Halloween Puppies

Don’t Valyn & Raimi look cute in their Halloween bandannas?

Pine Castle Pioneer Days

Well this has been a big week for Chambers Family outings and this morning we added another adventure to our week – Pine Castle Pioneer Days. This is an annual festival that I remember my parents taking us kids to ever since we were little. Sancha and I have decided that this event really starts the fall season for us.
It has changed a lot over the years but they still have the petting zoo, face painting, bounce house, pony rides, settler camp, cane mill, quilters, storytelling, hayrides, crafts, etc. The BEST part is the fresh homemade lemonade. Lemonade is a MUST!

Today we met up with my mom, sister, brother in law, nephews, friend Jen and her two girls Devon and Norah for a fun, if HOT, morning. Charlotte as usual was a trooper and really just enjoyed strolling around for the most part. Wayne and I found her a cute Halloween book that has goggle eyes and makes character noises. We finished our stroll with thirst quenching lemonade, fries, BBQ pork sandwiches and a root beer float – YUMM! We had planned to stop by the Pine Castle Christian Academy’s Pumpkin Patch to pick out pumpkin but were all too hot and tired to do more than get home for a midday nap. Fall Festivals really tire us out; I hope next year the weather is a little cooler!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

So tonight Wayne, Charlotte and I met our friends Justin & Holly at Disney for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! We had a BLAST – even Charlotte. As most of you know I go bonkers for anything Halloween, well the tame, non gory, not TOO scary, campy Halloween type things! So, when my friends Holly & Maria told me about this event – I immediately wanted to go…and take Charlotte! :) Wayne and I really had the expectation that Charlotte might enjoy Disney for ten minutes and then freak out and we’d need to take her right home. I mean everything is kind of loud and bright (think fireworks and flashing rides) for a seven month old, but guess what – SHE LOVED IT! Horary! “Uncle” Justin and “Aunt” Holly helped us so much and we really appreciate the extra hands. As soon as we got into the park Justin just took over the stroller and led the way – as season ticket holders they also helped us navigate the park as it has been over ten years since Wayne and I had last been to the Magic Kingdom! Thanks guys – you ARE the best! We were a little like kids in a candy store – not really sure what to do first but finally decided on Pirates. It was the only ride Charlotte whimpered on and again we thought “Oh no, she is going to melt down at any moment”. But as soon as the pirates started to sing and the ride got a little brighter, she was fine and even started clapping her hands. Wayne had so much fun showing her all the different parts of the ride – he was the designated baby holder – and loved every minute of it. This was kinda the theme for the evening –

Wayne & I: Oh no, she is going to hate “so and so”
Charlotte: Happy as a lark, clapping her hands, kicking her feet and talking to everyone!

We also happened to see the Lillo & Stick Halloween Dance Party – after eating dinner all the sudden a stage show started with 50 kids learning how to do the Monster Mash – it was SO cute and Charlotte just clapped her hands and was fascinated by all the kids and flashing lights. It was such an eventfilled night, we also Trick-Or-Treated through the Mad Hatters Tea Party and of course the Haunted Mansion. My cousin, Amanda, was able to set us up for VIP parade seating and that was terrific! Thanks Amanda! The Headless Horseman started everything off with a speech RIGHT in front of us; his horse was just beautiful too! The only “damper” on the evening was the huge rain storm which really kept us from doing a lot of outside things and had the park pulling a lot of the characters inside too. Poor Charlotte had three “costume” changes just to keep her dry – but as usual she trooped through without a complaint. It was a late night for all of us, Charlotte fell asleep in the middle of the parade and after it was over Wayne and I decided to count our blessings and call it a night. I can’t wait for us to go again next year – I’d love to make this a family tradition!

Happy Pumpkin Month

HAPPY OCTOBER

Happy October Everyone!

As you know, October is a big month in the Chambers household – we really get into the spirit from day one and start celebrating Erin’s Birthday and Halloween all month long. This year we decided to start the month out right by taking pictures of Charlotte in her “everyday” Halloween outfit from Aunt Sancha. She has a cute Happy Halloween kitty t-shirt and adorable stripe socks thanks to Sancha and a great pumpkin hat from Mommy. She looks so grown up in her t-shirt and jeans! Charlotte just loved the pumpkins and spent quite a lot of time trying to EAT them! Luckily Auntie Gwen also gave Charlotte a few pair of adorable Halloween socks so Charlotte will have many options for festive October outfits. I swear this child is so well dressed thanks mostly to her Aunts and Grandmothers – who all have great taste - thanks guys!