Happy Birthday Carson/ Party Weekend!

Last Saturday was Carson's 5th birthday so everyone came out to celebrate. My parents flew into Burbank Thursday afternoon and I was so excited to finally have someone come visit us on a Thursday so we could show them the South Pasadena Farmer's Market! This is truly one of my favorite things here. The market is so quaint and has so much personality. Not to mention this is a fantastic time of year here. Crew and I usually just load up on samples but with my parents here we actually bought some fruit too! It is so much better here!

My parents also spoiled me with flowers.

Some more pictures from hanging out at the market

There is also a Metro stop right there so it is very exciting to have choo choos coming every ten minutes!

Ever since we moved here I have wanted to try this grilled corn on the cob. Dad couldn't resist it either. It was soooo delicious!

After our walk to and through the Farmer's Market, we grabbed some dinner and headed down to Anaheim. Christian flew into Long Beach and Maren and Cam's family came in that night too. We all got up early the next morning for Disneyland! Matt and Christian were there at 7:45 to cram as many of the big rides as they could before we met them there about 9:45. Grandma with the boys as we start the walk over.
Grandma getting knocked around on Autopia

These boys really love each other and I can't believe that Carson is five!
Crew and his favorite Lightening McQueen!

Friday was Disney's official Christmas kickoff. I love this place at Christmas. The castle, the fireworks, the snow (yes, it snows!). It is so magical.

Waiting for the parade

The ladies

Maren and Parker. Parker is at such a fun age right now. He thinks he is one of the big boys and is hilarious to watch. He loves to give me loves too which I can't get enough of!

The Christmas Parade was a total hit with Crew

The next morning we attempted to take a family picture since we still haven't gotten us all in a shot since Christian came home from Taiwan. This may be seen again on my parents Christmas card even though it is not the best shot so act surprised!

Maren's fam did Disneyland again Saturday but our passes weren't good that day and my parents had to leave so we spent the morning in Newport. We walked the pier, played in the fun zone and ferried over to Balboa Island. It was a beautiful day.

The boys

Crew really enjoyed having Christian around too. Here he is sharing fruit snacks with him.

Dad and Christian on the Ferris wheel

On the ferry

Nothing like a corn dog right?

After Newport, my parents had to leave and Christian came back to South Pas with us. We enjoyed a lazy afternoon just hanging out and the next morning made Pumpkin Donuts. Umm, delicious! For some reason since they are homemade you think you can eat more of them too (key word is think).

We dropped Christian off at the airport later that day. We were all sad to see him go especially Crew who kept asking about him and why we left him at the airport. It was so much fun to be with everyone again and thank you Carson for providing a reason for it! We love you Carson, Happy Birthday! Thanks mom, dad and Christian for coming!

The Descanso Gardens

Crew's latest thing is carrying around his doggy Matsen on his shoulders. We met Matt at the park this day and I thought it was so funny to see Matt with Crew on his shoulders and Matsen on Crew's. In some ways I am thinking this doggy attachment phase may be a good lead into a baby brother. We will see....
Yesterday afternoon we decided to check out the Descanso Gardens that are just a few miles from here. It was a great afternoon! I wish I could have gotten some better pictures because I feel like these don't really do it justice. But here are some pics from our afternoon. Crew and I checking out the map. Kisses from my boy

I really love that we can be so close to a big city and still have places like this just minutes away. The leaves are starting to change around here so it really felt like a fall day. We loved exploring all the "secret paths."

Hiding in the hay

One of the many highlights was the little railroad. I love all the green in this picture!

Whoo Whoo!

The fence in the background is a bit of an eye sore, but it really was a pretty spot and not to mention so fun.

Running through the rose gardens

A sample of the garden beauty

I know his hand is in his face but I still think they are both pretty cute

Blast this kid not being in a picture mood! Our one attempt at a family picture.

Doing what kids should do in the fall. Isn't it funny how much they love this!

Throwing leaves on Dad

This was definitely a spot we need to come back to!

A Very Happy Halloween!

I must say that this was by far my most favorite Halloween! This area where we live loves Halloween and everyone goes all out for it. Let's start with our ward trunk or treat.
My clever husband created a very spooky trunk for treating. Mummy guts (cooked spaghetti noodles), mashed brains (smashed bananas) or tricky treats (the good stuff).

The witch and her Buzz

Finnley as Cruella, Talli the witch, Drew the monster and the one and only Buzz Lightyear.

The Olsons totally won the prize for best costume and were in character all night! The kids were a little afraid of them, but they were definitely a hit! This picture is not my best angle but we couldn't resist a picture with the Oompa Loompas (spelling?)

From trunk or treating we went up to Colorado Blvd for pizza and free ice cream! Crew, who was up way too early that morning, needed a little power nap to get ready for the real trick or treating!

Emmy, Crew and Zoie

From there it was time for the real stuff. This was the best trick or treating I have ever experienced! We headed over to the streets of San Marino. These homes are amazing and it was so fun to get to go right up to their front doors! The streets were all lit with charming street lamps, the houses all decked out for Halloween, and the owners all so excited to see our kids. I felt like I was trick or treating on a movie set. Totally so much fun.

Crew's power nap really worked. He went strong for two hours straight! After each stop it was "Let's go to the next house!" from Crew. We hit our last house shortly after 9 pm and when we finally got back to our car Crew said "I'm tired!"

Then it was time to go home and check out the damage.

That is a true smile!

And what is the best part about dumping our your candy? Organizing it into piles of course. Crew was organizing well into the night, tucked it under his bed to sleep, and then at 6:00 this morning (he didn't get the memo about sleeping an extra hour for daylight savings) he busted into our room with his bowl of candy ready to organize some more. What are we going to do with all this candy?

We definitely had a happy Halloween here!