Halloween Fun

We've had a really fun October this year! Brandon's brother and family recently moved to Texas and we've gotten to spend lots of time with them and Brandon also was able to take some much needed time off work to spend with us. One thing we did while he was off was hit the pumpkin patch. Although there are several in San Antonio, we made the hour long drive to this particular one on recommendation. As far as pumpkin patches go, I think I've left my heart at our favorite one in Kansas.  There were some cool things about this one. The kids got to dress a scarecrow, run through a haymaze, take a hayride and see some farm animals. By far the best part was the tour of the apple orchard. We got to learn all about the growing process, and the cider making. We really really wanted to bring some cider home, but when we found out it cost $12 a gallon I told Brandon that if it didn't contain any gold flecks or come from the actual fountain of youth we weren't buying. Many of the other activities and treats were similarly priced, so overall I think next year we'll be trying somewhere else.

 The kids were so much fun carving pumpkins this year. Other than carving off the top, Parker did his whole pumpkin himself this year and then went on to help with the others too. He was so proud! They turned out great.

 Drew didn't think much of cleaning out the insides. Lucky for him, (and me!) big brother was so willing to help.

 Paige and Claire were a "team" so that we didn't have to stay up all night carving pumpkins for each individual kid. They didn't mind a bit.

 Emma and Noah were supposed to be a team as well, but this is as close as Noah got to the action.

 Emma sure enjoyed herself though!

 The finished pumpkins. The first night we light them, we like to keep them indoors until bedtime since the kids really don't get to see them outside much afterwards.

 Tonight was our ward Trunk or Treat. I managed to keep Noah's doggy hood on just long enough to snap this picture. I can't even get the boy to wear a tie to church and the one Sunday I put a sweater on him he had a fit trying to get it off and only gave up out of sheer exhuastion, so I'm impressed that the costume went over even this well. Maybe tomorrow night we'll manage a better picture?

 At the party there was a DJ and all the kids loved dancing, but our little Emma was the best to watch. She got right out there and was moving and grooving. She was our beautiful princess Merida.

 Andrew was super excited that his primary teacher gave him an extra special treat! It was sweet of her to think of that!

Our years of satisfying the kids with the trunk or treat only are over. The kids are old enough to know about real trick or treating now and there is no getting out of it. ;) They're so excited to do it all over again tomorrow! I'll post better costume pics then!