Happy Halloween, Dorothy!

Our Little Dorothy

 Halloween fell on Monday this year, giving us ample fall festivals to enjoy. Granddaddy works part-time at Heights Baptist Church in Alvin, so when he told us his church would have their festival Friday night, we thought why not go and enjoy it! After all, when else do you get to dress your toddler up like a tiny Judy Garland and parade her around for all to see?  The night started off with family pictures on the porch. We all smiled as Sadie shouted, "CHEEEEESE!"

 Once we arrived at Heights, it didn't take us long to find the fun! A remarkably cold night for Houston (or Alvin, rather), we brought Sadie's pink coat trimmed with felt flowers. We disrobed her once inside so she could show off her Dorothy costume. She was, of course, most immediately drawn to the giant pumpkin sparkling with the help of a white string of lights. "Punkin!" She shouted with glee.

 It didn't take long for Sadie to realize there must be something fantastic to enjoy in the enclosed space, as children and families were spread in every direction across the room. Toddler cheerleaders, preteen robots, and even a youthful Edward Scissorhands were all on display.

Whoa, Granddaddy! Look at all the fun!

 Of all the games Sadie played, she seemed to enjoy the "Horse Races" most of all. She walked slowly up and down the race lines as I gentle prodded her to keep moving. On the sidelines, Gammy and Granddaddy cheered her on. She came in last (racing against two preteen boys isn't easy), but she had no clue, so she finished the races as pleased as punch. After all she was given a lollipop no matter what she placed.

Giddy-up, Black Beauty!

The inside bouncy house was another fun stop for Sadie. She's funny. Although she adores being outside and playing until she drops, she is somewhat cautious when it comes to play time. I only have recently been made aware of this as I have seen the little toddlers of friends and family who will throw themselves into bounce houses, off ramps, or even into walls, filled with abandonment. Even when Sadie's toddler temper flares and she tries to throw herself to the ground, what actually unfolds is a tiny little girl slowly lowering herself to the tile floor, ever so carefully bending her head back until it softly reaches the ground. Kind of anti-climatic when trying to throw any sort of temper tantrum. lol I appreciate Sadie's caution and consider her choices to preserve her tiny bones as wise beyond her years. :)

Cautiously exiting the bounce house

A candy for bouncing? Yes, please!

Dorothy found a scarecrow!

Kisses for Gammy

 One thing we all really enjoyed at this festival was the creativity that went into the toddler games. Instead of regular bowling, Sadie had the chance to throw a giant inflatable ball toward pins of equal size. Also, she had the chance to play the "Good Samaritan Game" where each child was given a Band-Aid to put on a "sick" girl or boy drawn to a poster. I think you were actually supposed to be blind-folded for that one, but thankfully those running the show allowed Sadie to help the poor poster girl unencumbered.

Whoa. Big.

The "Good Samaritan Game"

Gammy, Dorothy, and Mommy

 We noticed a long line forming up on the stage and quickly realized it was for face painting. Although Sadie seemed interested, we thought she was still too small to sit still while it was painted, so Gammy asked Sadie if she wanted Mommy to get her face painted. She plainly responded, "Yes. Do." So, that was that. We stood in line so that I could get an Elmo painted on my right cheek as Sadie and Gammy supervised the painting session.

Mommy receives an Elmo face painting!

Mommy and Daddy with Sadie

 Even thought it was a blustery night, people from all over Alvin populated the parking lot and outside game area as well. There was even a fire truck and petting zoo on hand! Sadie stopped to pet the goats as we heeded the owner;s warning to be careful because the goats are likely to eat your coat.

Sadie pets the goat.

A baby goat that looked strangely familiar. Mia?

Drop a candy corn in the jar!

Put a froggy in the bucket!

Bad to the Bone

 Before we left, we had Sadie go back inside for another round of games since she finally started to understand that she received candy each time she played. Bless her heart. With her granola-crunching mommy, I don't think she enjoyed a single piece. I'm enjoying the fact that her raisins and organic fruit strips were more than enough to please her after a night of grabbing at lollipops and Tootsie Rolls.

Slam dunk, Sadie!

OK. So I only get one?

 A good time was had by all. We played every game in sight, took some family pictures on the bench outside, kissed the scarecrow goodbye, then it was time to go home. Sadie sang, "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho" the whole way home. Thanks to Bob and Larry, Sadie has learned the Veggie Tales version and makes everyone in the car crack up with laughter as she screams loudest on the ends of measures or phrases. (Jeri-CHO!!!!!!)

Sadie was way more interested in hugging Granddaddy at this point than smiling...

"Bye, Scarecrow. Bye."

We returned home and Sadie changed into her Ariel pajamas. She doesn't know her name. She calls her "girl." She cozied up to each one of us, giving us hugs as I am sure we closed the night out with a little bit of Veggie Tales fun for all. Happy early Halloween!

Night Night!