Halloween Festivities

Of course this Halloween was just like the others - a big deal in our house!  I make sure to have the girls choose their costumes early to make we have ample time to perfect them!  This year was no exception.  I knew immediately they dreamed of being Frozen characters - that movie is still the obsession around here.  When my friend, Jackie, sent me a pin of some costumes I thought i'd give it a go.  I mean, if every adolescent girl is going to be either Elsa or Anna I better make it unique, right?  Another bonus of 3 girls with a young one that is easily persuaded.

I don't know why, but for some reason, I have this obsession with homemade costumes.  I still remember my childhood costumes and putting them together with my mom.  We never shopped the shelves of the costumes stores (which, at that time I wanted to).  They were always unique and original - something I've come to appreciate!  I was worried the girls would want the "real" dresses from the movie, but they were ecstatic to have originals, and I even caught them bragging to some friends about them.  So although I may not have bragged about being a pumpkin to my friends, I'm thankful now they were handmade originals.  I don't want my girls to need what everyone else has.  I want them to be content with being original and a little different.

My little Elsa, Anna, and Olaf models

A few nights before Halloween we picked out a pumpkin at a local farm to carve.  Luckily we were able to persuade the girls into a "family" pumpkin.  They're always so excited to carve, but 5 minutes into the process and they're done.  Then you find mommy and daddy sitting at the table for hours carving the most difficult pattern they could find.

Getting the guts out

 Brooklynn was our stud carver.  She de-gutted and cut the face.

After a quick dinner on Friday we were off to trick-or-treat.  The girls had big plans of scouring the entire neighbor and staying out late.  They were efficient with their time - running from house to house cutting through the side yards.  Poor Ady was left behind yelling at them to wait.  Next year she'll be right there with them.  They fell short of making it to the entire hood, because they always love to come back and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters.

 Our posse (JD & Sophia with the girls)

 Ady was always a few steps behind but sure loved it!

 Awwwww.....Chandler tried to help her, while Brooklynn yelled at her to hurry it up!