a hobbit halloween

If you know us, then you probably know that Halloween is a big deal in our family.  We usually do some kind of group costumes that are tons of work, but lots of fun.  This year we grouped up with the Burch Jerks and Speier Kids again.  Most of the older kids were pushing for the Hobbit this year.  Jimmy is the only one of my kids who is familiar with the story because his dad has been reading it to him so he really wanted to go along with his cousins this year.  Gus wanted to be Thorin since he has a big sword, but once he saw a clip of Bombur bouncing someone with his "big fat belly" he was on board.  Nora has no say in anything so we can make her do whatever we want.  So, after laboring over costumes for over a month the mothers thought we should get at least a few days worth of use out of these costumes.  Since Halloween is always crazy on a school night, the Speiers were kind enough to host a little gathering at their Hobbit Hole.

We tried to make a little smorgasbord fitting of Hobbits.

I wanted to find a full wheel of cheese, but apparently that is hard to find. 

 Allie made this adorable Hobbit Door Cookies:

And now for the cast of characters.

Isaiah as Bilbo...

Dot joined him as another adorable little hobbit..

 

 Baabee as Gandalf the Grey...

Now for the Dwarves

We would have loved to have all 13, but we don't have that many kids.... yet.

Finn as Thorin Oakenshield...

Audrey and Lucy as Kili and Fili...

Jimmy as Bofur...

Gus as Bombur...

Now for the Elves.

Kateri was a beautiful Galadriel...

Lily as Tauriel and Jack as Legolas...

Nora as Smaug...

A few more grown-ups got in on the fun as well...

Danny as Beorn...

We threw in a few Lord of the Rings characters (much to some of the kids chagrin) since I didn't really have time for grown-up costumes and was able to borrow some things from a costumer friend of mine at my school.

Zach was Aragorn and I was Arwen.

And now for a few other favorites...

 Glad I got one of my whole dorky little family...

Mimi and Johnny stopped by Emily's to join in the fun.

Of course, the most exciting part for the kids is actually trick or treating.  They got lots of compliments although most people didn't know who they were.  Finn and Jimmy helped themselves to a neighbors pizza.  I had an amazing time just walking with Gus and listening to his hilarious little comments.  He couldn't believe how much candy people where giving him.  He might have gotten extra due to his hilarious belly.  He walked all the way up the Burch's street and half way back before he asked me to carry him.  Note to self and all other parents: Take water while trick or treating!!  Lesson learned.

 It was a great Halloween.  Probably one of my favorites yet.  Things just went smoothly and weren't very stressful which makes such a difference. The kids were all so cute and excited and I just love them all.  We will see how many more years this sort of thing lasts.

Happy Hobbit Halloween!

gus' third birthday

Gus turned 3 on Oct. 24.  He was obviously pretty thrilled about it.

 He had gotten a special balloon and crown at Toys R Us the day before that was definitely one the highlights of the occasion for him.  I hung up blue streamers and balloons because it is his favorite color and when he came out in the morning he said, "It is so beautiful!"  I also gave him all blue utensils because he usually insists on them everyday and has a break down when he doesn't get them.  I figured at least this one day I can give him exactly what he wants.  He also insisted that McQueen and Dusty watch him eat.

 He opened one present in the morning from Mom and Dad which was some trains to add to the collection.

 One of the best presents was that Nana was in town for his birthday.

 We went out for a special lunch to Five and Diner with the Paul Girls.

Mimi and Johnny made a special visit as well.
And, of course, he had his favorite baby around to play with all day, too.

 And I made a brownie cake as per his specific request of having both McQueen and the Sheriff on it.
He and Jimmy both helped decorate it.
When I asked for a picture of him with it, these were the faces I got:

 That evening we had pizza and a small gathering of family and friends.
He got lots of nice gifts that he was very excited about.

 He loved having so many of his favorite people there.
(To Emily if you see this: note Dot's excitement and adorable expression in this one)

 I can't believe how big he is getting.
He is sweet and sensitive, but also really tough.
He cracks us up and tries our patience simultaneously.
He is a great little brother to Jimmy and big brother to Nora.
I love getting to hang out with him every day.

We love you so much Gussy!!