Halloween 2018 Recap

November 2, 2018 by

Happy November my friends!

I can’t believe there are only 2 months left in 2018. Weren’t we just taking down the tree and setting goals? Not that I’m complaining, because these next two months are my favorite time of year. But before we start singing Jingle Bells and trimming the tree (do people actually trim trees? IDK. Ours is fake) let’s look back at our Halloween with Emma Kate:

We attended a trunk or treat at a local park on Monday night. Some people were really creative with their setup which made it fun! EK decided to go as Rapunzel for this one.

She was just a tad excited.

The line moved pretty fast, but a few people did start running out of candy!

This was my favorite one of the night. She had to “walk the plank” to get her candy.

The poor fireman ran out of candy, I think Emma Kate got the last piece!

We are visiting family in Mississippi, so my parents sent Emma Kate a card and stickers.

We let her watch Hocus Pocus this year, and she literally watched it every day, multiple times a day, for 3 weeks. So, of course, she was pumped to wear her Hocus Pocus dress all month. She also painted a pumpkin (see below) and she chose this “pose” all on her own haha.

Halloween night was a bit confusing. It was supposed to rain, so some neighborhoods decided to trick-or-treat the night before. We didn’t know this, so on Halloween night we kept an eye on the street as it got dark…there were no trick-or-treaters. It was 6:45, so I panicked and we threw EK in the car and started driving. We went to two neighborhoods…no kids. FINALLY, we made it to a 3rd one that had tons of lights on and tons of trick or treaters and ended up meeting some of the sweetest people. I’m so glad it worked out this way, it was a great, low key night and we only got rained on a little bit for a few minutes.

At every house, Emma Kate asked to pet the owner’s dog…and we were even invited in a couple times. I love the south! She was more excited about the dogs than the candy!

That night well really the next morning at 3:00, the rain DID come, int he form of tornado warnings. Sirens going off, etc. We got up and watched the weather for over an hour until we felt it was safe to go to bed (after it was downgraded to a watch). Not my favorite way to wake up at 3:00 am, but we are safe and still had a wonderful holiday!

Filed Under: blogging, family, holidays Tagged: , , ,

Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus (In Theaters!)

October 20, 2018 by

Hey guys, happy weekend! I just wanted to give a quick heads up on some exciting news I was given last night. Check it out below:

This Halloween weekend, Friday, October 26th – Wednesday, October 31st, you can celebrate the Halloween holiday with Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and more as Disney’s beloved classic THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS returns for a limited engagement exclusively in over 300 Regal cinemas locations nationwide! (Check local listing for participating Regal theaters.)

For “The Nightmare Before Christmas” tickets and information visit https://regmovi.es/2MhfWu0 

Now for the news I am most excited about, this Halloween weekend, Friday, October 26th – Wednesday, October 31st, you can bewitch your Halloween holiday with Disney’s beloved classic HOCUS POCUS which returns for a limited engagement exclusively in over 300 AMC cinemas locations nationwide!

AAHHH! We have been watching this movie over and over the past week and I just love it so much. I have also been drinking out of my 25th anniversary Hocus Pocus mug I got at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party when I have coffee in the mornings. 🙂

But that’s not all! Next weekend, Friday, October 26th – Thursday, November 1st, The Academy Award® winning film (Best Animated Film, Best Original Song) COCO is back in theatres for a limited engagement exclusively at Cinemark theatres!

For Cinemark tickets and information visit https://www.cinemark.com/coco

So much movie fun coming up this Halloween, be sure not to miss out! It’s really NOT just a bunch of Hocus Pocus!

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, movies Tagged: , , , ,

#DisneyKids Media Event Video Recap

October 8, 2018 by

Disclosure: We attended a media event at Walt Disney World, however, all opinions are my own. 

In September, we had the privilege of attending a #DisneyKids media event at Walt Disney World centered around preschoolers and Toy Story Land. We also got to eat at Homecomin’, Hollywood and Vine, the Grand Floridian, and also enjoyed Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Check out this recap video we made of our amazing experience! Parents of preschoolers, these activities are a must with your kiddos! so much fun! Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel after watching. 🙂

 

What is your favorite thing about Toy Story Land? Have you been to the Halloween party or any of the restaurants we dined at?

#disneykids

Related: Toy Story Land with a preschooler

Related again: Art of Animation Cars family suite

Filed Under: Disney, family, vacation Tagged: , , , , ,

5 Things Friday XXXIV

September 7, 2018 by

Hello my lovely friends! It’s September, fall is in the air…wait, no. I live in Florida. Fall is most definitely not in the air, but hurricanes are. More on that later. I wanted to play catch up with another 5 things Friday post for you all before we head into this weekend. I’m traveling all day today but I wanted to make sure I was able to say hello! You can still catch me over on IG stories and Twitter (@HeathersLG)

So here are 5 things for this Friday:

1.) Another cruise post: I’m still enjoying reminiscing about my time onboard the Carnival Horizon earlier in the summer. Bobby and I loved the new ship and had an amazing time in Bermuda. one thing I loved about the Horizon was all the places to sit and relax. This post talks about some of my favorites!

2.) Toy Story Land FAM: Coming up this time next week is a preschooler Toy Story Land media FAM, (as long as there are no hurricanes) and I was pumped to find out we will be staying at Art of Animation! I have toured this resort twice before on other media trips, but never have I actually called it home for a night, so we are pumped to test drive a family suite for two nights!

3.) MNSSHP: As part of the media trip mentioned above, we will be taking Emma Kate to the Halloween party! If there is anything, in particular, you want pictures of videos of, let me know!

4.) EK’s birthday month: September also means Emma Kate’s birthday month! I can’t believe in less than three weeks I will have a 4-year-old. She is SO ready and has been asking when her birthday is for months now. Poor baby just can’t wait to grow up, no matter how many times I tell her adulting is not fun. Wasn’t I just pregnant? Wasn’t she just learning to crawl? All the feels.

5.) Hurricane watch: As previously alluded to, it’s that special time of year (late August/September) when all the hurricanes come out to play. Almost to the date, we were evacuating hurricane Irma last year, and the tropics are getting all fired up once more. Praying we are able to dodge a bullet once again because after the stress of evacuating last year, I highly doubt we would do it again. Say a prayer these bad boys just stay out at sea and dissipate!

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, family, vacation Tagged: , , , , ,

What’s New at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

August 20, 2018 by

Disclosure: I was invited to Disney’s media night for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018, however, all opinions are my own.

What a night! The first night of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party did not disappoint. There were characters and rides and desserts and candy and new ride overlays, and fireworks and did I say candy?

This is my favorite event at Walt Disney World, so while I knew I would have fun, I didn’t know there would be so many new amazing additions this year. The “new stuff” can be broken down into three main categories: food, entertainment, and merchandise. I will go through each but be warned, reading this post will make you want to buy a ticket ASAP.

what's new at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

Food:

(Please note, while most of these desserts are new, a couple of them are repeats from last year.) We were treated (haha) to a special cooking demo where we saw exactly how the not so poison apples are constructed, and then we got to eat our own. I can attest that they are very delicious but VERY rich and sweet. No way I could have eaten a whole one by myself.

No-So-Poison Apple Cupcake – Main Street Bakery

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Maleficent Dessert – Storybook Treats

Madame Leota Dessert – Liberty Square Market

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Hitchhiking Ghost Dessert – Aloha Isle

Worms & Dirt – Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café

Jack Skellington Cake Push Pop – Sleepy Hollow

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Oogie Boogie Meringue – Gaston’s Tavern

Pumpkin chesecake – Main Street Bakery

Candy corn milkshake with cotton candy and Mickey marshmallow:

There are other offerings like a burger with tater tots and special nachos, the above were just things we were able to take photos of.

Related: Tips for taking your toddler or preschooler to Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party

Merchandise: 

This year just so happens to be the 25th anniversary of one of my ALL TIME favorite movies, Hocus Pocus. I was super pumped a few years about when the Sanderson sisters were added to the stage show line up at the party, so you can imagine my excitement when I got to see all the special 25th-anniversary merchandise.

I purchased the black cauldron mug, it was just so adorable and I had to get something to commemorate the 25th anniversary.

It’s all so cute! I may or may not also have my eye on the amuck amuck amuck spirit jersey.

There are ornaments, shirts, pins, a mug, bag, and so much more all for Hocus Pocus.

There are also special annual passholder options available for purchase.

I also was smitten over this adorable glow in the dark magic band. The box glows, too!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

In addition to the Hocus Pocus amazing-ness, there was regular Halloween merchandise. I snagged a few photos for you:

Merchandise can be found during the event at the Emporium on Main Street, and at Big Top Souvenirs in the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland. Frontier Trading Post will also offer the event pins.

Entertainment: 

New this year on the entertainment front, three rides have had special elements added to them:

Pirates of the Caribbean: Live action pirates have been added to the ride, as you search for “Gunpowder Pete” on your journey. We had the privilege of hearing all about it and more from a cast member and his pirate friend.

Space Mountain: Hurdle through space completely in the dark with a new soundtrack and special effects.

Mad Tea Party: As you spin faster and faster there are new lights and a cool new spooky soundtrack.

Also new for this year is a Disney Junior dance party in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland. Here you can party with a DJ and friend like Doc MuStuffins and Timon from the Lion Guard.

Whether it is your first or fifteenth time at the party, there is something for everyone. We watched the parade, fireworks, and got tons of candy. The decorations are on point, the vibe is amazing, and it’s the most fun you will have this Halloween season.

What is your favorite part of the party? Any new food you are excited to try or merchandise you are ready to buy? Stay tuned later this week for a video recap of our night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018!

Visit MickeyHalloween.com for ticket info, and start planning your visit for these party nights: August 24, 28, 31; September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, and 31. Prices start at $75 for adults.

Check out this video I took at the party!

*If you want to check out all my Instagram stories from the night of the party, go to my profile and click the highlight titled “Mickey’s NSSHP”

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, holidays, vacation Tagged: , , , , ,

Halloween 2017 Recap

November 2, 2017 by

Happy November! Just like pretty much every other month this year, October flew. Now it’s on to baking and turkeys and Christmas carols and Hallmark movies. Ok, so maybe I have already started watching Hallmark movies. I just can’t help it guys. They suck me in to this sappy vortex of holiday cheer. Anyway, before I get completely sucked into the holiday madness, I wanted to recap our Halloween. Now that we live in Tampa, there is TONS to do for Halloween, so we ended up doing 4 events plus the main event Halloween night. Let’s take a look:

Friday, Emma Kate’s preschool had a parade and trunk or treat. Through a communications mix up (grumble grumble) I didn’t know about it until the day before. Thankfully I found out because the first think Emma Kate did was look for me when her class walked out to do the parade. I also would have felt horrible if she was the only one not in a costume. Thankfully the #MomFail was avoided, and she paraded her little heart out and got her first taste of 2017 Halloween candy goodness.

When we got home from school, she was conveniently able to stay in her costume because we had our neighborhood trunk or treat to attend. Emma Kate perfected her manners with “trick or treats” and “thank you’s” but was getting confused with the candy part. Some people put it in her basket, some tell her to pick what she wants, so she ended up just grabbing candy herself every time. Oops.

She also got her face painted for the very first time. It was short lived because we went home ten minutes later, took a bath and went to bed, but I’m still so glad we did it because she was SO excited and sat so still while the lady worked. Too cute for words.

Saturday my parents went with us to a nearby fall festival. They had a trunk or treat, and also businesses had booths set up and also had candy. There was also a carnival but we conveniently skipped that part. I have heard way too many news stories lately of rides breaking down and people falling from them or dying. Anything that can be put up or taken down in a matter of hours is not considered safe in this mama’s book. It ended up raining but we stayed anyway. Emma Kate was super cute and brave going form table to table and getting candy.

Sunday afternoon we headed to the local outlet mall for another fall festival. Same thing, the businesses had tables selling things and also buckets of candy. Like we really needed more, right? They also had “Disney characters” (I use this term very loosely) wandering about and singing (the incorrect) words to songs from their movies. It was a gorgeous weekend so a perfect one to be out and about though.

Then Tuesday night, the main event. The second I walked into her classroom to pick her up from school she came running over saying “I want to go trick or treating!” I had to convince her to eat dinner and wait until the sun went down, but we were finally dressed and ready to take on the neighborhood. Funny story about this costume…I always assumed she would be Elsa, or Cinderella, or Moana for Halloween since we already have those costumes. Last Thursday she got in the car after school and declared she wanted to be a pumpkin…Say WHAT?!? She was so sweet and serious, so I hurried home, got on Amazon, and praise Jesus for prime. It arrived Monday, and she was a sweet little pumpkin for Halloween.

Of course, the first door we go to a teenage boy opens it and jumps out wearing a scary wolf head thing…terrified EK and she didn’t want to ring doorbells alone anymore. Thanks kid. She got the hang of which houses to go to (“mommy they don’t have lights on so we go to the next one”) and wanted to keep going to more and more houses. I’m glad we brought the stroller because she ended up in it some and poor thing got so tired she could barely stand up and fell down several times.

After dumping out her haul and looking at her candy, it was time for bed. She passed out immediately and then wanted candy for breakfast. I was sure to hide most of it while she was at school. Thankfully shes young enough that she won’t know!

Bobby and I ended the evening with a tradition, watching Hocus Pocus.

I call Halloween 2017 a huge success, and can’t wait to see what kind of fun we can find next year.

QOTD: What did you/your kids dress up as for Halloween? 

Filed Under: blogging, family, holidays, Tampa Tagged: , , , ,

5 Things Friday XXIX

October 27, 2017 by

Happy Friday friends! It’s been awhile since I did a 5 things Friday, and I thought it would be a fun way to “catch up” with you all.

1.) A cruise redo: Remember when my husband and I were supposed to go on a cruise with Carnival in September and it got cancelled due to a little thing called hurricane Irma? Well we were finally able to reschedule! It’s a 6 night western instead of an 8 night eastern, but still on the gorgeous Carnival Vista and we are pumped to leave in just over two weeks! You can follow along with me on social media (@heatherslg) and the hashtag #CruisingCarnival.

(I just bought these towel clips so our towels won’t blow away on the ship, I have meant to do it for years!)

2.) Finally fall? Y’all, we had to put our heat on last night! It dropped down to 50 and this girl was cold, but I’m not complaining! We have had record breaking heat this October (90’s!) so I was thankful to get to wear pants and a cozy sweater today. I’m busting out my boots tomorrow! Unfortunately it’s not staying this way, but maybe now we won’t be reaching the 90’s anymore until May? One can hope!

3.) Wine and Dine: I announced on Instagram stories a couple weeks ago that due to the generosity of a sweet friend I will be running the two course challenge! Yes I’m under trained and I have no costume (help?) but I am running both races and am PUMPED! I haven’t run this once since 2013 so it’s time.

4.) Giveaway: Head on over to Instagram because I am hosting a giveaway, a gift certificate, and if you like athletic apparel you need to check it out. It closes in a couple days so hurry.

 

5.) Webinar and pre sale: In case you aren’t on my email list or follow me on social, you may not know my pre sale for my e-course: Social Side Hustle, 21 days to becoming a social media manager, started yesterday. Not only can you get my course at the lowest price now, but you can sign up for a FREE webinar all about getting social media clients. Also if you would like to get on my email list here is the link for that.

I know I just gave you a ton of links and information, but y’all are sharp, I know you got this. I hope everyone has a fabulous fall weekend, has great weather, attends at least two pumpkin patches and three trunk or treats (no seriously we have a really busy weekend!)

QOTD: What are you or your kids dressing up as for Halloween? 

Filed Under: dining, fitness, Giveaway, holidays, running, vacation Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Birthday Bash Day 2

November 5, 2015 by

Day two of our birthday bash trip for my mom was a fun one. (if you missed day one, go here). It was Sunday, and we were going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party that night, so we decided to chill during the day and not goo to a park. My mom took her friend Debbie over to the Grand Floridian to shop, while I went for a run and did some work on my laptop.

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I ran all around the Polynesian and to the Grand Floridian where I stopped and facetimed with Bobby and Emma Kate, then I ran back. It was humid and gross (it had just rained), but I LOVE running in Disney!

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We headed over to the Wilderness Lodge for lunch (another surprise for mom) at Whispering Canyon Café. Even though my Saints aren’t having the best season, I still proudly wore my team colors! (We won by the way!)

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We had a really fun waiter at Whispering Canyon, and my mom got a birthday cupcake while the whole restaurant sang to her. Luckily, we don’t embarrass easily.

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We went back to the resort to hang out and get ready for the Halloween party. We had fun costumes prepared, and everyone LOVED our lights in our tutus. They actually really came in handy when walking through crowds.

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My mom nor her friend had ever been to the party, so it was fun to show them around. However, I will say I was a bit disappointed in the crowd levels. In years past, we were able to walk onto rides and walk through trick or treat lines with no wait. This night was INSANE. Treat lines 100 people long, 45 minute waits for rides, people EVERYWHERE. I am pretty certain they have upped the cap for ticket numbers and it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, we still had fun, but it was just different.

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We made it through one semi-short treat line then skipped the rest because they were ridiculously long. They moved the parade times back from the last time I went to the party two years ago, and the first one wasn’t until 8:35. Since we weren’t sure if we would be up at 11:35 for the second one, we decided to go to the first even though it’s more crowded (which it was) but it was still cute. The gravediggers are still my favorite!

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After the parade, we headed towards the castle for the one thing I was REALLY wanting to see, the Sanderson Sisters stage show. This show was SO cute and did not disappoint. The actors were spot on to portray the sisters, and any Hocus Pocus fan would have loved it!

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They sand songs, hung out with other villains, and ran AMUCK! (amuck, amuck, amuck).

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The show was soon followed by Hallowishes, which is my favorite fireworks show! Mom and Debbie were super impressed by the finale, it never gets old.

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After the fireworks were over, we were starving (we never really had dinner except for some appetizers in the lounge) so we ran over to Cosmic Rays for a snack which re-energized us. The crowds thinned out and we were able to do some trick-or-treating and ride the people mover and Buzz lightyear.

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My mom and Debbie also decided to join in a dance party to a dance they did NOT know the moves to. it was sad but funny.

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We were JUST getting started and enjoying the lower crowds when I realized t was almost midnight. Sad times! We made our sad slow walk towards the front and said good night to the Magic Kingdom.

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We definitely had fun, I just wish every hour was an crowd-free as the last hour. I am glad we went to the Sunday night one, because it rained on Tuesday for the next party and I felt so bad for those people.

We were very happy to be staying on the monorail and crashed shortly after 12:30. The next day would be EPCOT and also the day Debbie had to leave to go home. Sad smile More soon!

QOTD: have you been to MNSSHP?

Filed Under: Disney, family, vacation Tagged: , , , , , ,

Faster than Boo

October 7, 2015 by

It’s time for another virtual race from Gone for a RUN! What makes this one even better? It’s Halloween themed, and the medal is really, really cute. Tell me more you say?

This one is the “Faster than Boo virtual 10k”. How fun is that? Check out the great medal. He is wearing a sweatband and holding a water bottle. I love it. Boo also glows in the dark. What?!?

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There are two options for this race, the basic package and the premium package which includes knee socks.

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This race will take place October 29-October 31, so why not make it a fun costume/themed Halloween run with your friends? You must register by the 19th to get your race package in time, which includes shirt (tank for women, tee for men) race bib, and SPINNER MEDAL. You can run, walk, or crawl your 6.2 miles (and be sure to share photos on the Gone for a RUN Facebook page).

This race will also be giving back as well, so a portion of your entry fee will be going to a good cause:

By running this race you will also be supporting an amazing charity. A percentage of your race entry will be donated to Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation has enriched the lives of over 600 children and their families battling with pediatric cancer. Please read about Jaclyn’s story and the great success of the foundation athttp://friendsofjaclyn.org/jaclyns-story.

GoneForaRun is proud to provide runners both a great virtual running event that promotes fun and wellness as well as giving back to a very worthy cause to help others in need. A big thank you to our community of dedicated runners for their support!

To enter, simply go to Gone for a RUN’s website and sign up, super easy!

QOTD: Are you running any Halloween themed races this year?

Disclosure: as a Gone for a RUN ambassador, I will be racing for free, however all opinions are my own.


Fabletics.com

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, holidays, running Tagged: , , , , ,

Weekend Happenings (Plus adorable baby costume photos)

October 20, 2014 by

We finally had a beautiful fall-ish weekend here in the south (aka weather in the mid 70’s) and my dad came to visit on Saturday as well. We were able to be outside a lot which was good for this new mama who has been trapped indoors for over three weeks, and Emma Kate was so good! Here are some pictures from our weekend.

Saturday morning, my dad arrived early and we hung out for a bit before heading to lunch at McAlisters where we were able to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful day.

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I put EK in her cute fall outfit (which is too big on her and it’s 0-3 months!)

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She didn’t make a peep through lunch, and then we walked across the street to an antique car show and festival our town was holding.

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The festival has gotten huge, there were rows upon rows of old cars.

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There were even some racecars, and of course the pink one was my favorite.

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We came back to the house and watched football, then it was time to BBQ in the backyard.

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Homegirl was exhausted from such a long day out and about.

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We ate and watched the LSU game, then headed to bed. On Sunday morning, my dad left and I went for my first run/walk post baby. I ran a tenth, walked a tenth, for two miles. The weather was gorgeous, and I was so thankful to be out there, but man do I have a long way to go! It was very humbling.

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Sunday evening, our church held a “fun fest” with games, food, and where the kids could wear their halloween costumes. Emma Kate, of course, dressed up as Minnie Mouse. She was not a fan of the hat. It did not stay on long.

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I cannot get over the cute.

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The festival was really nice, a great place for families to hang out and for the kids to get candy. Emma Kate did SO good and only cried when I was putting her in and out of the car, so I would consider the outing a win!

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That sums up our weekend, it was a good one and I hope yours was, too!

QOTD; Have you attended any fall festivals this year? Favorite costume your kids have worn?

Filed Under: baby, Disney, family, fitness, running Tagged: , , , , , , ,