Halloween Week Festivities

The week leading up to Halloween was filled with lots of fun activities, costumes, and treats. We kicked off the festivities with the Leos family as they graciously invited us along to experience Halloween Nights at the Dallas Zoo.

Later that night, Bunny came over to watch the kids so Josh and I could attend the Hubbards' annual Oktoberfest party. 

And we didn't let the rain stop us from playing beer pong waaaay past our bedtime. 

Sunday morning we headed to a superhero-themed birthday party for one of Ava's school friends. Gah....I just love that little Wonder Woman costume. 

And after that, it was time to head to their school's Fall Fiesta.

Rylan with Maestra Caro.

Ava's favorite activity was bracelet making.

Rylan's was chewing on his new yo-yo and finding rocks. Boys.

We also decorated the house...

And some pumpkins...

Ava's Halloween-themed lunch. The pretzel-stick owls may be my favorite.

I didn't want to send the kids to school in their actual Halloween costumes (lest they come home covered in something), so Ava wore her Elsa costume and Rylan went as a hipster. 

Rylan's teachers didn't think he was quite hipster enough, so they added a goatee and sent me a picture. I definitely laughed for a good 10 minutes in my office. I mean...

And after all that, we still had a day of costumes and trick-or-treating ahead.

Rylan's Baptism

Rylan was baptized on Sunday, October 18 in Austin, and it was such a wonderful day.

Ava was baptized at a different church in Austin (the one I attended in middle school and high school), but my parents recently switched back to the church we attended when I was younger (and where I attended preschool). It was also extra special because my Mom and I were both baptized there.

I accidentally left my nice camera in Dallas (which is not as bad as when I forgot Josh's suit for Ava's baptism…whoops), so in typical fashion for a second child, I did my best with just the iPhone. But this little gentleman would look cute no matter what...

Thanks to my Dad for this sweet shot...

The baptism was scheduled for the end of the service, and our energetic 16-month-old boy was not having the wait, so I spent most of the time with him outside.

When his big time arrived, Rylan (and Ava) did great. 

The pastor didn't even seemed bothered by the fact that at some point during the process, Rylan's diaper became very smelly. 

After the ceremony, Grampsie and Nana hosted a wonderful lunch at their house. Aunt RaRa the event planner was a huge help, and the "Marfa chic" theme was perfect.

Nana's homemade pralines are ridiculously good!

We are grateful that so many of our family members were able to join the festivities. Rylan is truly a lucky little boy.

And don't worry, Ava got her fair share of attention as well :).

It was such a joyous day celebrating our sweet boy as well as God's love and grace.