Halloween Nights

We headed out to Halloween Nights at the Dallas Zoo tonight.  The big kids were excited to wear their costumes and go trick or treating for the first time this year, but Grey was ticked that we woke him up from nap to go...

 

He finally stopped crying when we put him in the car, but he would not crack a smile at us for the longest time.

I even tried making silly faces while taking a seflie, but that kid gave me nothing!  Look at how serious he is!

As soon as we entered, Hunter wanted to know where the trick or treating was, so we followed the signs to the closest station.  This cool lady was sitting right by the first station...

Then it was time for their first candy grab of the year!

We headed toward the children's zoo, and Grey slowly started warming up to the idea of getting happy...

Hunter and Charlotte played in the Children's zoo area while Grey stood around with us.  We got TONS of comments on his costume.  Virtually everyone that walked by for the entire night was so excited to see Olaf!

There was a station where you could get masks in the children's area, so Char chose a zebra...

The boys passed on this.

Then we found face painting (which the boys also passed on).  Char and I waited forever (partly because so many people cut in line in front of us...infuriating), but it was finally her turn, and it was worth the wait. Her make up matched her dress perfectly...

Then we trick or treated some more, looked at some animals and blow up characters, and even took a picture with Tigger...

I promise I love Hunter as much as Char and Grey, but the kid isn't big on having his picture made.  Here's some proof that he was there...

He's the one in all black with his head cocked up.  There was a magic show and it held the kids attention for the entire time.  They loved it!

While Hunter and Char watched the magician, James and I chilled with Grey.  He finally smiled for several pictures, but the flash was too bright for his little eyes...

We went to several more trick or treat stations before heading out...

 

It was a fun family night!  More trick or treating tomorrow!

Sugar, Fried Food, and Fun!

James and I took off work today, so we could go to the great state fair of Texas on the kids' fair day.  We woke up to LOUD hail slamming against our roof and windows a little before 5AM, but miraculously all three kids stayed in bed.  We went back to sleep after it ended, and had a relaxing morning around the house before heading to the fair around 11.  The kids were excited to see Big Tex and ride some rides!!

When we got there, James headed to buy coupons while I lathered sunscreen on the little ones, and  we even had time to pose for some pictures...

Then we headed straight for the kid rides.  We told the kids they could each use 20 coupons on rides, but then realized all the rides were 8-10 coupons each!! Because we're awesome parents, we changed the rule to 5 rides for each big kid.  Grey sat out on rides this year, because he doesn't know the difference, so obviously we chose to save ourselves the $20. 

First they picked this fun house with a slide at the end...

Charlotte flew down!

 Then the spinning bears...

Then they lined up for this flying ride...

All set to start...

Grey was happy to just chill in the stroller and watch H and C...

This was Char's favorite of the day!

Next was this spinning roller coaster...

It was 3-4 per car, so this dude sat with them.  They were fast friends...

It was so fast that none of my pictures turned out, but it was Hunter's favorite of the day...

 

Then Hunter rode the bumper cars...

while Char and I rode this dog roller coaster...

It was fun, but I think she liked the other one better.

Then we shared nachos, a catfish po boy, and a cinnamon roll for lunch, and after we were done, we found Big Tex!

After we stopped by the cars, we headed to the Children's animal pavilion or zoo or whatever...

Hunter held his nose or grimaced through most of this exhibit.  I think we all know who he gets that from:/

Porcupines...

I forget what this animal is, but I thought the baby had interesting looking ears...

Those donkeys were so still...only their eyes blinked!

We headed to the dog stunt show after that, and then James and the 2 bigs rode the gondola for like $18 or something ridiculous.  Grey and I stopped for a funnel cake beside Big Tex while they rode.  He made this face each time Big Tex talked...

He loved the funnel cake!  Who doesn't?!

We were all exhausted, so after that we headed out.  By the time we got to the car, this is what our little loves looked like...

 

Wiped out, flushed and frustrated!  Those seat belts can be difficult when you're hot and tired.  It was a fun, full, exhausting day, and we loved it!