Happy Haunts!

This Halloween season was a fun one as we welcomed old traditions and new ones as we're now a growing family. 

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. We took Annabelle out to a pumpkin patch where we like to find just the right pumpkin with some character. Annabelle even got her own little pumpkin to take home. One day, she'll get to pick it out on her own. 

 In order to not run into the stem breaking issue we encountered last year, we made sure we took all the necessary precautions. You can never be too careful. ;)

 I spent most of the month dressing Annabelle up in festive wear and making our costumes for Halloween night. When the time came to prepare for Halloween, we went over to our friend's John and Kristin's house for dinner and carved our pumpkins with a fun group of people. Here's our work:

 We tested out our first costume with Annabelle that Mama T gave her and took her to the event as a pumpkin. They said she won the cutest pumpkin award, even if she was protesting the idea.

 The next night, we carved Annabelle's pumpkin and sat them out on our balcony for all to see. 

All month, I've been anxiously awaiting Halloween night (ever since the tickets were purchased) and I think Annabelle finally caught the Disney fever on Halloween Eve.

Then the day came!

We made our way to Orlando for a long overdue visit to Disney World where we attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party with Robert's parents.

Here is our little black cat on the ferry ride to see Cinderella's castle for the first time.

We made it!

I was a witch, Robert was a count, and Annabelle was my little black cat. A witch is not complete without her cat. It was a perfect night, Annabelle did great, the weather was nice, and the park was not crowded at all. The longest we waited for any ride was 15 minutes, which is perfect with a baby. Here's a photo reel of some of our adventures from the night:

Her first ride was It's a Small World:

Buzz Lightyear!

Even with a baby, Robert doesn't lose his game face. Although, Grandma was the top scorer of the night.

Annabelle enjoyed the carousel ride a lot, so we rode it twice.

Grandpa tried hogging Annabelle from Grandma all night, but she ended up with mom most of the night. She really handled everything well and never cried on a ride as long as she was in my arms.

We were pals

The space man outside his ride:

Robert's parents were a great help taking turns watching Annabelle, so Robert and I could go ride a few rides by ourselves.

The parade was really fun and made the Halloween festivities really come alive.

Halloween firework spectacular.

Last ride of the night.

 Happy Halloween! We're so glad we did Disney for Halloween! We had a wonderful night and enjoyed seeing all the people dressed up in costume, as well as dressing up ourselves.

 She was such a trooper and made it all the way until 11:30 before crashing. She was asleep for the entire last ride we rode - the Haunted Mansion (probably better that way).

The loot (minus some pieces that were already devoured while at the park):

 We could have gotten more candy, but since Annabelle really doesn't eat candy yet we didn't worry too much about making it to all of the trick-or-treat stations.

Until next time my pretties...

The Perfect Fall Escape

It all started when Karen and Rob decided to get married in Cleveland, GA.

 Karen is a good friend of mine from middle school slumber parties and high school volleyball, so when she decided she was getting married, I really wanted to go to her wedding.

Robert and I looked up Cleveland, GA on a map and realized it was located in the heart of the north Georgia mountains near our friend's lake house. The setting couldn't be better, so we coordinated with our friends to meet up at their place for a little fall escape.

On Thursday, we hopped on a plane to Greenville, SC. while our friends took an eight hour drive from Jacksonville.

Annabelle was excited for her flight. She's a professional flyer by now - having taken three trips (eight plane rides in total).

 She was well behaved on the flight and slept most of the way there and back.

Once we landed in Greenville, SC we rented a car and drove the roughly two hours to the mountain house in Hiawassee, GA where we met up with Spencer and Hayley. We enjoyed a nice dinner out at a local BBQ place then came back to the house and hung out.

One of my favorite parts about vacation is waking up and being able to take it easy. After a yummy breakfast made by Hayley and I we took the boat out. It was such a beautiful day.

Annabelle's first boat ride.

I want to make sure that she grows up loving the lake as much as I do and so far it's looking good. :)

On Friday, Hayley and I relaxed in the sun with little Miss Annabelle while the boys tried to fish, but were unsuccessful. Later that afternoon, after the boat ride, we decided to make fall official by venturing out to a local hamburger place, Yona Burger, followed by a corn maze adventure in Cleveland, and a mini golf outing in Helen. 

 It was a fun little maze that we only had to back track once in order to hit each marker. 
They had a petting zoo as well.

 These Floridians really enjoyed getting out in the country and experiencing some nice fall weather, leaves, and atmosphere. Now I just have to decorate our place to keep the feeling amidst this warm 80 degree weather we still have.

The next day, Saturday, we took it easy in the morning and afternoon as we got ready for the wedding and said goodbye to Spencer and Hayley who were going to Atlanta for the Braves game before continuing on home to Jacksonville.

The wedding was beautiful. It was set on farm under the lights of a open barn.

They danced a beautiful waltz as their first dance as husband and wife!

We had a great time socializing, eating, and dancing.

 Annabelle and I spent some time snuggling under the heaters. I think she really enjoyed the barn and animals.

 On our last day, we took a hike along a nice local trail near the lake. 

 After our hike, we cleaned and packed up and headed to the airport.

 It was the perfect way to end the weekend.