A Frankenstein, a Dementor, Cleopatra and a skeleton.  The kids worked really hard on their costumes, if they weren't sewing, they were collecting pieces to get a costume just they way they imagined.  There were four Halloween parties between friends, cubs and brownies, which meant costumes needed to be done way before Halloween night. This eliminated the all night the night before- can't say I wasn't disappointed.  Trick or treating with friends was lots of fun- cold but fun.

Carving1

Pumpkins and Ghosts

pumpkin toss, pin the wart on the witch, yummy food, good friends!
Happy Halloween!

The Offering

Last year the kids smashed there pumpkins near the entrance to our wooded area. We were pleasantly surprised to learn how much deer love pumpkin. It was such a treat to have several deer visit on different occasions to come eat up our old jack-o-lanterns. The excitement of pumpkin smashing and offering becoming a tradition built up over the year.

The pumpkins were smashed and offered. But apparently chickens love pumpkins more than deer. They can't get enough of it. Having the chickens nibble them instead of deer isn't quite as exciting, but still loads of fun none the less.

We have been busy getting the chickens ready for winter. Under their coop we have insulated with bags of leave from the yard. Their coop has been decreased in size with the addition of lots of straw. We are also putting some insulation on the outside. Winterizing has been a lot of work, and the chickens never cease to be a huge learning curve. But I really do love being greeted by them running over to me when I come home.

The Next Step

There is the pumpkins, choosing and making the costumes, the actual trick or treating and then comes the next and equally important step in Halloween traditions. The part that is just as exciting as all the others. It is not to be missed. It is the dump, take stock and sort pile. Grouping the loot into chocolate bars, chips, suckers, gum, perhaps by cooler and most to least favorite. Watching the kids brought back memories of doing the same thing many years ago. It wouldn't be Halloween without it.

Happy Halloween

There is never a shortage of costume ideas, this year was no different. The only difference this year was there was no last minute changes in who they were going to be and no last minute costume additions. This isn't something they notice, because it is me running around sewing while cooking dinner or glue gunning while painting, but this year......no changes. Combined with being on a Saturday, it was a much less rushed time out the door.
They all looked fabulous; Elias was Annakin (from Star Wars- which was nice having a picture to follow and not just a hand drawing ), Aria was Cupid (she has been enjoying the book Juliet Dove- a girl who meets different Gods and Goddesses-hence the inspiration), Ben was a viking which was convenient because that was a large part of his birthday gift. Shai was a rabbit king. Original. He was clear on what he was wearing, requiring only a new cape from me. He was adorable with his 'trick or treat' in that cute toddler voice.
The weather was cold, windy and rainy at times, but it didn't hold anyone back. We went into town; which is still a really strange concept, for trick or treating. We joined another family in their neighbourhood which the kids especially enjoyed. Lots of loot and lots of fun- Happy Halloween!

Pumpkins

With three Halloween parties this past week leading up to the big day - each with pumpkin carving as part of the festivities, I was amazed that the kids did the ones we picked up last week. Aria choose to decorate the outside of the pumpkin with cut out decorations. It looked fabulous. The slimy insides have turned someone off every year I believe, so it's kind of tradition now.

It was a fun evening, with lots of silliness!