Halloween

Halloween was quite eventful this year.  It all started with a Hipster Halloween for the boys at their youth group meeting.  In case you didn't know, a hipster is:

hip·ster¹

/ˈhipstər/

noun

INFORMAL

1. a person who follows the latest trends and fashions, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural 

   mainstream.
2. 
   
3. The boys had a great time getting their outfits together and they looked pretty good too!  :-)

The Sunday before Halloween, the church had the kids wear their costumes to service, which the kids loved.  

The day before, Starbucks was running a special holiday drink--Witch's Brew frappacinos.  The kids love these specials--they are kind of like flash sales, here for a few days around a holiday and then gone.  Jozsef was at work, so we took a drink to him.  It was a nice break in our day.  

On Halloween proper, we studied the history of Halloween and some of the traditions, we did a few fun activities, and we even did a little art.  Then we went out for lunch.  One of the kids' favorite restaurants was having a Halloween promotion that included free lunches for kids in costume.  So, of course, we went.  We had a great lunch.  

Later in the afternoon, we headed out to a city celebration called Kidfest.  It's a great venue with vendors, games, music, and just plain community fun for kids to attend in costume.  

We had a Special Ops Soldier, Pocahontas, a Cow, Moana, and a Gorilla

And we also had Groot.  :-) 

It's way more fun than trick-or-treating and the kids come home with all kinds of goodies.  

Two of their favorite games are the balloon pump race

Who can pump the balloon up fast enough to be the first to pop? It's a fierce race!

and an apple game that puts a clean twist on bobbing for apples.  The prize for the apple game is the apple you snagged cut up and drizzled with caramel.  It's fantastic! 

We got a great surprise at the festival--we were told that each child that went to a local place called Stars and Strikes, in costume, would get a free $10 game card.  So we had a small change of plans--we didn't go straight home after the festival--we went to Stars and Strikes.  :-)  The kids got their game cards and we stayed and played awhile.  We had a really good time and were thankful for the detour.  

He found giant cards to play with and he thought they were really cool

Old school video games on the big screen were an extra thrill for John to share with the kids

They had the Jurassic Park game--his favorite!

After the festival, we returned home for a finger-food dinner and a viewing of the 1981 version of Clash of the Titans.  It was great! Wow, what a day! 

Fall Around Town

If you like festivals, music with local talent, craft and food vendors and just a feeling of celebration, then this is the season for you!  In our area, from about mid-September through October there have been multiple festivals to attend.  Some weekends are packed with as many as six events to pick from.  It's amazing!  And it's a really fun way to get out and explore the area and what it has to offer.  We have been attempting to sample as many events as possible.  Sometimes just John and I will go.  Often it's me and a kid or two.  We figure we'll take note of the good events and try to do them again next year.  :-)  Here are some photos of a couple of the events we've been to.  The best thing is, 'tis the season to be jolly and the events just keep piling up!  Much more, especially in the way of pop-up shops and boutiques are on the way through November and December leading up to Christmas--such fun! 

This was Autumn Fest.  It was a hot day, but the kids loved it anyway.  :-)

Initially, Riley didn't want to make the climb, but after watching his siblings do it, he was inspired and encouraged.  I'm glad he stepped out of fear and into the challenge.  He did a great job! 

This was the Great Pumpkin Festival--but it truly wasn't that great (don't tell Riley--he loved it!).  It was the smallest "festival" that we've seen so far but the weather was wonderful and though it was just Riley and I, it was a great afternoon.  Riley admitted that the animals were the best and the chickens were his favorite.   I think that he would have stayed in that pen petting the creatures all day if he could have.  :-)  He's such a sweet kid.  :-)

The piglet was so cute--every time someone came to pet him, his little tail would just spin like a propeller.  He was loving the attention.  :-) 

Even though Christmas will be here way too soon, we sure are enjoying the opportunity to soak in the season and the activities it brings.  Bring on the fun!

Pumpkin Creations

Pumpkin picking is only half the fun.  What you create with them is other half.  :-)  This year was no exception.  John led the kids in their carving endeavors. 

They were extra creative using hardware this year.  At first, Sonja was a bit crushed.  Her pumpkin, though it was well inspected at the farm, began to mold before she could even make the first cut.  However, inspiration hit and the day was saved as her yucky pumpkin was transformed into Frankin Pumpkin.  :-)  The final result was actually really good. 

Every designer worked diligently until their pumpkins reflected each vision. 

Nikolas took a very different route this year.  Instead of getting one large pumpkin to carve, Nikolas chose to bring home eight tiny pumpkins which he carved up into a tasty treat.  He used spices and the pumpkin puree to fill the tiny pumpkin shells and he baked them into a fine dessert.  We all enjoyed each pumpkin creation, but his was especially tantalizing.  :-)  Sadly, we don't have any pictures of them. 

The finished products!  From left to right, the designers were, Hannah, Riley, Connor, Jozsef, and Sonja