I called him "Donald".  We had been practicing trick-or-treating and started both boys off with one piece of candy each from our stash.  The first house we went to (Cameron's first time trick-or-treating), no one was home.  At the next house, a nice man held out a bag of candy and told Cameron to pick something he'd like, Cameron proceeded to say "Trick-or-Treat" and put the candy from his bucket into the man's bag instead, it was hysterical. We walked down the driveway and Payton decided to dump his candy into the WET gutter and giggle as he splashed and played in the puddle.  Together, we decided that we'd all rather just go home and pass out candy. Turns out, we are all far better at giving than trick-or-treating.

Our street has started a tradition of gathering for a pot-luck to kick off the trick or treating. It's so fun to see kids learning who their neighbors are. Figuring out the people in our very own community. We've had conversations about what to do if we ever need help, who's house we need to go to. We've made sure that Cameron knows who our neighbors are so that he knows who is "safe".  Just today we had a neighbor that came to ask for a hand in changing a tire and Tim took Cameron to go help. It's so important for them to know community: church communities, neighborhood communities, school communities, etc.

The boys were able to dress up for school last week, but were asked to wear costumes that could "get dirty". We got creative with a farmer/cowboy and a super hero.  

(Capes, overalls and brothers. be still my heart.)

A final thought on the upcoming, uber-thankful season: it's my favorite.  We give thanks daily, but I love the reminder, love that there's a holiday to bring it all together.  Because, really, what else is there than to be thankful for all of this goodness.  Oh and PS - I know exactly where Payton and Cameron get their expressions and personalities - those apples don't fall far from their trees.

Enjoy these apples. I do.