Halloween!

Last year, Diana was about 3 months old for her first Halloween. She really had no idea what was going on and I think she even fell asleep before we went out to trick or treat! She did look pretty cute in a black onesie with an orange tutu though!

This year, our little lady is going on 16 months and we had a blast this past Halloween weekend! Di has been pointing out all of the Halloween decorations in our neighborhood for weeks now and has tried on her costume and carried her bright pink pumpkin around all month. So in other words, Halloween was MUCH more of an event for her (and for Danny and I) this year.

This past Saturday started off with a car milestone for Di! Thanks to a (very) early Christmas gift from Nonna Linda and Grandpa Gary, we stashed Di's infant car seat in the garage and installed her new "big girl" toddler car seat! She was so excited to be facing forward and sitting up higher. I know it's cheesy but with each new stage or milestone she hits, I get a little misty eyed. As Danny and I looked back at her from the front seat, we just kind of shook our heads in disbelief at how fast she's growing up, how big she looks and how much she's changed just since her 1st birthday this past July.

On Saturday, we met my Grandpa "Rubio" and Aunt Dianita in Pembroke Pines at the always delicious Village Tavern. They come to see us all the way from Miami so the Shops at Pembroke Gardens is a great meeting place. We had a wonderful meal with them as we always do, chatting about our lives and enjoying good food and wine. Diana ate a little bit of everything and had so much fun visiting. She especially loved running around a huge fountain outside the restaurant after dinner. She squealed in delight each time the water splashed up and clapped her hands! Our little girl definitely loves to put on a show and be the center of attention.

Sunday was Halloween! We had the whole gang over including Grandpa Ron and Grandma Susie, Uncle Brandon, Nana and Poppa, Gigi, Aunt Jo, Aunt Alex and Uncle Matthew with Cousin Roman and Nonna and Grandpa. Whew! After some pizza, cupcakes and lots of singing and playing, we got Roman and Di their costumes. Roman was a pro and put his horse getup on right away. Diana took a little more convincing!


After taking a picture or two with her huge fairy tutu, she decided just to go with the wings! Hey, what more do you want out of a toddler?! She then insisted on pushing Abby Caddaby down the street in her doll stroller while wearing her wings. (Click here to watch the video) Every now and then, she stopped to do the pumpkin dance that we taught her - too cute! Thanks to Roman, Di finally seemed to get the hang of knocking on doors and getting candy in her pumpkin. Our group must've been quite a sight - all 10 of us (some holding cocktails and beer!) parading down our neighborhood street watching the kids trick or treat!

                        Di and Roman were troopers but after about two blocks the yawning started. After dumping out her candy and eating a Milky Way mini, Diana was down for the count. I'd say it was a pretty great night for the adults and kids alike!

We've had a pretty wonderful October with lots of fall fun and now we have our 2nd Disney trip to look forward to next weekend - can't wait!

Click here to view all of our Halloween pics.