Hallapalooza

Every year our church has "Hallapalooza night" where the kids win prizes, play games, get tons of candy, watch a movie on the big screen, and generally have a grand ole time! Alia was going to go as a pizza, but after much thought, we decided against it! She whines when her sleeve is an inch higher than she wants it to be, let alone when there's a cardboard pizza hanging around her neck! So... she went as a little cowgirl instead - complete with her own horse "Trigger" (compliments of Grampa Great's handy work)!

Watching the real horses out the window before she gets "cowgirled up"...


Even though it was practically the same clothes she wears everyday, she was a little hesitant.. we got the jeans, shirt, and boots on - but the hat just wasn't going to work out!


Here she is in overalls... which I decided were too farmerish and not cowgirl enough, so later on we switched to regular old jeans!



She rode her horse all over the house... even to visit daddy in the "far off office"!


After the costume adjustment she's off again!



Howdy partner


Despite tons of games, Alia was perfectly content just playing with these balls!


Hallapalooza in high gear



The fishing game was officially Alia's favorite... we had to go twice on this one!



Off to put-putting... who knows maybe she'll take up a golfing career after her hole in one! Wouldn't Jon be thrilled?!?!


The ring toss


The bean bag toss - at this point Alia had figured out that after each event "she" got candy. (Which Daddy promptly put in his pocket!!) So why not just cut to the chase and grab a handful right?!


After a little demonstration she was ready to play



Taking a pit stop for another hotdog


And of course after a hotdog ya need cotton candy!


Jon decided he'd try his hand at guessing what was in the bag... and got 2 out of 3, not bad! I only did a taste testing game and was quite pleased that I correctly guessed Coke and Pepsi... neither of which I ever drink!



The movie was "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and we were able to sit still for about the first 10 minutes (thanks to popcorn!)... but then Alia wanted to get back on her horse and ride, ride, ride!

It was great to visit with friends a bit, have a fun evening out, and watch Alia experience new things! I look forward to next year when there's another little peanut to dress up, and Ali will be much more interested in the activies. The down side... she'll probably notice us pocketing all her treats! So, we better enjoy that candy stash while we can!