Finally Trick or Treating!

Since Ben had work off today, and Kara and Kiersten were out of school, we decided to go to the pumpkin farm after Evie was done at preschool. It was annoyingly windy and cold. I wanted to leave as soon as I stepped out of the car, but toughed it out.

They all wore hats and gloves, and didn't seem to mind too much that it was cold.

These displays had a warning sign that they might be too scary. But Evie didn't have any problem with them.

They also liked seeing the farm animals.

They got to play a little on the playground.

They also enjoyed climbing around on the tractor.

They were excited to eat dinner, so they could get out on the streets. I almost regret buying these Halloween placemat/coloring sheets, because it took them a while to actually eat their food. Kiersten also kept complaining about the color crayons she had.

We had mummy dogs, though I did get lazy with the faces. I was feeling really tired, but still wanted to make dinner a little special. Ben also made some tasty chili that he called dirt. Kiersten and I had a great time burying our mummies under the dirt.

What else can you have to drink on Halloween besides Ghoul-aid?

Eventually we were ready to head over to our friends' house. I made Evie a treat bag to look like a pixie dust bag. It was such a simple thing to sew, but it sure gave me lots of headaches. I was really not happy with how it was turning out, until Evie came in and was so happy to see it. She thought it was the greatest thing ever. We put a blue glow-cube in the bottom to be the glowing blue dust.

We tried to have all the girls wear their pirate stuff, but Kara and Kiersten decided to go as candy. So we had to get a pirate family portrait with just Evie. It was sooooo cold! I really really hate being cold.

Ben always always does the trick or treating, but he was hanging out, and talking to everyone, so I went with my friend to take the kids around the neighborhood. Kara had asked me if I would, and I had said probably not, so she was glad when the plan changed. I was freezing, but it was fun, and I liked seeing how happy they were. Evie excitedly said, "Mommy! I can't believe we're finally trick or treating! Halloween was taking forever."

They got lots of candy, and enjoyed telling their jokes. Evie had some real gems.

I can't say I was too disappointed when Evie announced she was ready to go home. My friend was nice enough to let Kara and Kiersten stay out with them. After the party, Ben took the 2 big girls to another part of the neighborhood, and I took Evie home for bed. She kept saying she was soo tired, but would come rushing back downstairs every time she heard the doorbell.

These are out of order, but I let the girls make chocolate suckers the other night. It's been a while since we've done them, and it was much easier than it has been in the past. They're able to do it mostly by themselves.

They were all excited to take them to their teachers the next day.

We ended up with some fun suckers. I think it's cute that I can tell just by looking at one, which girl made it. Kara was very detailed. She only did a tray and a half in the time the other girls did at least 3 or 4 trays.

They had crazy hair day yesterday. They were really excited about it, but Kiersten got upset when it was time to leave for the bus stop. She decided everyone was going to laugh at her.

She wore a zooble toy in her hair. She said it didn't fall out until she was on the bus ride home.

Kara did her own hair, and was very proud.

After school she had a Halloween party with her girl scout troop, and the other 3rd grade troop.

They had some fun games and a cute craft.

She loves any chance to get together with her friends.

This morning before the pumpkin patch, we all went to Evie's school for the Halloween parade. She was the line leader today, so that was fun for her. She liked getting to be in the front of the line. We had to line up in the school because it was too cold and windy outside.

The kids were so cute. It was a fun time.

As much fun as they've all been having, I am kind of ready for Halloween to be done for the year.

Fall Saturday

We had a busy day on Saturday. Kara had her practice 5K for girls on the run. I decided to run it with her. She was excited and happy right before the race.

She had a hard time, and complained a lot, but she was proud to finish. Not even halfway through the first lap, she was telling me it was impossible. Now that she knows she can do it, I think she'll do better at her big race next month. I did have to hold her hand and drag her to keep her moving a few times, but when she was almost to the end, a few of her friends came back and ran with her, and that really worked to motivate her. She didn't want to act like a baby in front of them.

When she finally finished, there was one more girl running, so the team went back and ran with her to the finish line. I couldn't believe Kara went back and ran the end of the course again, with how she told me her legs were not working, and she couldn't even move just 2 minutes before. I pointed that out to her, so she would realize her "can't" was just in her head.

Team photo. Every girl finished.

They all did a cheer for the parents.

She was excited about her race certificate. Now she has proof that she can run 3 miles.

After the race, we went home and got the others and headed to 6 Flags for a few hours. I didn't take pics there, but the girls had a great time at the fright fest. We had to hurry back, though, so Kara could go to the "little ninjas" party at her Tae-Kwon-Do school. We droped her off there, and then took the 2 littles to Evie's preschool for trunk or treat. Evie decided to go as the pirate fairy, and Kiersten was Belle.

They had a great time playing all the games, and getting candy.

I can't remember which of them won the cakewalk. I think it was Evie, but they both ended up with cupcakes anyway.

I forgot to bring any decorations, so we didn't win the best trunk contest.

After Kara's party got over, my friend dropped her off at the preschool, so she could join us for the trunk or treat. She found a school friend, and headed off with her til it was time to go.

They all got to pick out a prize at the end, so Evie was really happy to get this little pink monkey.

It was a busy, but super fun Saturday, which seems to be the case for all the weekends in the fall. I keep wondering if we'll ever have a lazy weekend again. We may be waiting til it snows!