Halloween finale

We've taken many photos on this front porch over the last 14 years. This Halloween may be one of the last we take here. We're moving, and this place we've called home is now for sale. 

A rare Halloween forecast, the weather tonight was dry and mild, and afforded us the opportunity to chat with some of our dearest neighbors. It was good to see them and even better to hear of their happiness for us - I've felt a small amount of guilt about leaving these people that we've grown to love. But it's almost as if they've given us their blessing to move on. And I needed that peace. 

Tonight was special. 

the real deal

practicing

breaking tradition

We are super blessed to have a group of families that we love hanging out with. This year, we did Halloween together, and not just because it was a Saturday night where Daylight Savings ends. But because we love living life with this pack of people.

So despite the fact that we've done Halloween in our own neighborhood for ten straight years, we made sure the lights were out and headed to the hood of our dear friends who served up some tasty chili inside their warm and cozy house. And then? We hit the streets for some treats.



















There's something about being with others that can lift your spirits. Our crew lasted a long time tonight. Through wind and rain. Andrew kept up with the big boys and Morgan barely muttered a word about being cold and uncomfortable. Matthew was a trooper in his train get-up. Such good times. So thankful for our tribe.

catch-up: October

The warm weather stretched into October and we took full advantage. The deck project was finally complete, and the Pumpkin Picnic at church was warmer than usual.

Once the temperatures dropped the kids still enjoyed their time outside.

Mid-October, I attended the MOPS International annual Convention in Kansas City. I missed my kiddies and fantastic husband, but the time alone to recharge my batteries as a wife, mother and Christian... priceless.

And then, of course, was Halloween. The pumpkin carving, the costumes, the trick-or-treating. Morgan decided to be Clementine, the quirky star character of Sara Pennypacker's books by the same name. Andrew wanted to be a cowboy. Sadly, Matthew never made the cut. Not only was he under the weather, but the weather itself was lousy. Rainy and cold, and I couldn't justify dragging a 14 month old out into that awfulness.

I couldn't resist a shot of Andrew's eyelashes.

rush, rush, halloween!

I'll be the first to admit, I procrastinate. Sure, my plate is full, but I often operate under the notion "why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?"

So when I finally pulled the box of old costumes from the storage closet in the basement just last week, Morgan and I discovered that Aunt Sarah's vintage Mini Mouse outfit that she intended to wear was still too big (maybe next year!). Without much time to spare, I hopped online looking for some quick and easy kids costumes. I showed Morgan this cute bumble bee outfit thinking I could pull that off quickly, but what caught her eye was the owl instead. 

Seemed easy enough. And I found this tutorial to help me get the feathered look.

And so there I was this morning, sitting at the sewing machine, putting the finishing touches on Morgan's owl costume. But I wouldn't have it any other way! And I think it turned out pretty great... a hat and t-shirt from Salvation Army, brown thread from my drawer, and fabric from my stash of scraps.

As for Andrew, he wore one of the awesome dress-up outfits that we bought for his birthday. I had high hopes that he could go as a UPS Delivery Man, but that costume has short sleeves. Instead - accommodating a heavier coat underneath - Andrew went as a firefighter. Warm, reflective and super cute.

Again this year, Grandma and Grandpa manned the house while Scott and I went out with Morgan and Andrew. New to their roles was taking care of Matthew. Despite being almost exactly the same age as Andrew was on his first Halloween, Matthew's big noggin wouldn't fit in the pumpkin hat!

Andrew - Halloween 2009

It was a typical Halloween night: cold, wet, misting. And it seemed like a whirlwind from eating dinner, to getting suited up, making the rounds and then hustling back at home to get ready for school tomorrow. But the kids had a great time. And I know they can't wait to sample more sugary treats.

(just 61 trick-or-treaters tonight)

it's time for VeggieTales

Our VeggieTales star characters, Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato, were ready to pound the pavement after dinner. Andrew wasn't sure what we were up to, other than taking a walk like usual. But Morgan was well aware and very, very excited about our evening's adventure.

Once he discovered our motives for our costumed walk, Andrew was eager to trick or treat for his candy. He ran FAST.

After just an hour in our neighborhood we were home, sampling candy, then brushing teeth, getting on jammies and making our way to bed. We had two exhausted vegetables.

(For the annual record, there were 77 kids at our door tonight.)

broccoli, celery, gotta be

dress rehearsal

With just weeks remaining until Halloween - and no great sewing plan yet in place to make these guys - I had the kids try out some costumes that were homemade with love years ago by Mom and Aunt Becky. Or maybe just Mom. Not sure.

I hauled the box out from the basement storage closet and let the kids explore. If Morgan tried it on, Andrew had to as well. Some costumes were bigger than others.

They had fun, but in the end, they want to be Bob and Larry. I'm hoping to whip something up from my stash of felt, using last year's costume as inspiration. And maybe these vintage costumes will stand another chance next year.

happy halloween

With our candy distributors out of town this year, our family headed out early to hit a few houses before the rush started. And we're glad we did! It was cold tonight, in the 40s, and we tried to hustle along without straying too far from home. Here's our ladybug and dalmation.

By 6:30 we were back at our warm house with the porch light on ready to hand out our loot. Andrew chowed on graham crackers while Morgan sampled two pieces of candy from her plastic pumpkin.

Once Andrew was sleeping, Morgan enjoyed helping Daddy pass out goodies to all the kids. In between trick-or-treaters, she played ponies with him - a Halloween gift (huh?) from our neighbors across the street.

Even with our time away from home, we still counted 60 visitors! As always, taking note for next year.