Halloween October 31st, 2013

Halloween ended up being pretty rough for us since Tutu had passed away that morning. We still took the kids trick or treating around the neighborhood and it ended up being really nice, Joe and I just talked and shared memories of Tutu while we walked the kids around. Gwen ended up staying at home with Bonnie because she was exhausted from the days events and had gotten yet another cold so we really didn’t want to take her out in the chilly weather. The boys had fun and our neighborhood is actually really nice for trick or treating. It was the first year we hadn’t gone with anyone else and it was pretty nice. It was a nice way to end the day as a family.

Travis was adamant about being Optimus Prime and refused to let me make him anything. He wanted a store bought costume. Alrighty then!

Enoch was a vampire bat! YAY! His costume was super easy this year, but still very fun. I always love to see what Enoch chooses to be each year.

Brothers. Travis had a full on sweat suit underneath his Optimus costume. Enoch was actually wearing a ski coat.

The booty! Probably their largest haul yet!

And Gwen. I’m probably over doing it with the photos for her in this post but I couldn’t resist! She was SO cute! And she loved wearing the costume, which surprised me! She was the cutest mermaid EVER!

Happy Halloween 2014

The Peoria Ward Halloween Party - October 29th, 2013

I was in charge of the Halloween party this year. It was a TON of fun to do because I had SO many wonderful Ladies helping me out. They were SO wonderful and did some absolutely amazing things! The turn out was awesome, we had like 300 people show and it was just a blast. The décor was perfect thanks for Ashley Whetman and all who helped her. The games were fantastic thanks to Lindsey Nardone and the wonderful youth her assisted her. We also had plenty of help from the Elders Quorum to set up and take down. The Relief Society provided the plates, napkins, etc. for the dinner and the ward members brought some amazing soups and breads for all to share. It just came together so nicely and I’m so grateful for all the wonderful people we have in our ward. They truly make these events memorable.

We also had a trunk or treat in the parking lot after all the festivities inside. It was a Ward Halloween Party to remember! I will never forget it.

Naturally, I dressed to match Gwen… Can you tell who I am?

I searched for 30 minutes for the key that opens the overflow so we could get the chairs out. The search ended well so no worries! Who locks the overflow, really?

The décor!!! I meant to get a photo once everyone was all packed into the cultural hall but totally forgot. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. It was fun though!

And Mermaids congregate in the wild, right? Because they did that night at the party! SO cute!!!

The Costume Preparation - October 22nd, 2013

Aw, costumes. I love this part about Halloween and having kids. It really gets me excited about the holiday and making something for my kids. Well, except Travis. He wanted a purchased Optimus Prime costume. Although I’m sure a home made Optimus would have been epic. He insisted. This is the second year in a row that he has requested to be a Transformer. At least he’s consistent.

Enoch wanted to be a vampire bat. I had envisioned a black sweat suit with felt wings sewn underneath the arms so it was slightly realistic. His Tutu ended up finding some fun batwings from Savers that were made out of coat hangers and purple panty hose. I ended up cutting off the panty hose and sewing the felt over the wings. They turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself.

Gwen was SO fun to dress up. It was her first Halloween and I was so excited! She was going to be my little mermaid. She wore the costume well and wasn’t bugged in the least by having her little legs trapped in her tail. It turned out adorably well!! I hand sewed everything and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the finished product. Just the way I had pictured it!

Don’t mind the boys’ messy bathroom mirror! I swear its all permanent.

Enoch was the only one interested in carving pumpkins with Joe this year. Travis just wasn’t into the messiness of it all. Enoch really gets into it! Love that kid.