Halloween Festivities

This Halloween was quite busy for us, but we had a lot of fun. Bryce was "Spooky" (Darth Vader) again (which he says is what he wants to be next year too!) and Emily was Tinkerbell (sort of). And we definitely got good use out of their costumes this year!

It all started with our annual family Halloween party. We always have a party with my side of the family a week or two before Halloween. It is a lot of fun to see the different costumes. This year there was scarecrows, a viking, a 50's girl, Optimas Prime, a pirate, Jengo Fett, Princess Leah (and her name really is Leah, but with the other pronunciation), and even Homer Simpson was in attendance. We usually do Trick or Treating for the kids, but this year the older kids did a Scary Scavenger Hunt and the little kids played pin the little pumpkins on the big pumpkin. Bryce loved it. He got the pumpkin dead center every time. We're not sure if he could see through the blindfold. He never said anything at least, whereas he normally would.

Next was carving pumpkins. We decided to do pumpkins just for the kids this year instead of carving one for each one of us since it takes us a couple of hours to do just one. Daddy gets pretty much all the credit because he basically did everything.

As you can see, Daddy did a GREAT job!

Bryce wanted to help, but he mostly just cut shallow lines in the pumpkins. We tried to get him to clean out his pumpkin, and after a lot of convincing, he finally dug in with his hands. However, it didn't last long. He didn't really like the gooey, slimy feeling. And all he seemed to be concerned about was baking and eating the pumpkin seeds (which he acquired a taste for from preschool). Emily was just fascinated by the whole thing. Towards the end of the night, she got a poker and contributed by poking the inside of the pumpkin lid.

Wednesday was our ward Trunk or Treat. Since both kids are old enough to realize what is going on, we decided to go. It was a lot of fun, especially for the kids. Emily learned fast how the whole Trick or Treating thing works! It was so cute to see her pick a candy and put it in her bucket.

These are some of our friends that went all out and dressed up. They are very creative and they won the awards for best costume and best decorated car.

The "Groovy 70's" Vincents. They won the Best Costume Award.

The "Rockin' 80's" Hupps. They won the Best Decorated Car award.

Bryce and Preston were arch enemies.

Finally was actual Halloween. Ever since our family party, Bryce asked us EVERY DAY, and even a couple of times a day, if it was Halloween yet. So, when the day was finally here, he was way excited. Bryce's preschool had a Halloween Party and his teacher said that Bryce's costume was awesome! Also that the voice changer on his helmet kept the kids entertained for quite a while. She said that the kids absolutely loved it! Then in the early evening we went Trick or Treating to Grandma and Grandpa B.'s and got to see Katelin and Tytan in their costumes. After that we headed back home and went Trick or Treating to a couple of our neighbors' houses since they weren't at the Trunk or Treat. To finish off the night we took the kids Trick or Treating to Grandma and Grandpa K.'s. These kids sure get spoiled by their grandparents!

The kids had a lot of fun this year. As for Mommy and Daddy - we are pretty worn out!