Hoo's excited for Halloween?

This summer (like every summer), we had big plans for growing our own pumpkins in our backyard vegetable garden. Mother Nature and Mr. Groundhog had other ideas and we were left with only two pumpkins. 

Although Chris is the master pumpkin carver, I'm the glue gun painter pumpkin designer when it comes to Josie's school pumpkin contest.

This year, she decided she wanted to create an Owl for her school's pumpkin contest.

We used lots of straight pins to hold our felt feathers into place.

Mr. Owl is now happy to be visiting Josie's school library.  Happy "almost" Halloween!
    

23 years of Halloween Partying!

It was another unforgettable Halloween party!

The morning of our Friday party, Chris even had an electrician at our house installing another electrical outlet (and surge protector) so that we could safely plug in the popcorn machine and the zillion fog machines that live in our graveyard.

This year, Chris came as "Buddy the Elf".

 As you can imagine, he enjoyed playing his "character" all night.

Isn't Emma beautiful?  We managed to find her beaded dress at TJ Maxx on clearance.

 We recycled pieces and parts of former costumes to make Josie's black cat costume.

Chris and I counted over 100 people in attendance Friday night.

The house and garage were packed.

We had lots of teens.

We also had lots of Josie's friends.

We also had a great turnout from Chris's coworkers and their families.

We also had plenty of food and carnival games.  

After twenty-three years of hosting Halloween parties, you'd think we'd learn that we need to hire someone to take pictures during the party so that we aren't scrambling to have more photographic evidence. Oh well.  Halloween hugs from our house to your own!
   

'Twas the night before the Halloween party...

Twas the night before the annual Halloween party

and all through the crypt

EVERY creature was stirring.

"Yet there's still more to do!" complained Momma witch. 

So she brewed up a magical potion

which set every monster and goblin in motion.

They carved pumpkins, 

sorted carnival prizes,

captured spiders

hung streamers and lights,

created yummy treats

and decorated till the wee hours of night.'

 "Happy early Halloween to all, 

and to all a good night!"

PS.  I'm hoping to get lots more pictures of our party in action.   It's so hard to be hostess and photographer.  I still haven't found a magic spell to clone myself.

Linking up with A Fanciful Twist Halloween party!  Be sure to visit Vanessa's blog to see other magical Halloween parties.

XOX

Pumpkin comparisons...

In years past, we had a favorite farmer that we purchased our stash of pumpkins. Going to his pumpkin patch became an annual tradition and a great opportunity to document growth of the girls over the last 12 months. I just have to share a flashback from 2010. 

Our regular farmer is no longer selling pumpkins and so this year, my annual Halloween "sister" picture was taken at our zoo Halloween party. 

I can't believe how quickly time has flown by.  Emma isn't a little girl anymore.   You'll be happy to know that Chris has found a new pumpkin dealer to feed his pumpkin addiction.  This is only a portion of of his stash. 

He will be pulling an all nighter Thursday to carve his 20+ pumpkins in time for Friday's party.

Party ON!
   

Weekend cramming!

How was your weekend?  Our's was nonstop busy.

Emma spent most of her weekend busy with marching band obligations.  I think most people would be surprised to know just how long they practice for their very late competitions each weekend. It's not uncommon for these students to be gone for 12 hours on Saturdays.

 We're so proud of the Grandville marching band!

We're on the final countdown to this Friday's Halloween party and we made the most of every available minute this weekend starting with testing the on-loan" popcorn machine.

 Josie and I also enjoyed a little paper crafting early Saturday morning.

This craft was a big hit with Josie, but it does require adult assistance with the stapler.

 We've had fun decorating the ceiling of the sunroom this year. 

The ladders were also temporarily moved back inside so that a few large spiders could inhibit our living room.

The "official" Halloween bunting was also hung with care.

One of the best parts of decorating is unpacking things that I purchased last year after Halloween on clearance.  

I seem to have a thing for black cats and candy treat bags!

I'm not sure if there are child labor laws against paint brick laying, but it turned into a family affair Sunday afternoon.  

We will be sharing the big garage transformation later this week.  It needs a bit more dry time. Have a great week!  The Halloween countdown continues at our house!