Happy Halloween in 2013

The Halloween festivities began the weekend before the holiday with a huge, family-friendly party at a friend's house out in the country. If I had to guess, I'd say there were close to 150 costumed adults and children celebrating that evening, and all four of us had a great time. My pics from the party won't win any awards, but at least we paused long enough to capture a couple of fun moments.

Will and Logan enjoying shaved ice snacks.

Will and Hallie, keeping watch outside the jail.

Will, hangin' up his saddle outside the saloon.

The following day the kids and I "carved" their pumpkins. (I still don't think they're ready for knives, so I give them hammers and let them pound these Mr. Potato Head-style features into their pumpkins.)

Using all her strength to push the princess' arm in.

Hallie and her princess.

Working on his pirate.

We're having trouble taking good pictures lately.

A LOT of trouble.

Silly faces, just for fun.

I spent all of Halloween Eve, just as I do every year, baking and frosting and decorating.

That's seven dozen cupcakes.

Next up came Halloween activities and parties at both of their schools.

Trunk-or-Treat at Hallie's preschool was moved inside and
became regular trick-or-treating because of rain.

This girl was super excited about her cupcake.

Will's teacher had him climb up on one of the computer
desks so that she could take his picture with her skeleton.

And last but not least, trick-or-treating with friends in our neighborhood. Will especially has reached the perfect age for trick-or-treating. Young enough that he still loves to dress up and people don't question whether or not he should be going door-to-door asking for candy, old enough to appreciate how cool this strange holiday tradition really is. (And while I still check every piece of candy Will brings home, he's now pretty darn good at assessing what is and isn't safe for him to eat.) Will's also started to want to share experiences like trick-or-treating with his friends and not just with his parents and little sister, so he loved having his buddies Logan and Jackson over for the evening. (Tom and I enjoyed hanging with Logan and Jackson's parents, and Hallie gets along well with both Logan's older sister and Jackson's younger brother.)

Our Halloween village, all lit up for Halloween night.

Let the games (the trick-or-treating competition
between me, my dad, and my sister) begin!

Wonder Woman and Batman.

Wonder Woman, Clart Kent/Superman, and Batman.
(Tom wore his costume to work and even taught a class that day.)

Ready to head out with Kendra, Logan, Jackson, and Morgan.

A brief photo stop in front of a neighbor's lawn decor.

Headed home to refuel before trick-or-treating a little more.

My final count, which of course meant victory.
We certainly have a warm-weather advantage in Texas!

Happy Halloween!