Whew.
We did it.
We absolutely made the most of October.
Despite the fact that we’re having very weird weather and it never felt like October, we Octobered HARD.
Here’s a recap of our last few days of October. And don’t forget, I’m going to be in the kitchen tomorrow morning with Kathie Lee and Hoda on Today…so tune in during their 10:00 AM hour to see :).
Ashby got to wear a costume to school on Thursday. She selected her Tinkerbell costume from last year :). Miss Madeley wore her shirt…because she is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Bam. Yes. (These holiday mugs make me smile!)
Madeley was walking around doing something with her hair and I couldn’t quite figure it out…and then it hit me…she was trying to put a little rubber band she found in her hair like Ashby and Kensington do. So, I did it for her. And she LOVED it!
On Friday night, we ate dinner on our town square and then hit up our church’s Trunk or Treat nearby. My little skeleton and Mulan were so excited! (Both costumes from years past.)
(Pssssst: that’s that top again that I love!)
And Tinkerbell was back too.
Madeley went as a cute two year old :).
We love trunk or treat!
I was heading to bed and peeked at my littlest love asleep. It’s so cool that I have a baby at my house. She is just more than we ever could have imagined.
On Saturday night, we carved our jack-o-lanterns…in our Christmas pjs…because you know, that’s how we roll.
Sunday morning was extra special because it was our church’s Orphan Sunday. Once a year, our church dedicates its entire service to orphan awareness and orphan care. It was in this service six years ago when I felt the Lord truly call me to mother a child without one. How grateful I am that the Lord called me to this…and that he lead me to these two sweet girls. I am so blessed to be their mama.
Sunday night, we went to yet another Halloween party…because you know…the more, the merrier!
So many sweet friends were there too!
They were all waiting with anticipation as the very talented balloon guy made them things…
…like this awesome duck hat ;).
Madeley is always the life of the party. She loves to be out and about!
And then that lead us to Halloween night…
This year, we all decided to dress up. My kids thought this was AWESOME! Here we all are: Kylo Ren, Jasmine, a cop, Mulan and a criminal with Belle.
But…Samuel’s costume won best prize FOR SURE! Hahahahahaha! I laughed every time I looked at that sweet boy! We always love that Papa Jay and Lovie come over for Halloween along with Sean, Catherine and now, Samuel too. We ate dinner at my house before heading out to trick or treat with friends.
A cop, a criminal and a whole lot of kids!
A big group always meets at Andrea’s to trick or treat. She had her amazing punch again this year. It’s ALWAYS a hit!
Belle was a HUGE fan!
I just love looking out and seeing everyone. So much love here!
What a sweet crew of kiddos!
And I do believe the parents brought their a-game too!
I love where we live. It just felt like Halloween night when we were out trick-or-treating.
Sweet girl. She has two fragile arms right now, but a BIG smile on her face!
Even with his mustache worn off…he still made me laugh. That part!
And this made me laugh every time too! Bahahaha!
She loved her first Halloween :).
All the mamas.
And the dads too.
Every year, Andrew tells a spooky story. The kids eat it up!
And then, when it was over and we were all piled back in the car, my kids requested and we agreed…
…it was time to move on to the best season of them all ;).
That was Halloween 2016!
xo
Erika Slaughter says
Fabulous night, friend!! I love that tradition! I was expecting Halloween music in the car. Ha! Of course not!
Leslie Z. says
I love that you and all your best buds get together to trick-or-treat! What fun are holidays without friends?! Good luck tomorrow, you’ll rock it!
Today I’m sharing some fall must haves!! There are some great ones!
http://www.withlovefromgablog.blogspot.com
Sheaffer says
Loved seeing all of these precious pics of the kids. But I have to say, the parents totally brought their A GAME! Y’all looked AMAZING!
Jenny says
I’ll be sure and tune into the Today show today…how exciting! What a fun time of year to visit NYC and Today!
~Jenny
Narci says
What a great night!!! We had the best time! And, I love Madeley and her precious ponytail! What a baby doll!! Xo
Holly Breton says
It is so funny that you start the Christmas music on Halloween night! We started doing that last year on Halloween night too! I had recently started reading your blog last year and I think you inspired me! 🙂
Kelly says
So much fun going on here! EXCELLENT costumes! You and Catherine were adorable! But You’re tight. Samuel was hilarious-totally transformed! Haha!
What a smart baby Madelyn is with the hair rubberband! So cute!
And your mom looks great – she’s in awesome shape!
Can’t wait to watch you tomorrow! Good luck 🙂
P.S. I love how much you enjoy the holidays!! Haha onto Christmas! LOl
Sheryl says
How fun! I think I wore a similar costume in college.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Such a sweet time with friends and family! And I’m with your kids–I started my Christmas music yesterday morning! It’s my favorite time of the year!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kate says
Looks fun!! I saw another blog post this year where kids started Trick or Treating before dark. That’s a good idea (more candy!!) but the houses around here would never have their lights on and be ready at that hour. Maybe I’ll start a movement! Haha!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
It looks like the best Halloween!! The kids all looked great as did the parents! We also dressed up a little this year with the kids and they loved it! How exciting for the Today Show!! Good Luck!!
Brianna says
I totally said to my husband last night that I’m pulling out my Michael Buble Christmas CD 😉 best.holiday.EVER
Sheena Hair says
Madeley’s pony tail is so adorable! My daughter doesn’t have a whole lot of hair & that’s how I fix it…I call it her little tree! Lol! Loved all these pics, thanks for sharing!
Laci says
Madeley and the ponytail!!! Stop it!!! The parents dressing up is probably my favorite. I just love to see how funny kids think it is when their mom and dad dress up! I am setting my DVR! WooHOO!
Linda Grubbs says
Love your Halloween post!!!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
What a fun night and such great costumes!!! I’ll be tuning in today…I know you’ll be FAB!
Leslie S says
I cannot get over Madeley’s cute smile! Girl is loving life! Love how you ended with Buble. Peace out Halloween, hello red, green, carols, and peppermint!
Angela Ellingson says
Madeley with her ponytail… I can’t even handle it! So sweet! Looks like you guys had a fantastic time. The last picture is my favorite. Yay Christmas (and Michael Bublé)!
Kelsey says
SO MUCH FUN!!! I love all of the costumes but Samuel definitely wins 🙂 Madeley is just flourishing with you all and it’s so amazing to see. Glad the Shulls had a great Halloween! Now bring on Thanksgiving and Christmas 🙂
Megan Butler says
I love that all the adults dressed up too!! ya’ll are so fun! Looks like a fabulous weekend. And Miss M. I seriously can’t even!! She is precious!
Allie Zusan says
A Packer Fan in Texas!! Be still my Wisconsin loving (living) heart!!
Marta says
Shay you looked adorable!!! How cute are you and Andrew! My favorite holiday post so far. Samuel took best costume hands down. I could not stop laughing! Bring on Christmas!
Pam says
I commented last time on your makeup and now let me say your body is banging! Mother of four?? You look like a barbie doll… I don’t think it’s the makeup or the gym – I think it’s the inner beauty and generosity of you radiating out – so happy for you and your beautiful family!
Oh, and I have to ask – those tall black boots are really cute – do you remember where they’re from?
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re super old Jessica Simpson boots!
Francie says
Shay you looked so fabulous in your cop costume! http://www.supersimpleways.com
Megan. says
You have become a part of my morning routine. Wake up, read your blog, get out of bed… Thank you for your incredible story telling abilities, tasty recipes, and beautiful outlook on life.
Theresa Childs says
Looks like such a fun ending to October. Your children are all so precious. Love the adult costumes. The last 2 years my husband and I have dressed up and it is really fun. Thanks for sharing. I love reading your blog. When do the pumpkins come down and the Christmas decorations begin at your house ?
Gloria says
I rarely (really never) notice any photo bombs, but I can’t resist pointing out the photo bombs in Ashby’s and Madeley’s photos at the restaurant. Zoom in to see the look on the boy’s face and I can’t tell if the man is looking at his phone or food (looks like a french fry).
Love all the pics…..looks like a fun night was had by all!!!
Sarah says
Congrats on the Today Show!!! I’ll make sure to watch! 🙂 And LOVE all the Halloween costumes! Glad you guys had fun!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Amie says
Samuel totally looks like Catherine with that faux dark hair!! Madeley’s ponytail is the cutest!
Valerie says
Everyone looks so cute!! Can you tell us where you got your adorable tights/hose you are wearing with your costume? The pattern is so cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Target 🙂
Tammy says
Love love that Focus Coffee Mug ! And the photos of you all dressed up in your costumes are all fabulous !!!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
Girl, I was DYING when I saw that picture of Samuel on Instagram!!!! I think that just might be one of the funniest costumes I’ve ever seen on a baby! Hysterical.
And AAAALLLL the yes to Christmas music! Our local station started playing nonstop Christmas tunes on 11/1 and we are all happily jamming along! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Kelli says
Love all of the costumes! And I love sweet Madeley’s smile that grows bigger with every post! Some of your links often don’t work for me…like the one for the coffee mug. Do you mind telling me the store? Thanks!
Elizabeth says
So fun, SO FUN! What is your lipstick in the photo of you holding Madeley with the pink frilly bow? Love that berry shade!
Mix and Match Mama says
Roman from Chanel 🙂
Leslie says
Seriously Sean, Catherine & Samuel won Halloween. They looked so awesome! So did everyone!l
brett says
I LOVE that Hocus Pocus mug!! Too cute! Looks like you had a great Halloween!
Jeanie says
Please tell me who Catherine is supposed to be! It’s right on the tip of my tongue. You both look adorable.
Mix and Match Mama says
Wednesday Addams :)!
Carrie says
I have never watched Kathie Lee and Hoda but I totally just set my dvr to record it!
Love your holiday traditions.
Cayce says
I love reading your blog! Those adult costumes were on point!!!
Gudie says
Love your posts, your children are beautiful and really enjoy reading about them. Looking forward to watching Kathy Lee and Hoda tomorrow..
Kristen says
Long time lurker of your fun blog 🙂 Quick question – where were K&S’s Christmas pj’s from? Want to get some for my kiddos and am only familiar with PB Kids 🙂 Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gymboree!! xo
Melody says
Fun pictures…and I know Madely’s skeleton pajamas have bones on them but the way her leg is bent in the photo of her sleeping makes for an unfortunate placement of one of the leg bones…at first glance of the pic I thought it was something else ????????
Katherine says
I love that you and Sean do so many fun things together as a family and with your kids! It looks like everyone had such a great time!
Amanda says
It’s so sweet seeing these pictures of happy baby Madeley already blossoming so much! And may I ask where you got her fearfully & wonderfully made shirt? I’d love to get them for my kiddos. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
A friend of mine gifted it to her. She told me she picked it up at a local boutique.
Amanda says
Thanks for letting me know!