This Unfamiliar Road

Halloween is always a big deal at our house! This year, we really made it a neighborhood affair. We hosted a sort of "open house" and served chili, baked potatoes and all the toppings! Neighbors brought some "Mummy Dogs" and "Pumpkin Oranges" for the kiddos.


Some of the neighborhood kiddos! We joked that this was our preview of Prom someday ;)



We love dressing as a family!


Just a sample of what our neighborhood looks like! The streets are filled with trick-or-treaters.



It's hard to see, but Ben and Peyton had pull-strings as part of their costumes!



After trick-or-treating, we enjoyed sitting around the firepit watching our Tennessee VOLS!
It was a great time with lots of family and friends!

Things I'm loving this Friday!


{ONE} Family Photos.
We are way overdue for some family photos, and this time they will be BIG! All of husband's brothers and their kids will be in town for Thanksgiving (the first time the cousins will be together) so pictures are a must. Color scheme is planned, but I could use some help on how to distract and get good pictures of 9 kids (ages 1-7)!

{TWO} Monkey Joe's.
Y'all...I am thankful for jumpy places right now. The rain hasn't stopped for 2 weeks, and it looks like it's not letting up any time soon. Between the rain and the upcoming cold, I need this place to help my kids burn off some energy!


{THREE} Walking Dead.
I didn't want to start watching it, but husband convinced me. I didn't want to love it, but I couldn't help it. Somehow I've ended up halfway through season 5 (no, I'm not caught up so no spoilers please!) and I can't. stop.



{FOUR} Nutritional Cleansing.
As a follow up to this post, I have to tell you that my nutritional cleansing program has been better than I ever could have expected! I have lost weight, gained energy and feel great! I am learning so much about how important cellular cleansing is-everyone should do it. You will thank me.



{FIVE} Toddler.
Here she comes! Eliza has been building up the confidence to walk and pretty soon, she will take off! She's taking 5 steps and getting really brave. Growing girl :)


Until next time, friends! Enjoy your weekend!

For Eliza's first birthday, I wanted to incorporate a fall theme. We always have a fun time at the fair, so I knew this was the way to go. Honestly, this was my favorite party theme to date!
The rain was pouring down in buckets, but it was nothing that a giant tent over the driveway couldn't fix. Everyone really had a great time and didn't even notice the bad weather.
I will let the pictures tell the story... :)








I went to the local antique store and found lots of fun decor items for the party. My favorites were the old coke bottles and a large wooden coke crate.

We served Corn Dogs, Soft Pretzels, Popcorn, Fruit on a Stick, and Mini Pies (blueberry, cherry, apply, and peach). I loved this menu full of munchies! 
Instead of plates, I used boats and it was a perfect touch to this rustic affair.





We served lemonade, sweet tea and pink lemonade juice boxes. Oh, and adult beverages. Always adult beverages. I borrowed this stand, and it fit perfectly with the theme!



And the most important part of any party? Spending time with family and friends!








Cake time :)





Opening gifts lasted for about 30 seconds, but we are constantly overwhelmed at the generosity of our friends. Little Bean is one loved and spoiled baby!


Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate Eliza's birthday!

Whew y'all it's been quite a month! Our little stinker is just loving one on one Mama time these days :)
I think it's her gentle reminder that she's not growing up too fast!

Well, our little Bean is one month away from her first birthday! I cannot believe it!