Halloween went a little overboard this year, in my opinion.
We were so busy the week of with different events and celebrations. It was weird. So, I was more than relieved when the big day finally arrived.
Bryce's Halloween party was on the day of, so he actually got to wear his costume to school. I'm sad they don't let the elementary schools do that any more. No more costume parades! What is this world coming to?
After a fun little run with my in-laws, we picked up Bryce from school and headed home to begin a day of cooking. Who knew a Halloween meal could take all day?
And without my mother-in-law's help, it wouldn't have happened at all. I WAY over planned things.
She also helped the kids make these little beauties--hairy old man toes.
And spooky old lady fingers. I didn't have time to paint the nails, which made me a little sad. But I think they still turned out pretty great. And it was a pretzel dough, which was so much more spectacular than the breadstick recipe I tried with this another time.
Pond Scum Punch, my friends. It was supposed to have tapioca pearls at the bottom. Oddly enough, I could not find tapioca pearls anywhere.
And they're such a common ingredient!
The traditional "Chicken Worm Soup".
Fingers and toes displayed on my new plate!
And don't miss these little guys. In the past, I've used plastic spiders, mice, skeletons, and the like. Given that we're trying to be more "natural" around here, I figured it was probably pretty nasty to have those things anywhere near our food. Thus, this year would be all edible. These bugs were about a thousand times more challenging to make than I expected. But I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. And they add a nice touch, don't they?
Finally, it was time to begin our night of candy. First stop, Trunk-or-Treat at the church.
This wound up being our best group shot. Fantabulous.
And because I can't believe I forgot to mention this in the Boo at the Zoo post, I must give credit where credit is due: The bat costume Bryce is wearing was made by my mama. 20+ years ago. I wore it and so did at least one of my older siblings. And if you have an excellent memory, you may remember that Kayli wore it last year.
That is a well-loved costume.
My gentlemanly spider. Super excited with his first candy of the night.
Just thought this face was too cute to resist.
And, in true toddler form, he wanted to stop after each car to open and eat the candy he'd just received. Note to self: Skittles and white shirts are not a good combination.
Kayli and Bryce with Grandma. I thought this was funny because those pillow cases are SO huge! And then the grass skirt girl next to them has this tiny little bucket.
Go big, or go home. That's what we say.
Candy pit stop.
Most ideal place to crash after a whole half hour of trunk-or-treating.
Here are the pictures of the finished pumpkins (except that I forgot to put Trey's out). The two little ones were carved by Blake's dad to say "Go BYU". I was amazed at his artistry!
Then the kids headed out to trick-or-treat the neighborhood. Because we didn't have enough candy yet.
And the final haul. Not including the candy they got at Boo at the Zoo. It's three weeks later and we still have way too much candy at our house.
Not for lack of eating it, though. Don't you worry.
