Happy Birthday, 'Murica

We spent the 4th of July in style - redneck and fabulous.

After escaping Hurricane Arthur the day before, we were ready to put on our red, white and blue and celebrate.  We themed out the holiday as "White Trash 'Murica" and encouraged everyone to dress the part.

Robert was the clear winner.

His ability to go white trash redneck was pretty amazing.  It must come naturally because I remember a certain toddler who pulled this look off and there ain't no way he could do that without some sort of genetic help...

Like father, like son.  One proud mama here.

But I can't excuse my ability to be a little trashy either.  I mean my custom airbrush t-shirt and acid washed daisy dukes took the trashy to a whole new level.  I think Robert and I fell in love all over again.

Without a doubt this was one of the funniest themed parties we've had to date.  There's just something undeniably special and liberating about trashin' it up a bit lot.

God Bless 'Murica, Y'all!

Trick or Treat

If I could count on my fingers and toes how many four year-olds chose to be a superhero this year for Halloween, I would need numerous prosthetics.  We all felt especially safe with all the Spidermans, Supermans, Captain Americas, Wolverines and Batmans running around.  And we were fortunate to have one of our very own Incredible Hulks to watch over us as we asked for treats.

We were also in the presence of a sweet little bumble bee that buzzed all around Broadway scoring treats.  She was thrilled to pieces every time she saw a candy fall into her bucket - it appeared she just might favor Halloween over Christmas (maybe).

It was the Halloween parade at school that wasn't such a thrilling experience for our little bee - in fact, she was very unhappy.  The walk across the stage was confusing, therefore scary for her.  Her reaction says it all...

Evan, on the other hand, was too cool for school...

Halloween, as always, was a sugar induced evening ending with a crash - but the kids enjoyed themselves to no end and Robert and I scored our own treats when they went to bed.  It was a great night for everyone.

Some other pics...

Trick or Treat

Evan wanted to be scarier this year - but he certainly had his limits.  Blood, fangs and ghosts were out of the question - so he finally settled on Frankenstein.

 We stuffed Mattie Jane into a chick costume and she couldn't have been happier.

We spent an hour walking around Broadway as Evan diligently collected candy from every participating business.  He was so serious as he went from door to door - it was almost like a job for him.  We were entertained by all of the other costumes and I enjoyed a few pieces of candy myself - shhh!  Don't tell Evan.

Santa Claus is in the House

When I got a newsletter from Evan's teacher last week stating their class would be performing in the school's Christmas program I literally laughed out loud.  I have been anxiously awaiting today's event all week and let me tell you - it definitely did not disappoint.

The two year old class was third on the roster of performances.  So while we waited we listened to the three year old class sing holiday favorites such as This Little Light of Mine and Happy Birthday, Jesus and also watched the toddlers sway back and forth to another Christmas tune.  Finally the two year olds took the stage and I seriously about lost it!

The performance was kept a secret by Evan's teachers so we were not sure what to expect.  As the class climbed the stairs to the stage I finally spotted Evan after scanning the class over and over again - I was having so much difficulty because Evan was hidden underneath a Santa beard and hat.  He walked onto the stage and literally just stood back and blankly stared at the audience.

Once his teacher was able to get his attention she motioned for him to move to the front of the stage with the others.  The kids were doing a sign language interpretation of Donde Esta Santa?  They have been learning Spanish and sign language since the beginning of school.  Evan ROCKED!  He danced, or should I say bounced, through the entire performance.  He waved his hands around doing what was supposed to be sign language - not that I would really be able to understand any way.  I was laughing so hard that I had tears streaming down my face.  Most of the blurriness in these pictures is from me shaking while I was trying to take them.

The funniest part about this whole experience is that Robert and my mom were standing in the back of a packed house.  Because of the disguise they never could figure out which one was Evan.  But as the program went on they both agreed that the parents of the kid with the beard would be really proud.

Yes, we most certainly were proud!

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!

We spent last night trick or treating through our neighborhood with an insanely cute giraffe and one enthusiastic dinosaur.

Dylan

Evan

One of our favorite families, the Farrells, came to visit this weekend to not only meet MJ for the first time, but to also celebrate the day that kids can be whatever they want - in this case a giraffe and a dinosaur.  We heard a great deal of roaring and talk about long necks.

I guess the majority of our neighbors didn't see the tv announcement that trick or treating would take place on Saturday because we managed to find only a handful of homes that left the porch light on for us - not that it mattered really.  Three homes seemed to be an adequate number for a couple of two year olds.  For each door that was opened for us Evan made himself right at home.  He literally walked right inside as if he was planning to stay awhile.  Between the heavily practiced "trick or treats" and "thank yous" Dylan and Evan made quite an impression, I must say.  

Mattie stolled along as well

The rest of the evening was high energy due to the overload of candy, but the sugar crash soon followed.

I think the parents had just as much fun witnessing this experience as the kids did participating.  Dan and Sarah - the next visit is on us!  Love y'all.

Halloween 2009

It's almost frightening how good this look is on Evan. He had the strut and the attitude to perfect his character. To clarify for everyone, Evan is dressed as L'il Joe Dirt. We assumed that wouldn't have to be explained, but I guess it's a bit presumptuous to think that everyone has seen the movie. My Aunt Debbie thought he was dressed as Daniel Boone. Even though it looks like an animal would be living in there, don't mistaken the wig for a coon skin cap. That stylin' hot mess is a mullet...and a damn good one if you ask me.




At first we thought it was going to be a huge struggle to get Evan to keep his wig on. The first few times we struck out. He would leave it on for about 10 seconds then whine and take it off. Eventually he realized we all thought it was funny and he left it on longer for the attention. Once I gave him the popsicle (also mistaken for a corn dog - ha!) it was like he became one with the wig...he accepted his Halloween fate.


I am almost certain the adults had waaay more fun this Halloween than Evan did. He will either look back at these pictures and think wow, what cool parents I have or he'll take offense and wonder why we would be so desperate for a laugh at his expense. Either way, we had a GREAT time. And we were, without a doubt, in great company. Come back to visit soon, Amanda and Scott!
View my gallery for more Halloween shots!