A Roarin' and Rockin' Halloween

My boys were a lion and a skeleton rocker respectively. Owen, the lion, enjoyed chasing the children as our community walked through the apartment buildings. He thought that people opening the door to give a treat was actually an invitation to come in and play. He was a bit disappointed all he got was candy. Joey was a bit disappointed I never wore his wig (he settled for a few friends and the Bishop) and failed to follow through on my Shera costume. Maybe next year.

Owen more interested in his dad than the camera woman.

Howdy Mark!

Doug looking fabulous with the extra weight.

Addie and Owen

Sister Ayres and the Bishop sporting Joey's wig.

Isaac as Jack Sparrow.

The one picture of me that night - because I failed to wear a costume. What a disappointment.

Rockin' out - trying to win a prize for "budget" costume. Amazingly, he didn't win.
And yes, that is Marissa in the background dressed as a princess.

Convincing Brayden he looks good with a mullet.

Matt's turn.

Here we are on Halloween night trick-or-treating at Ted and Holly's house.

And you wonder where Joey's gets it . . . Nice wig Ted!

Happy Halloween!

Lick N' Switch

Last Saturday, we attended the free Halloween activity at Officer's circle put on by the U's College of Social Work and the Bennion Service Center. I attempted to help Owen decorate a cookie, but he snacked more than decorated. Joey attempted to help Owen with the fishing pond, but Owen lost interest the minute his line was cast. He'd much rather eat junk or dance by himself to scary Halloween music.

Owen is still to young to appreciate all the hard work that went into the themed houses and games, but he was very excited for the candy. He'd grab a piece, enjoy it (wrapper included) until the next house, then deposit the used piece of candy into the bowl in exchange for a new one. Fortunately, most people were amused, or at least humored us.

Owen's first piece and favorite - a sucker.

Not really sure what all the hype is about.

Trick or Treat!

Halloween Party at Grandma's

My mother insisted that we celebrate Halloween this year as a family even though she would be out of town on the 31st. We gathered for pizza and games (7, 11 or doubles) over the weekend. Rather than bringing a favorite candy bar to add to the pot, people brought their favorite treats. My mom brought a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory caramel apple for herself and chocolate turtles for my dad. My sister brought chocolate caramel popcorn from Artichokes and Company. The rest of us brought the usual stash of junk food: OREO's, sour cream and cheddar chips, and a host of candy bars. Joey walked away clearly victorious winning both items from RMCF and a handful of candy bars. Apologetically, I asked my mom if she wanted her treats back and she sheepishly smiled and pulled out a hidden stash of of turtles and apples "just in case" she didn't win. Smart woman.

10 Minute Pumpkin Fest

Two weeks ago, my family made the 90 minute drive to Thanksgiving Point during rush hour traffic to attend the Scarecrow festival. The kids were just getting into the swing of things when we realized we were at the Pumpkin Festival, not the Scarecrow Festival. You'd think this wouldn't be a very big deal, (especially after paying the $10 admission fee and finally seeing your kid smile after a long drive in the car), but it was to my mom who quickly got our money refunded and we made the walk to the South side of Thanksgiving Point to attend the Scarecrow Festival. This festival is a charity event, but not as much fun as the Pumpkin Festival, which in my opninion is worth the entrance fee.

Here are some pictures from our 10 minute stay at the Pumpkin Festival. Sammie and Owen climbed into the "cow train" and headed out into the pumpkin patch. As they were returning, I suddenly realized that Sammie was alone in the car. I panicked, obviously, and wondered how Owen had escaped and where he was now. With a wildly beating heart I ran to Sammie and found that Owen had slid down into the seat and was noosed by the seat belt. Only mildly relieved.

Sitting happily before the ride.

The rescue mission.

Witches Brew

Last Saturday, the Primary had a Halloween Carnival complete with face painting, spider racing, and a cake-walk. The children had a picture scavenger hunt and their prize was a spooky witch's brew buffet that I helped make.


Witch's Brew
Monster Brain - Popcorn
Newt Eggs - Whoppers
Mummy Jewels - Reese's Pieces
Ghost Eyes - Caramel filled eyeballs
Vampire Fangs - Candy Corn
Witch Hair - Twizzlers pull-aparts
Poisonous Worms - Gummy Worms (there are gummy everything these days: rats, spiders, fingers, etc. - add your favorite to the mix)