New Best Friend

For playgroup, we went over to Avery's house to make Halloween crafts and frost cupcakes and play, play, play! When we got over there, Samantha met Layla. They hit it off immediately! Or, so Sam thought. I couldn't get Sam to play with any of her friends, eat lunch, cupcakes or do a craft. She stayed in a bedroom just chasing this poor puppy around and around and around! Thanks for all the patience!

Halloween Night

After an entire week of Halloween celebrations and a full day of eating nothing but candy...

I couldn't believe she had the energy to make through one more night of fun. We had everyone over for chili & breadsticks with witches brew. Sam loved blowing on the dry ice. "It's smooky!" (spooky) Jahnovie came over for trick-or-treating.

Samantha had the most fun of the night passing out candy bars!We finished the night with frosting cookies and dancing!

Carving Pumpkins

Samantha learned a fun song in joy school about pumpkins.

"First you pick a pumpkin, big and round and fat...Then you cut the top off. That makes the hat.Then you cut the holes for the nose, the mouth, the eyes.Making for the children a Halloween Surprise!"

Joy School Parade & Songs

Fall Festival at Seven Meadows

Our neighborhood hosted a Fall Festival on Sunday evening for all the kids in the neighborhood. We invited Grandma and Papa to join us. There was a petting zoo, bounce house, train ride, carriage ride, live music, balloon artist, face painting and food! We like to let Sam loose at functions like these...we follow her to what ever she feels like doing. We went on 3 train rides, 3 trips to the bounce house and in & out of the music and food areas. We talked her into riding on the horse-drawn carriage and a visit to the balloon artist. Grandma and I saw all kinds of creative, intricate balloons...Sam asked for a sword. A sword. It took the lady 2 seconds to make and another 2 seconds for Sam to pop. Fun.

Trunk or Treat

This was our first experience with a trunk-or-treat. Our church held it in the parking lot. Everyone parked their cars facing the sidewalk, surrounding the building. Lots of people decorated their trunks! Our only decorations were a festive tablecloth laid out with pumpkins. We are so boring! There was a potluck of chili and cornbread. Music was playing...so, of course there was dancing!

Samantha and her buddies, Lauren and Avery.Blake taught Sammie to say "thank you" to each and every person that handed her candy. She insisted on making eye contact while saying thank you. If she happened to forget, we had to turn around and go back. Such a polite, respectful bee!

Pumpkin Patch

For Monday night Family Home Evening, we visited a pumpkin patch. Unfortunately, we got there late and it was dark and closed!So, we went back for a second visit on Saturday. It felt like we were there for hours. Sam walked up & down and in & out of the pumpkins (not the aisles meant for customers). She spent meticulous attention and time gathering and stacking the little pumpkins on the bench.It had to be just right for her photo-op. We had so much fun with Deesh...and other special friends.We will be back for a third visit before Halloween arrives.