Happy Halloween!

Audrey and I had a very fun Saturday. We got an early start with Janice at the Botanical Gardens, enjoying the scarecrow exhibit, some Halloween activities, and a great musical story time with Mr. Eric. Of course, lots of running and playing included.That evening was our church Halloween party, complete with "trunk" or treating, Audrey's first trick-or-treat experience. Here's her kitty cat costume:We hung out with Janice and Jeramy--they were so great and helpful, especially since Mr. B was in Chicago for a research conference. Medusa Mommy (I'm scared, Mommy!) with my cutie pie.
Audrey took to trick-or-treating right away. She's been scared and timid a lot lately, so I wondered what she would think of the experience. However, when she realized that three magic words got her candy, she was an instant pro.

Audrey's many faces

Hmm, couldn't pick among these photos--they all capture a different part of Audrey's personality.

Rome and cookies

Yesterday Audrey and I went to visit Tracy and Carlie and their new baby, Ellie. We had such a great time, and Ellie is tiny and beautiful. Yay for newborns!! Audrey really enjoyed seeing Carlie, and got to go to her ballet/movement class. They were TOO cute in their little leotards, running around the studio, giggling at their reflections, and moving to the music. After class Tracy treated us to lunch, which included a yummy cookie. I wanted another cookie (or two) the whole drive back to Atlanta, so I decided to make cookies with Audrey. She was super cute about it, very seriously helping me measure ingredients and stir. She kept wanting to taste the batter, but I held her off until we added the choc chips. She couldn't resist picking those out! I don't think she was too convinced that our baking process would turn out real cookies, but as soon as she saw them come out of the oven, she couldn't wait to eat one!

Halloween Party

We had our Halloween party this past Saturday! It was a great success and so much fun to plan for and enjoy with our friends. I don't have any blog-worthy pictures of the food or decor (although they were both quite amazing if I may say so!), but here is the front of the invitation followed by our guests in costume.

Wonderful!!

I was privileged to see the musical production, Wicked, today with my friend Janice. It was phenomenal! I had seen it once before with Mr. B in D.C., but I thought this cast was much better overall. This is my favorite show ever--I have the CD memorized and think the plot and lyrics are just so creative. Thanks to Cecily for babysitting and to Mr. B for supporting my desires!

Our Washington trip

We spent the last two weeks in Washington state, visiting our family. But this trip was extra special because we surprised my mom for her 50th birthday. My family threw a great surprise party, and Mr. B, myself, and Audrey were the biggest surprise of all--my mom had no idea we were coming. She was overwhelmed and delighted, and stayed on cloud nine our whole trip. Here are a few photos:My mom, my sisters and me

Doesn't she look so happy!!

Mr. B's mom--who graciously got us to and from while I was hiding from my mom.
Some other pictures from our trip below, and keep reading--I added a several other posts.

Audrey on Uncle Alex's motorcycle--vroom vroom!Aunt Laura took the kids to the river one beautiful afternoon while I helped my mom cook dinner. They had a great time--isn't this picture magical?

The Fair

When we first arrived in Washington, we got to spend time with Mr. B's parents, Audrey's Grammy and Grandpa. Grammy knocked herself out making us comfortable, and we all went to the Puyallup fair one night. I used to go to this fair every year, and this was my first time returning since high school. It was just as great as I remembered it, especially the scones. Mmm!
Mr. B actually won this hideous stuffed raccoon, and carried it around with pride.
Audrey loved all the animals, exhibits (including a monkey show!), the sights, the food: she was in an ecstatic mood the whole afternoon and evening until she just passed out in her stroller.
Audrey and Grandpa--Audrey LOVES her grandparents!

Pumpkin Patch

Our last day in Washington all together, most of my family gathered at Spooner Farm's amazing pumpkin patch in Puyallup to have some great Fall fun.
Love my cousins!Mmm! Audrey is watching her Poppy, her daddy, and her uncles slingshot pumpkins across a field--my dad won a giant pumpkin after hitting the target!

Nothing like a cow bench to get you in the farm mood!

They had a great activity barn with baby animals, hay bale horses, "musical" farm implements, and water pump duck races.

We went through a fun corn maze with a Narnia theme. Here's Audrey in front of Tumnus's cottage. The entrance to the maze was a closet full of furs--I got excited walking through to Narnia!! They also had a castle, a beaver den and several characters, tunnels and great decor. One of the best mazes I've seen.My parents with their grandkids--heaven!

Cookies with Daddy

Mr. B started a tradition of cookies and milk with Audrey. The second time Mr. B asked Audrey if she wanted cookies and milk, she immediately cleared all the toys off of this little table, doing her self-appointed part to get ready. You dip; I dip!