Trick or Treating

I am only going to admit this once, so hold on to your chairs, but by the time Halloween had finally arrived I was a little over it. Only a little though. Don't panic! I, Mindy, the lover of all things Halloween am STILL devoted to the holiday. I think that with the combination of crafting so far in advance and having our party earlier in the month it felt like Halloween had already come and gone. By the time the 31st had actually arrived I had been celebrating for a month and a half. That's okay though...it's not like I had much to complain about. (Well, putting away all of the decorations is never as fun as putting them out.) "You mean I have to watch Grace walk around and collect candy for me to eat? Ooohhh maannn!"

We kicked the night off by crashing a neighborhood cookout with our dear friends (and partners in crime) the Powers. We adults hung back as our children ran wild going from door to door soliciting all sorts of goodies for us to later pillage. This year Grace made the enlightening understanding that is the crux of Halloween nirvana, "You mean all I have to do is say 'trick or treat' and people give me fistfuls of candy?" Isn't Halloween magical?

As if the night could have gotten any better...it went ahead and did! We went to Mom and Pop's for some delicious broccoli and cheese soup with breadsticks. HEAVEN!

Halloween, you've done it again you fantastically wonderful holiday! Thank you for all of your magic and delight. There could be no better holiday to usher in my favorite time of year. Until we meet again! (Considering that it is now mid March...you'll be here all the sooner!)

Ward Carnival

{Circa October 28th, 2009}

Can I just say that I love that our ward throws a neighborhood carnival? For one thing, it gives me another excuse to dress Grace in her costume. Throw in games for little ones along with food and treats and you've got the recipe for a fun evening.

That REALLY is one "COOL CHICK!"

Hunt Halloween Bash

This year's family party was a SCREAM! Thanks to the timing of Jace and Andrea's wedding it was our good fortune to have so many family members in attendance. Everyone, young and old, played along and got gussied up for a night of clever costumes, tempting treats, ghoulish games, and creatively carved pumpkins.

Bride to Be

{September 26, 2009}
Jace and Andrea (Anandra as Grace calls her) were going to be hitched soon, so a bridal shower was in order. The best part was seeing Andrea's cheeks blush as she opened lingerie and Grace shouted, "Oooo, pretty dress-ups!"

Sassy

This picture screams:

"I am SO your daughter, Mom...just wait!"

Birthday

Birthdays Rock! (Even if I am creeping ever closer to 30:) My day was filled with what I like to do best.

1. Wake up...Hang out with my little family.
2. Went to work with Hubby. (I LoVe just BEING with him.)
3. Lunch at Dilly's Deli. (They make the BEST gourmet sandwiches!)
4. Popped into the Scottsdale mall before our movie started.
5. Saw Easy Virtue at a little theater that shows small/indie/artsie films. (What a find!)
6. Had dinner with the family at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant on Mill Ave. (My Fave!)
7. Fell in love with a new recipe... a delicious made from scratch apple cake with cream cheese frosting. (Lovingly prepared by Kara.)
8. Watched my DVRed episode of The Bachelorette.
9. "Snuggled" with Hubby.
10. Fell blissfully asleep.

{Circa July 6, 2009}

A Family Fourth

Tired of our usual festivities of BBQing and watching fireworks from the roof top, the Hunt clan packed up and headed to the woods determined to have a "small town" July 4th. Jen and Ken were visiting for the weekend and with the exception of our soon-to-be addition, Andrea, the whole family was together!

Arriving Friday, we set up our tent compound and shared a late night around the fire feasting on tin foil dinners. (We nearly headed for Denny's since our food took so long to cook!)

On the 4th we went to town for breakfast at the local diner and spent some time on the grass in the park were the fireworks were to be held that night. In the afternoon I made the rounds to all of the antique shops. (On my quest I found a lovely hat, vintage tablecloth, and a tin canister.) At night we snagged a perfect spot to watch the fireworks light up the sky right above us. Tragically, Jen lost a beloved flipflop, but otherwise the day was very enjoyable.

Kara made a delicious breakfast Sunday morning and we shared our testimonies with one another. It is a true blessing to be a part of this family. We are like a good patchwork quilt...each of us unique and stitched together with love.

Dad's Rule

Grace and I are so lucky to have this man in our lives. Wanna know why? Cause he's the kind of man that shares his Father's Day candy with us. Now that's what I call love.

{Circa June 20, 2009)