halloween

We began our Halloween celebrations with a homeschooling party at the park. We brought candycorn cupcakes to share. They had orange and yellow layers and then white frosting. Should have taken a picture. This party was organized somewhat at the last minute but it turned out amazingly well. I am so grateful for the group that we belong to.

Colin and Amy surprised us by coming dressed up to our family get together Friday night. Jeremy and Kim were in town with their boys so we had a Slade family party. Lots of delicious soup, rolls, cookies and cupcakes. Since most of us were starting our challenge on Monday we made sure to fill up on the good stuff.

Nathan carved this pumpkin all by himself and it turned out great.

 Finally, it was time for trick or treating.

 

 

 

 I stayed home to answer the door so I watched Food Matters on Netflix with the laptop. It was kind of ironic to be watching a show about healthy eating while I passed out candy. Emma went off with friends and Dave took the rest of the kids. When they left, the rain was coming in a downpour. Anne and Nathan only lasted about one street and came home to watch a movie. Sawyer and Slade kept going and stayed out quite a while since the rain finally stopped.

rewind and review

My feelings about Halloween haven't really changed from last year. I did try to embrace it a little more though. I made mummy bread.

I took my kids to a homeschool Halloween party and hosted another one for Activity Days.

I bought costumes for the boys and too much candy.

Emma decided to wear my Little Red costume that my mom made for Into the Woods my senior year.

I sent them out trick-or-treating with their dad.

I gave out candy at our house instead of hiding in the back with the lights off. In fact, I even enjoyed the evening because I stood across the street and talked with my neighbor. I left our candy bowl on the porch and just hollered across the street to the trick-or-treaters to take one. I was so glad it was such a warm night.

I still really don't like Halloween though! I am happy to move into November and the rest of the holiday season.

Today we woke up to snow and a new president-elect. Two reasons to be sad! My kids are happy though. Emma rushed through her schoolwork and chores so she could go outside early. The boys all joined her and they made snowmen in the backyard. Emma and Slade then shoveled the driveway for me. I think they are crazy for wanting to be outside but it sure makes for a nice quiet house.

trick or treat

Emma asked me this morning why we celebrate Halloween. My thought was, "That is exactly my point as to why am against this holiday. There is no reason to celebrate Halloween." I admit it. I am a Halloween hater. Love fall. Hate Halloween. Wish we could do away with the whole holiday. I don't like spending money/time on costumes. I don't like going door to door for candy. I don't like my kids getting candy for no good reason. I don't like having to become the Keeper of the Candy who must dole it out (never in the amount the kids want) for the next few weeks. I don't like Halloween.

I do have kids though. And I do like them. I think the Halloween festivities this year were satisfactory to them. We made sugar cookies in the morning and then decorated them with our homeschooling neighbors (we get together every Wednesday).
We raided my sister in law's costume box this year so I managed to spend no money or time this year. We ended up with a witch, Obiwan Kenobi, Spiderman and a Musketeer.
I was so grateful for the mild weather this year and for the fact that Daylight Savings starts next week. Emma went off with a friend so I headed out with the boys to trick or treat in the neighborhood. We lasted for about an hour and a half. Dave made it home from Boise (YEAH!) around 7 and went with us for the last street.

Every year I want to plan a big party a few days before Halloween and then do away with trick or treating. Every year I don't. Perhaps, it is the fact that I don't want to warp my children even further. They are homeschooled after all. And their friends aren't supposed to bring presents to their birthday parties. And...and...and a whole lot of other things. So even though I don't like the holiday, we will probably keep participating. Maybe next year I'll get into it a bit more but don't count on it.