Batman & Cat Woman

Happy Halloween from the Fokens' fam! We had great intentions of being the "Bat Family" this year, but this Bat Mama was overwhelmed with a mile long to-do list the week before Halloween and couldn't pull it all off. October has a way of stressing me out. Oh well, there's always next year to get the whole family involved. We did have a much more relaxed week and Halloween just enjoying the extra busy-ness of the holiday and eachother. I am owning up to the fact that this might be the last year we can coordinate the kiddos without one of them compromising what they really want to be. I forsee our little girly wanting to be a princess in the near future and just don't think Miller will want to be Prince Charming year after year;) For now, we're soaking up the extra cuteness of matchy match siblings.

 And, cute they certainly were. It's amazing to me what a black cape & mask does for the four year old male ego. Our batman transformed right before our eyes once his costume was on. He walked just a little prouder and announced to all just who he was.  The padded muscles gave him just the super hero confidence boost to ward off the bad guys on Halloween night. Cat Woman wasn't too fond of her kitten ears, but with great persistance I won that battle. Her little black nose was the icing on the cake for this kitty.

With five yards of tulle  for $2.00 & a you tube tutorial , this girl mom was armed and dangerous with mad tutu making skills. I figured we could save money on future costumes if I went ahead and learned the no sew tutu making artform. Her costume really was easy to pull off. I did have to give her skirt a little trim as it turned out long enough for an adult to wear. I tweaked Batman's costume a little too with the classic gold and black felt logo replacing a smaller gray symbol.

Extra spinning , twirling  and pawing at her skirt let me know that she loved her costume. I think I heard a cute little meow.

All the neighbors came out around 6:00 pm to get the evening festivities going. You could feel the excitement in the air. Empty sacks were just ready to be filled to the brim with treats. Batman was running in circles with excitement. We're so thankful for friends on our block to share in the fun.

 Kermit and Miss Piggy won best dressed in my book. Muppet nostalgia anyone?

We almost left without our Batman light up belt. Batman reminded us right before we made the trek down our street.

Grandmama and Poppy love to come observe all the activity. We're thankful they pass out candy while we escort the kiddos from house to house.

Lizzie Kat hopped in her pink car (aka the Bat Mobile) for a quick spin around our cul de sac.  She had no clue what everyone was collecting in their bags. I made sure to get my extra squeezies on her before Grandmama entertained her inside. There was a chill in the air this year and her kitty nose could only handle so much!

Batman and Picahcu combed the entire neighborhood side by side on the great candy search. They even conquered the spooky house together. We flew home cape and all with a full bag of treats and one tired superhero. 

all dressed up

We got all dressed up for our music class on Halloween morning. Eliza Kate lived up to her little nickname of "Lizzie Kat"  in her costume this year. She's a purrfectly groomed black kitty cat who big brother affectionately named as "Cat Woman" to coordinate with his costume. Music class has been a weekly highlight with my girly this fall. We love our mommy and me dates with toddler friends and other mommas on Monday mornings.

Lizzie Kat loves to swish her bottom back and forth to the beat. Her tutu gave her little swaying bottom an extra flair during the Halloween class. She dressed the part of the dancer to go along with all her moves as she feels the music.  For the most part, EK is still reserved when it comes time in class for her to exercise her "bum, bum, bum" musical part. She slinks back in to my lap when Miss Anna approaches trying to avoid her solo part. This one does not prefer to be center stage like her brother.

Her favorite part of class continues to be instrument time and twirling colorful scarves to the music. We like to "dance like no one else is looking" as Miss Anna teaches;) The Giraffe Collection CD has been the most enjoyable collection of songs to date. Eliza Kate has learned most of the ABC song thanks to track number 4.

After class, we enjoy lunch each week as a group. Miss Maggie as an adorable Elmo & Eliza Kate had to tolerate itchy tulle on their costumes. Poor babies! They're learning young that beauty is painful;)

samford homecoming 2011

It's hard to believe my college graduation was 10 years ago. In some ways, it feels like just yesterday I was enjoying campus life. Three life stages later..  career, then a husband & kids confirms it WAS 10 years ago. In honor of ten years, my sorority pledge class decided to join in on the reunion fun. We're always good about getting together for events like these. We made the trek on Halloween weekend  to Birmingham leaving Eliza Kate behind to enjoy her time with Grandmama and Poppy. My college roommate Terra and her family were sweet to offer up their guest room in Birmingham. Miller was over the top excited counting down the days to see twin brothers Logan and Will.

Some things never change over the course of a decade. Check out the boy's attire. Notice any similarities? As roommates, Terra and I would often get ready and unintentionally end up matching. It seems like history is repeating itself in our boy's attire. I love how they matched all the way down to their shoes. 

We booked it to campus Saturday morning to join in on the annual homecoming parade. We met up with a few friends and stood on the sidelines ready to chant with the AdiPi girls. (L-R  Logan, Charlie, Will and Miller) learned to cup their hands to beg for candy.

 Sure enough the AdiPi girls greeted the boys with game day bulldog stickers and treats. They were forever smitten with the girl's generosity. Of course I was proud that Miller was promoting some AdiPi love on his shirt. Some Chi O mommas nearby were more than happy to share their extra stickers peeling them out of their kiddos hands:) Ha!

We enjoyed a fall family fun day on the quad taking pictures with Mr, Beeson and greeting long lost friends that have really felt like true sisters throughout the years. There were tents galore, grills and tailgaters all over the quad. This was a campus life element that was new to me at Samford. The Bulldog game day experience has really taken off on campus and the excitement was contagious. With all the chaos, we were glad we didn't have to navigate a stroller through the madness. Keeping tabs on Miller man was a nice break from our usual routine.

There's always time for a roommate picture...Love you T!

We all met up under the 2001 reunion tent for a BBQ lunch. There was a lot of hugging, eating, laughing and baby trading going on at lunch. Lots of kiddos have been born in the last ten years. I got to meet Melissa's adorable son Walker for the first time. We were celebrating him at Melissa's shower the last time I was in town.

Between bouncing in the jumpy house (thanks aunty T) and poppin popcorn in his bulldog megaphone, this ra- ra- rowdy boy was loving all the pregame action. There were lots of little friends to play with.

A quick photo op of who we could find left to take a picture. A lot of sweet faces have joined our crew.

Sitting on the ground is a great trick to corral active boys. Popcorn helps too! There seems to be a trend in our pledge class to name our boys by maiden names....Walker, Miller, Hinson, and Dawson!

I had to laugh as Miller wanted to see my classroom: when I went to school :) I did give him a quick tour of the highlights. He was wide eyed taking it all in. We watched the game, shook red and blue shakers & screamed "Go Dogs". Miller was thrilled when the team emerged from an inflatable bulldog mouth with a fireworks tunnel. So much to get excited about! A Bulldog victory against Western Carolina was the perfect way to commemorate a fabulous reunion weekend.

pattycake, pattycake

 Our little bakers had a lot of messy fun at Ansley's third birthday this weekend.  Saturday soccer  games have really cramped our party Saturdays. And, I made the mistake of telling Miller about the party before the game. You can only imagine what his performance was like on the field. He was distracted with a capital D. All he could think about was all the baking fun he was going to have. He gets all worked up about social events.Can you blame him? So with an extra pep in his step off the field, we booked it to Ansley's Bake Shoppe. We made it just in time for lunch and the birthday chorus. Wish I could have gotten a cute picture of the birthday girl.

 Then, we got our own private chef session. Eliza Kate and Miller "rolled it and patted it and marked it with a B". I was really surprised Miller hung around the cooking tables. He loved rolling out the dough for the play pizzas. Besides making cookies, I've never really given him the opportunity to help me in the kitchen. I hate to say it, but a lot of times I'm controlled by thinking about the mess. If only, we could cook outside all the time!

 Baker see, baker do. Eliza Kate watches Miller intensely these days and mimics his play.The first few moments she assumed the role of sous chef and stared at Miller the head chef. With a series of grunts and points and the word "up", we positioned the missy on a chair and she got right to work mixing water and oatmeal. She sampled a few licks here and there too. It's a good thing all the ingredients were safe to sample. Eliza Kate loved stirring in the bowl. Maybe it's time for a kitchen?

 All the party details were delicious! Kristen even monogrammed the aprons. I just love this theme.

 Nothing like a wire whisk with gooey oatmeal stuck in the center.  Utensil training is in order for this chef.

They made a great team! We loved celebrating with Ansley at her wonderfully creative cooking party.

babydoll

I always say that Eliza Kate is my little dolly that has come to life. Looks like my little girl is taking after my love of dolls. The month we found out Eliza Kate would be a girl, Landon surprised us with an American Girl doll. He knew I had always wanted one:) Eliza Kate hasn't taken much of an interest in her until the last couple of months. She leans in ever so sweetly into the baby buggy and says,"Oh baby". Then, it's tucking in time with a gentle pat on baby's belly and a "night night" farewell from the little mommy.  We gave Bitty Baby her fall outfit change today complete with tights, a hat and sweater dress. She looked so chilly sitting alone in her buggy. Eliza Kate is intrigued by Bitty's open and close eyes. She loves to identify her nose and eyes then point to her face. Miller even noticed Bitty Baby's change of attire. He commented that he liked her hat. Landon would be so proud (smile).

This is how I found Eliza Kate after I finished the laundry today. She climbed her way into the buggy with baby in her arms waiting to take a ride around the house. I love this picture because they really are both the babies of this house. She really adores her Bitty. Little mommy in training.

Miller took this as an open invitation to parade his sister here and there in the buggy. He claims that he is the daddy. It wasn't quite the smooth ride she was anticipating , I'm sure. Quick corners and a fast pace made for a thrilling ride. These games always start off with giggles & happiness. As Poppy always says, "After laughing comes crying." After Miller ever so gently removed her out of the carriage, he made his way in for a ride...ha! Eliza Kate in turn was pounding on his head to get back in. Referee to the rescue!

caramel apples

Our new favorite treat after dinner are caramel apples. Something about warm caramel this time of year makes the season even more cozy. Thanks to Grandmama and Poppy for locating our family's apple peeler from when I was a girl. Miller can't get enough or "working" for his dessert. Eliza Kate can't get enough of this sweet treat either chanting, "apple" from her high chair. She has learned that the Granny Smith variety are not her favorite. We think she's just refining her palate. She squishes up her nose is a wrinkled sort of way to let us know it's sour tasting.

Even the leftover peel is entertaining to Miller. He calls it his worm and eats it slowly.What am I going to do with him?...Ha!

night at the patch

We took a more leisurely trip to Berry Patch Farms this weekend.  I prefer going in the early evening. The biggest plus is that we live 5 minutes from this farm. No crowds, open space and we can park right at the patch. So, Landon thinks the camera puts more pressure on our relaxed family trips. Not to mention, I make special requests that he wears a shirt that blends. Am I psycho or what? But, it shows he really loves me when he goes with the flow and humors me taking pictures. I'm torn a lot.  Capture the family memories?... or be stress free and let the kids roam free without sitting and posing? We do both.

 But, I must admit..I'm in love with kids in pumpkin patches. These are always my favorite pictures of the season. We did have a great family time together. Miller's getting easier to pose. He knows that once we get a few out of the way, he's free to play! Most of the time, I like his candid pictures anyway.

This one likes to roll the pumpkins like basketballs...so cute!

When they're not fighting, they're playing. They make each other laugh! We're loving every moment of the season together. We loaded up with  two of the cutest little pumpkins in the patch.