This is the holiday that never ends...

My neighbor helped me figure out why Halloween seems so long this year. It's because it is at the end of the weekend. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it and I know the kids did too. We were just kind of worn out by the end. Eating your weight in chocolate will really make you tired.

Here is a tree in front of my house. I thought the leaves were so beautiful. I'm glad I took this picture when I did because two days later, every leaf was gone.

The week started off with Katie's school party on Wednesday. She goes to preschool at a Methodist church. They had a little parade and performance in their chapel. I will favor you with it now.

Ok, now...

The violent camera work is because I was laughing so hard. Next time I'll use a tripod.

This week gave me a greater appreciation for my mom. My father passed away when I was six and she had to carry on all of the holiday traditions alone. I remember her telling us that things like preparing the Thanksgiving meal were so fun with my dad and that after he was gone, it just felt like a lot of work. Mike was out of town this whole week and at times, I felt that way too. Which is a nice segue into the pumpkin carving.

Actually, I was so impressed with how the kids just dove into this. They both drew faces on their pumpkins and just went for it.

On Friday, Tommy had his TWO HOUR LONG class party. It only felt like four though. This is what happens when kids eat sugar:Then we were off to Boo at the Zoo with my friend Jen and husband and their adorable son.

Again with the pony rides...sort of

Tommy didn't care for this picture because he thought his horse was pulling a face. This was the Tinkerbell concept that Disney rejected.
I know this picture is up top too, but it is so cool, you can look at it twice. Tommy didn't think it would be possible for there to be a female clone.
I got my candy, I got my candy
This guy had the best costume hands down.
On Saturday we went to Tommy's school for some trunk-or-treat. It was quite a bit warmer this year than any other Halloween in our 8 years in Colorado.

These robots are actually twins and they won the costume contest. Very cute!
Tommy's friend since preschool. She is a beautiful princess on a unicorn.
Was this guy at the zoo last night? I don't know but they are hardcore fans. They had very cool ships and stuff in their trunk.
Katie and her friend. Vampire fairy- come on- it's the next big thing.
There were a lot of great looking trunks but I couldn't capture them all...I'm much too lazy for that.

Tommy's jack-o-lantern
And then there was trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Some of neighbors went all out with really cool yards. We took the dog too and he really enjoyed it. I'm glad I got to go around with the kids. They just love this. Did I mention we have an appalling amount of candy at our house now?Tommy melted my heart while we were out. The kids were a little bit ahead of us and we told them to stop before going into the street. Katie was just about to step off the curb and Tommy grabbed her by the collar and pulled her back. I told him how proud I was of him. Big brothers are the best!

Katie's jack-o-lantern
Our cute little neighbor came with us. Her grandmother sews very well. I think her costume is so cute!
My jack-o-lantern.
Here's Gooshy and his, um, costume. It's just a sweater. I want to keep his humiliation to a minimum.
My wonderful husband sent me these flowers for my birthday.

Second Annual Costello Sisters Reunion

Every year (starting last year) my sisters and I get together at Andrea's timeshare in St. George. The kids are so easy to fly with now, it is awesome!

Tommy doesn't look suspicious at all going through security--does he?

We flew into Salt Lake on Tuesday night and didn't go to St. George until Wednesday evening so we were able to visit with the grandmas and go to Gardner Village.

Should I just start a separate blog for pony rides?You can almost hear Tommy saying, "Awwwww".

The fancy face painter Katie had last year wasn't there during the week but they still got some cute eye stuff- which would stay with them for the rest of the vacation.We had originally planned to fly down to St George but Kathy rented a minivan and we all drove together. I'm glad I got to spend that much more time with her. Her son, Zach DJ'd the drive very well. He is an excellent pianist too. I wish this picture was a video, he is so good!

Stockton enjoyed the reprieve from playing with boy toys and tried his hand at fashion designing. He and Katie even played house and took care of their pillow pets that Kathy bought them. She made a treasure hunt around the complex and at the end, each of the kids got a pillow pet. She is so creative and cute!Watching Jaxson play computer games was a favorite past time.

We had anticipated cooler and maybe rainy weather. We were fortunate to get some sunny days though so we could play in the pool.

I guess we forgot a feeding. Thank goodness for Aunt Andi and Shauna- their popcorn saved the day!Sneak attack?Still my baby.Katie then employed every member of Kathy's family to carry her around the pool.

Zach

KathyAnd Jaxson.

My handsome boy.I found this huge caterpillar on the way to the pool. I thought the kids would like it. They did, but not as much as Kathy. She was very excited about it. We were both a little nervous about that ominous looking blue spike on it. We decided to put him back in the bushes after he started these scary jerking motions that looked like some kind of caterpillar Kung Fu.We went to Zion's National Park one day. This is a little stop on the way. A cute little western town and gift shop (tourist trap) and petting zoo.

Boy is this wagon going fast!
The Costello Sisters
I think Katie would have done well in the old west.
Here's another picture I wish was a video. Katie was telling the deer, "that's right, let it all out". Maybe she'll be a wildlife psychologist.And we finally made it to the park. Here's Stockton coming down the hill at top speed.Since the flights back to Colorado Springs were full Sunday night when we got back to Salt Lake, we got to spend some extra time with the grandmas. Mike's mom gave me these beautiful roses from her yard for my birthday. My mom got me a beautiful pedicure. They know me so well:)This was the scene from take off to landing. When I woke the kids up, Tommy asked, "Have we taken off yet?"