Happy Halloween and Fall Y'all!

What a season! Our Halloween & Fall Festivals seemed to multiply this year! There were tons of things to do, and we enjoyed every second of it. The weather was PERFECT, too!

First, we met Nana and Papa at our church to go Trunk or Treating!

Ash really liked collecting candy from all of the well decorated cars.

Walking around with Nana!

Yummy!

Our little sweet heart!

Ash & mommy

Next, we hit the Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch with Meme and Popa.

Ashlyn loved the jump castle!

We went on a hay ride through the corn fields. There were ghosts and witches hidden in the trees. Ashlyn enjoyed looking for them.

I was nervous that she would not have anything to do with the goats after our Dallas Zoo experience, but she actually fed them with a smile!!!

Interesting swing...

Popa took her through the rope maze....

It only took a couple of minutes for her to discover HER path choice...between the ropes!!!

Tallest slide ever...she was NOT scared!

Rick made it home a couple of days before Halloween, so he was able to carve pumpkins with Ashlyn. They did our traditional SC pumpkin and a silly face pumpkin.

Ash did not know what to think about the "goo" inside!

A chocolate break or two later...they were finished!

Friday evening we headed to the Charleston Aquarium for their Halloween party.

The Scarium Aquarium was a lot of fun!

Ash checking out the "lion" that a local radio station brought to the party.

I was not too sure how Ashlyn would feel about entering the costume contest, but she hopped right onto the stage with Rick.
She even blew a couple of kisses to the judges!

My two favorite people!

Trick or Treating around the aquarium.

Getting her last bit of candy while Papa went through the line to get us all a doughnut. They had Krispy Kreme that you cold dip in chocolate and add sprinkles! Yum...

Sunday was Halloween. Ashlyn was ready to go check things out as soon as possible.

Jessie from Toy Story 3!

We met Meme and Popa at HIS School to check out the All Saint's Festival. Ashlyn and Rick went on a pony wagon ride.

Ash was totally comfortable with the horses, so she went on her first ride next!

YEA!!!!!!

Another jump castle! I wish I had half of the energy these kids have!

There were lots of games to play & candy to collect.

The Chadwicks

Meme & Popa

We went back to the house just before dark. Uncle Matthew, Nana, and Papa were there to hang out for the night. Rick, Matt, and I took Ashlyn out for a bit, while the Grands gave out candy at our house.

Ashlyn might be a bit spoiled...we pulled her in her wagon from house to house!

"I got it!!!"

Ashlyn was very polite, thanking everyone for the candy & even hanging out some. She loved to talk about every one's pets & find out their names!

Rick went back to the house to get the BBQ ready to eat, so I recruited Nana and Meme to Trick or Treat with us for a bit. Ashlyn loved making them go to the doors with her!

Nana & Ashlyn

SOOO much fun & candy!

Meme & Ashlyn

"Come on, let's find more!"

What will we do with all this loot?

We headed home & had BBQ and chili. It was a great time with all of the Grandparents & Uncle Matt!

The perfect ending to a great night...a kiss!

Our Little Ballerina!

Ashlyn and I have been going to the Little Gym since she was 4 months old. I decided that maybe it was time for a change. I found this great little dance school over near Nana & Papa's called The Dance Arts Studio. They start Ballet at 2 1/2 and Tap and Jazz at 3 1/2. I signed Ashlyn up for her first class. She LOVES it!!!

Getting ready for her first day!

Ms. Jessica teaching the class how to do "rocking horses".

Ashlyn learning the basics of a back bend.

Ashlyn & her classmates dancing...they were learning the first steps to their recital song.

Ashlyn enjoying her treat for listening, sitting still on her X, and behaving!!!

Disney - September 2010

We took Ashlyn to Disney for her birthday, back in April. It was a great time, but it rained a bit, so we did not use all of our park tickets. We decided it would be great to take Ashlyn back, so when Rick made it home from Germany in late Sept., we packed up the car and headed to Florida. We did not realize what a wonderful trip we were going to have. The weather was perfect, and the crowds were limited!

The first morning on the bus. Ashlyn was so excited. She just kept giving Daddy hugs.

Our first stop was the Animal Kingdom. Ashlyn was a little nervous about seeing Pooh and the gang, but after a few minutes, she thought it was pretty cool!

The Chadwicks & Tigger

Ash, Mommy & Flicker

The drums in Africa were a huge hit!

Boom, boom, boom.....

The Safari ride...Ashlyn loved sitting with Daddy and seeing all of the animals!

The elephants...there was the most adorable baby elephant chasing his mommy!

Day two, we headed to the Magic Kingdom. We arrived just in time to see the morning parade.

Goofy was...well Goofy!

On a ride with Daddy...Ashlyn was NOT afraid of any of the rides. We were so proud of her!

Waiting to go into the Tikki Room to see the singing birds. Ash took this picture!

Heading out...after a few hours, we went back for some much needed R & R!

That evening we headed back to the Magic Kingdom to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! Ash was so excited!

The Chadwicks...the entire park was decorated for the fall and Halloween. It was beautiful! As we entered the gates, they handed Ashlyn a bag for Trick or Treating.

The fireworks were outstanding!

They just kept going and going. They played Halloween music & everyone was dressed up!

Mommy & Ash being silly!

The park was not crowded...we could pretty much walk up to any ride and hop on. They didn't even make us get off at the end, if we wanted to go again!

Collecting some loot. There were candy stations set up throughout the park!

The "Boo to You" parade.
Watching all of the Villains in the parade & collecting MORE candy!

Round N Round

Ashlyn with Mickey and Minnie

Mommy & Daddy, too!

The BEST part of the day!!!! As we entered the tent to see the princesses, we noticed that we were the last folks that they let through. Once we got inside, all of the princes and princesses were talking to Ashlyn and giving her so much attention. It was truly AMAZING! She was having such a wonderful time. Her excitement and facial expressions were the BEST!

Ash with Cinderella and Prince Charming

"You are so pretty!"

Ashlyn said she was going to kiss the Prince, and well, she did!!!

After talking for a few minutes and looking at bracelets, Ashlyn stopped for a picture.

Snow White and Prince Ferdinand were so friendly!

After visiting with Sleeping Beauty & Prince Philip, we were surprised by the others, as they came over and offered to get a group picture. It was a moment that we will never forget!

We decided that this was our FAVORITE family day ever!!!

Day 3...we decided to hang out at the hotel and hit the pool. That night we went to Epcot. We went on a couple of rides...Nemo, of course. We ended the night with dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. It was perfect! All of the princesses were there & they each came to the table to say "hello" and take a picture with Ashlyn! We saw Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Ariel!

Sleeping Beauty & Ashlyn

Ashlyn & Ariel! Ash's favorite! She had to show off her doll, too. She was glowing with excitement!!!

We had such a fantastic time! I am so glad that we decided to go back. I think we have officially made Halloween in Disney our new family tradition!

Heading home...Ashlyn with her Simba (from our trip in April) and Ariel!