Happy Halloween

I had such sweat friends in Mississippi that introduced me to the "Halloween Party"

I met the Joyners at Flowood Elementary, the twins--Noah & Graham--were in the same class as Summer.  Being new to the area, we had no friends and yet they were considerate enough to invite us to their party.  We knew no one.  But, it was the beginning of a great tradition that we have carried on ever since Summer was in 1st grade.  (except last year when I took a leave of abcense) 

Amara, Audrey and I have taken turns hosting now for the last 7 years.  We usually do it inside and send out invites.  Usually about 1/2 of the people come that we invite.  It's easy to estimate the numbers. But this year we decided to have our party early because of conflicts between the first of October and Halloween.  So, October 11 was the week that worked out.  We gambled that the weather would be good and planned an outdoor party...with an open invitation on our neighborhood Facebook page.  (we told everyone to spread the word)

The weather was fantastic.  It was actually perfect all week.  What a beautiful Fall season we have had.

Lots of people showed up.  We asked folks to RSVP so we would know how many hotdogs/buns to purchase.  A few more people showed up than we had on our list, but we planned for that.  We did pretty good--2 hot dogs left over.  Hooee was happy with that.

Amara told people that if they didn't dress up that they would be singing Karaoke.  The threat must have worked...lots of costumes.  Rick was serious about it, too.  He had the sound system set up and was rocking the neighborhood long before the party started.  I thought for sure that someone would call the police before we ever had anyone show up.

It was too hot for the fire pit until the sun went down. 

Rick had a work party at the very same time.  Conveniently it was in Mapleton, so he took Cole and Summer.  Summer was happy to go because we told her that some of Rick's work partners had boys her age.

Sierra created this cute skeleton for our "pin the bowtie on the skeleton" game for the Littles.

I am going to have Sierra paint one on canvas so I can hang it up all year round.

Oh yeah! Another neighborhood witch.  Glad I was not the only one.

This is actually one of my favorite neighbors...she waves every time she drives down the street.

Another favorite.  Favorite costume.  Favorite RM.  Favorite craft buddy.

Favorite horse.

Favorite Friend.

And it wouldn't be a Halloween Party without the traditional Mummy Wrap.  

We did Youth vs. Bishop.  Not really sure who won.

Suddenly every kid in the yard had a roll of TP and it was everywhere.  That game ended quite abruptly.

I guess that's a wrap.  Until next year.