I'm usually an over-the-top holiday lover. I like to decorate as soon and as much as possible. I tend to get overly-crafty and think I need to bake a few times a week. I listen to the corresponding holiday station on Pandora and plan special themed meals and projects for the kids. I over-do it and I love to.
This Halloween was no exception, except that we had so many parties and costume opportunities (not complaining, really!) that by the time the real deal rolled around, I was just kinda over it. A little worn out on putting everyone's costumes on for the fifth time. A little tired of the crazy-excited kids who couldn't wait for more candy and prizes and games. A little...well, pregnant. (I'm quite sure that had something to do with my waning enthusiasm.)
Julian was a little freaked out by the pumpkin guts
But, all in all, everything Halloween-related was great. I didn't regret any of the cool stuff we got to do and the kids had so much fun for like, two weeks straight.
We went to Trick-or-Trunk at the church. On the way there, Julian was grilling us on what games they were going to have there. (I wasn't positive there were even any at all.) Would there be bowling? Do you think they'll have skee-ball? I tried to explain the whole way there that it wasn't like an arcade set up...maybe they'd have a little beanbag toss something...
Well didn't I look like the pessimist when we got there and not only did they have a bowling game, but skee-ball, ring-toss, and a huge bounce house! After playing, there was trick-or-treating in the parking lot. Cue the first haul of candy.
Next up was the Zoo Boo. Fun as always. Busier than ever. Aaaand second candy payload...
Smoking out the bees to get them moving!
Evie was a little moody and kept giving us this look...
and required a lot of hugs from brother.
But she did have fun too!
Dinner at Grandma and Papa's was boisterous as always with the kids all together. Lots of fun games and prizes. Props to G&P for sending home fruit roll-ups and Goldfish instead of more candy!
Cute kids table
I think Eliana was nervous about Evie holding her!
Then the day of consisted of dressing J up for the preschool parade, games and more prizes at our own at-home party complete with spooky lunch, and after a blessed naptime...the real deal: trick-or-treating.
Parade for parents
Singing some Halloween songs
Spooky lunch
Their teeth were dyed green for a few hours...oops.
Trick-or-treating was cold and rainy, but the kids had fun and we didn't have to stay out long. One small neighborhood block filled both kids' pumpkins and we are now officially inundated with candy. The kids only get a piece or two each day, but never fear, Mommy and Daddy are doing their part.
Other highlights from Halloween 2012:
- When Evie says "spooky" it sounds like "fooky"...highly entertaining.
- Julian let me pick his costume again this year. He was happy with pretty much any ideas we had. Possibly the last time that will happen.
- We made it through the month of October without buying the completely inappropriate talking-skeleton-in-an-outhouse "decoration" that both Daddy & Julian had their eyes on.
- Ditto to any huge blow-up yard decor that Julian and Evie both coveted.
