A Belated Halloween Post....

So, I recognize that Halloween was more than 10 days ago, but sometimes I feel lucky to even get a shower--so cut me some slack.  Our first Halloween in Georgia was wonderful.  It was fun to be our own little family and start our own traditions.  We did borrow from some of our family's traditions though.  The night before Halloween I made some Brunswick stew, a southern barbeque soup, and we carved pumpkins.  Lucy really got into it this year.

 Even Charlie got in on the action.

 Jordan and Lucy carved the ghost, and I carved the much cooler hand emerging from the tombstone.

On Halloween day we got all dressed up and went to story time at the libary with our friends, the Sheltons.  Lucy and Noah love each other.  Seriously.  After story time, they had a costume parade around the library.  Oh so cute.

 Jordan was able to get off work early that night.  We made some "witches brew" (homemade root beer).  Side note: NOBODY sells dry ice in Georgia.  I drove all over town looking for some.  I finally called Publix and was informed that they have one store that sells dry ice.  I drove 20 minutes across town to buy some only to find out that it cost $15 for a block.  Oh well.  I was determined to have homemade root beer.

 We also had "mummy dogs" for dinner.

 Then it was time for the main event.....Trick or treating!!!  Have you ever heard the Jerry Seinfeld bit about Halloween?  I have to agree with him that the main objective of any child is to, "get candy, get candy, get candy."  I can honestly say that there was no more exciting time in the life of young Laura Hale, than the moments leading up to trick-or-treating.  Magical I tell you.  Lucy really got it this year. She was thrilled to get all dressed up in her Belle costume.

 Charlie was less than thrilled about being a pumpkin.

 We went trick-or-treating with the Hales around our neighborhood.  It was so fun to get out and meet more of our neighbors.

 One last shot of my little pumpkin.  Happy Halloween!

Lucy's Preschool Halloween Party...

On Tuesday we had a Halloween party at our house for Lucy's preschool group.  The kids were so excited to come in their costumes.  

 Oh so cute!

 Miss Kristen brought a "pin the heart on the skeleton" game.

 Lucy was the winner!

 Then the kids decorated sugar cookies.

 We had "mummy dogs" and vampire teeth for lunch.

What a great kickoff to Halloween!

What a Week....

Is there anything better than visitors you love?  I say not.  Not long after Jordan and I moved to Georgia, we realized that BYU would be coming to play Georgia Tech in October.  We immediately called my family members and told them to plan on a Fall trip to Georgia to see the Cougars play.  Everyone was on board, and we managed to get everyone out here with the exception of Annie and her fiance, Joey.  Scott, Rachel, and Adelaide were the first of my siblings to arrive.  They came Wednesday night. Lucy was so excited that Adelaide was coming to our house.  On Thursday morning we headed to Zoo Atlanta and had a great time.  Poor Rachel is 7 months pregnant, but she was still a trooper.

 How funny is this mother gorilla?  The zookeeper told us that she is very protective of her babies, and she wouldn't let her baby leave her side.

We were all pretty tired after the zoo.  We came home and all crashed.

Papa Brent holding Charlie Brent.

Grandma reading to the girls.

 Steve and Kalli Jo arrived late Thursday night, followed by Mike, Erin and baby Sarah on Friday afternoon.  We took advantage of the 70 degree weather and headed to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Site.  This was the site of a Civil War battle.  The leaves were beautiful and it was so fun to be together.

 The official photographer.

 My bros, Scott and Steve.

 Baby Sarah

 Saturday was the day of the big game.  We started things off grilling at Aaron and Haley's house.

The whole crew headed to the the game.

 Charlie was not happy with Sarah.

 Real men take babies to football games.

Honestly, the game was perfect from the crisp, "sweatshirt weather" to the funnel cakes.  I have missed going to BYU games with my dad this fall, so it was so great to have my family here in Georgia watching the Cougars together.  The Cougars played great and pulled off the win.  After the game we headed to Food Truck Park for some good grub.

Some of my very favorite men.

Sarah, Lucy, Charlie and Adelaide.

Cute babies!!

Uncle Steve giving Charlie snuggles.

While it was chaotic having 14 people stay at our house, it was so fun to be together.  Any time spent with my family is time well spent.  Sure love you guys!!  Come back soon.