So much October FUN!!!

Halloween is still two days away and it feels like we've been Halloween-partying for weeks!! Here are a few of the Halloween highlights from our festive October!!

This was our weekly neighborhood playgroup. Each week we have a theme, and obviously, this week the theme was "Halloween"!!! Kim B. hosted the bash. (Thanks Kim!!) There were SO many moms and kids--exactly what we love to see at playgroup!! The kids had their pictures taken with a Halloween backdrop, made spider treats from Ding-dongs and licorice, made Halloween pinwheels, and witches. Then they were "let loose" outside for a scavenger hunt. Each child got to find a Halloween frisbie. Then they all played in the sand and on the playground. (Yep, in their costumes!!) We couldn't capture all the friends on camera, but we caught a few of them--such adorable, sweet friends the kids have!!

These pictures were taken just before we went to the ward Halloween carnival and Trunk-or-Treat this past Saturday. This served as our "official" costume photo shoot. That's the last time Logan voluntarily wore the car part of his costume--he's done with it!! Ellie is in true posing form. NO--I did not tell her to put her fingers under her chin in the top left photo--it comes naturally to that little kitten!! The carnival was held in the gym at the church. The kids had a ball going from game to game. Logan nearly had a meltdown because he was never winning at the cakewalk. Finally--the LAST number of the night--I won the cakewalk and let Logan have the last cake available. The evening turned out to be just a bit too much for the little man. He got hurt outside and it was all over for him. He didn't want to trunk-or-treat, but I made him, or I'd be hearing about it when we got home that, "Yes, I DID want to do it!!". One fit for the night was enough--so he trunk-or-treated on my back. I was now the race car--he was the driver. Sure loved seeing all our ward freinds at the carnival.

This group of photos were taken at Benji and Joseph's Halloween party. It's becoming a fun tradition for the kids. They were dancing to the Monster Mash---hate to admit, I did not join in. Luckily Lauren lead the Mash. The kids were really getting in to it--made me laugh lots. The kids got to feel spaghetti "gross stuff" and feel for worms, make cupcake spiders, play ghosts in the graveyard, jump on the bounce house, and have lots of food. My kids (especially Ellie) were as happy as could be with the kid-friendly menu...pizza, chips, fish crackers, cheetos, and Capri Suns. There is another little friend in the neighborhood named Logan. I was reminded at the party that our Logan is "Benji's Logan". And the other Logan is "Joseph's Logan". So funny--I had forgotten about that!! Thanks for the great time guys!!!

This last group of pictures were taken at Gardner Village. We went with some of the kids friends...but they were just along for the ride. It was an excuse to go with some of MY friends!! (Love you ladies!!) First we hit McD's playland to let the kids eat and get a little of the excitement out of their system. Gardner Village was packed with people. It was fun to see all the pumpkins and witches on display. The kids got to go in the petting zoo area, have a pony ride, eat a Halloween treat, and explore the duck pond. We had a great time and sure love spending time with friends. Thanks everyone for the fun time!!

I still can't believe we have the classroom parties and trick-or-treating on the actual day of Halloween, to look forward to. Lucky kids these days. My kids wouldn't know what to think if you actually only wore your costume on HALLOWEEN!!! What a concept--from the dark ages!! You know--back when I was a kid!!