Halloween With Mickey!

Well, we finally made it!  For years now, we've been wanting to get to the annual International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT, and this year was the year we did it.  Simone's school was closed on Monday and Tuesday and Halloween fell on Saturday, so what better than to take a long weekend and head for Disney World to trick or treat with Mickey Mouse?  We even landed an extra hour with changing the clocks back! It was soooo much fun!

Simone's aunt, uncle, and cousin joined us for five days in the happiest place on earth.  This was the first holiday we celebrated at Disney (aside from 4th of July), and not surprisingly, this place knows how to throw a party.

The resort was decorated for the season and had lots of festivities to celebrate -- a pumpkin decorating contest, trick or treating, and a cupcake party-- just to name a few.

The food and wine festival was great.  EPCOT is typically our favorite park, and the food sampling made it even better this time.

This year was the 20th annual festival.

Mussels from New Zealand.

Yakisoba and sushi in Japan -- Simone's favorite.

This corn cheesecake in Mexico was AMAZING!!!

The girls in their Halloween Day outfits.

For the evening, we all dressed up for the Mickey Not So Scary Halloween Party. We wanted costumes that were easy, coordinated, and comfortable.  I think we hit the mark.

It was fun to see the Magic Kingdom all decked out for the occasion.

Mommy's artistic shot.

Aunt Sue spotted this PERFECT set in Fantasyland for Simone to pose for a few poodle shots.  MY FAVORITE!!

Halloween parade was great!

And the fireworks stunning as usual.

The Disney villains were a big theme of the weekend, and Simone saw more than a few, but here's a quick taste of a couple...

Just before midnight, as we shut down the park.

A truly special and crazy fun Halloween weekend --totally worth missing the Halloween events in our neighborhood (which are always super fun).  And now it's time to start gearing up for the next holiday -- we just love this time of year!

8th Birthday Party

Alright family and friends -- Simone is turning EIGHT, and she had one epic party to celebrate her birthday yesterday.  But because nothing is ever ordinary or simple for Simone, we combined not two, but three themes for this year's celebration.  Simone really really wanted an American Girl slumber party, but mommy and daddy thought that she was still a little young for sleepovers.  So instead, we found a Pajama Jam party at the Sweet and Sassy Salon and Spa.  And voila -- Simone's American Girl Pajama Jam & Spa Party.

Sweet and Sassy did a wonderful job accommodating our combination theme and Simone has already requested that her party be there again next year, but next time she requested a 4 HOUR party --lol! None of them wanted to leave.

Waiting for all the guests to arrive--in their pajamas, of course-- with much anticipation.

The stage was set for some SERIOUS makeover magic!

All the friends PRE-makeover.

 And then it begun, an evening of facials, hair, makeup, snacks, dancing, karaoke and all of the things that make sleepovers magical.

Just loved how special they made Simone feel at this party.  

My favorite shot!

We don't want her to get too used to this pampering.

Wrap around french braid WITH GLITTER SPRAY!!! Simone was on cloud nine.

And then make up and nail polish!!

The party room, decked out for our American Girls.

Each place had a setting for a girl and her doll, complete with mini party hats.

ALL GLAMMED UP!!

The cake -- yum.

Simone's favorite part was the karaoke and dancing segment.  What eight year old doesn't go crazy for disco balls, silver beaded curtains, a stage and her best friends?

Simone took a long time to make her wish (we all wonder what it was!) and then blew out her candles like a pro.  Mommy and daddy hope that wish and ALL her wishes come true!!!!

The evening flew by, but all of the girls left sparkly and happy.  Most importantly, Simone had an incredible evening of fun to celebrate her birthday with her friends.  And we got to watch our baby smile the whole time!

Still Lovin' the Summer

So, lest anyone think we've stopped having too much fun this summer, please stand corrected.  Last week was another banner week -- busy but awesome.  On Thursday night we went to the Filene Center at Wolf Trap to see one of our very very favorite groups in concert -- THE PIANO GUYS!  It was incredible.  These guys are so talented and so entertaining.  When you can keep a 7 year old engaged with classical music for 2 hours -- you have a special gift.

Concert was completely sold out, but we got some great seats right in orchestra center.

Just amazing what a pianist and a cellist can do together!

And then.... what Simone's been waiting all summer for.... A WEEKEND WITH HER COUSINS!!

The feature presentation was a day at the Watermine with the whole gang.  And the proverbial icing on the cake was that the new waterslide section just opened.  I cannot describe the hours of thrills and joy the kids had at this place.  We arrived at opening and had only planned to stay for about 3 hours, but we scored a sweet section under a huge umbrella near the slides and next thing we knew we were nearly shutting the park down!

Good ole lazy river.  Even with the new attractions, this still was a mainstay of the visit.

They did a great job taking a really nice water park and making it even better.  Way to go Fairfax county!

This gang was inseparable the whole day.  Their most efficient movement strategy was to link arms and weave through the crowd in a line.  lol!

 I gotta say, Europe was pretty spectacular, but for Simone nothing beats a weekend with her cousins. She was sad to see them go home, but there's always next time.