Halloween 2013!

The much anticipated day in October finally arrived! Madison couldn't wait to celebrate Halloween! And at almost 3 1/2 years old, she finally understood what Halloween was all about. Why, it's all about dressing up as a pretty princess and getting candy, of course! :) Last year, she was still a little too shy about going to strange people's homes and asking them for candy. But this year, she was large and in charge, especially going trick or treating with her boyfriend, Evan. Us parents probably didn't need to be there for our kids, as they took off going from home to home by themselves, yelling their well rehearsed, "Trick or treat's!!!" and "Thank you's!!!!" I really enjoyed watching Madi and Evan get totally excited and nuts about the Halloween festivities together. That's definitely what parenting is all about. Watching your kids grow, learn, play, and have fun with their friends!

Of course, we can't forget about baby Brandon! It was this silly bear's very first Halloween! All he had to do was wear a Halloween shirt, pose by some pumpkins, and look pretty. :)

Madi had a blast painting her pumpkins this year.

Brandon sitting by the "big one."

Who needs carving when there's paint around?

The kids. And yes, Madi LOVES the choke hold.

We can't forget about the fur babies! They love to participate in Halloween too! This year, they decided to be punk rockers!!! Well, maybe more like dogs, with short, colored bobs.

I think purple looks great on Cody.

And Daisy definitely looks spectacular in hot pink!

Group picture!

ALL of the kids together!

Brandon can't figure out why Cody looks a wee bit different...

Trick or treating time!!!! Here is a story of two star crossed lovebirds... A mermaid (who decided that a red wig just wasn't her) and a dinosaur!

Love comes in all different shapes, sizes, and species!

A dinosaur, a tired baby, a football player (aka, Elbert going the easy route by not dressing up for Halloween), a wigless mermaid trying to make the tired baby laugh, AND Ursula - the sea witch from "The Little Mermaid."

Check out all of Madi's loot from the night!

Trick or treating, or shall I say, Halloween 2013, was definitely a successful evening full of fun! And congrats to Elbert again, for carving a crazy design into this year's Big Mac.