Let's be Honest here.

We just got the kids to bed after an evening of trick or treating. We had fun, and as you can see, we were the Big 5 of the Wizard of Oz. Joel and I usually don't dress up, but this year we have a costume party, so we thought we may as well do it up right! I have to laugh as I look at this picture though, because we do look like such a happy perfect little family. And we are a happy family- we have a lot of fun and love each other very much, and the majority of the time we do realize how blessed we are......but literally 15 minutes before my dad snapped this picture, Garrett was in full on melt down mode about his costume. ("NO! I want to be an AXE FROG!") My dad was begging him to get it together and Joel and I were threatening Garrett with losing the trick or treating privilege, while in private I was hissing (yes, hissing) at Joel that this whole stupid thing was his idea. (Not entirely accurate, even.) And that is the nice version.

Somehow, although I have no idea how, we pulled it together and had a really fun time trick or treating. Once the candy starting hitting Garrett's bag, he forgot about the Axe Frog (axe from the tin man costume, and frog costume from last year), and was happy to be a tin man. Carter was THRILLED about people giving him a LOT of candy, and Maddy was...well, usual Maddy. Easy, compliant, and filled up her candy bag even though she really doesn't like candy. No kidding.

Hopefully out of all you who read this blog, we aren't the only ones who have moments like these! I am so glad we pulled it together to have a nice evening- Halloween only comes once a year. But I know in years from now when I look at this picture, I will think of where we were 15 minutes before. Oh man.


Trick or Treating Nana Pam.



My boys!



"Trick or Treat, MOM!"


The Happy Family at the end of the evening.


The Ryans stopped by for a quick Halloween greeting. Carter and Molly were so pleased to see each other!




Garrett's favorite part of the evening!



We're tired!