Halloween

When I was a kid, my very creative mom made me a-w-e-s-o-m-e costumes for Halloween.  I've won more than one costume contest in my life, and when I went trick-or-treating, people would call their spouses to come to the door to see my costume.  I wish I could say that I've carried on my Mom's tradition of costume-making genius for my kids, but I haven't.  I have no idea how my mom had time for all of that sewing!  It's okay though.  My kids seem to be okay with store bought costumes, and that works for me.  

Maybe it's just been awhile, but I don't remember Halloween being such a big deal when I was a kid.  I remember carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and walking through a haunted house or two, but it seems like Halloween now is crazy busy.  It seemed like we had a lot of Halloween events this year, but that's just fine since we all love the holiday. 

Bobbing for apples at the Halloween pack meeting party.

We went to a fun family night party at a park close to our house.  The kids got their faces painted.  They got to make glow-in-the-dark slime, do a cake walk and maze, and have hot chocolate and donuts.

Blake had a preschool program.

I got to volunteer in Ty's class for his Halloween party.

 We (more like I) carved a million pumpkins and took them to the Trunk-er-Treat in our neighborhood.

We decorated cookies at Grandma's house.

We went trick-or treating at Grandpa's office with the cousins.

The boys went trick-or-treating.

 And here's what we've all been waiting to see. . . the candy haul!

The candy was totally out of control again this year.  The kids had (more than) their fill, and then I confiscated the rest.  I took them to Target to chose a small toy in return.  I think next year I'm going to try and find a dentist to buy it back---it's just way too much to keep in the house!

We're declaring this year's holiday a success!