Halloween 2011

Yesterday was like a crazy string of halloween miracles!

1. First, I rushed home with candy just in time for the very first trick-or-treaters of the night.

2. Then, because chili is the most halloween-y of all food, naturally we were making a wendy's run to pick some up when lo & behold our friends came strolling around the corner with proffers of chili and donuts. Donuts being the second most halloween-y of all food. It was all so perfectly delightful!

3. Later, as we are basking in the perfectly halloween-ness of our feast, I turned to Ryan & asked if we should run and see if hocus pocus was available to rent anywhere. What do you think was the first thing on as soon as we flipped on our TV? Yep, hocus pocus was just beginning.

Our complete unpreparedness for the holiday did nothing to stifle halloween from coming.

To top it all off we had the most trick-or-treaters we've ever had, which made me inordinately happy.

And, lucky for us, we decorated pumpkins on October first, way back during conference, 

so we were not pumpkin-less.

I don't think these happenings were mere coincidence, or due to luck or to halloween magic, I count these little blessings as tender mercies from the Lord who knew that they would mean quite a lot to me. 

halloweenish

How to describe our halloween this year...

nonexistent? almost, but not quite.

pretty dang close though.

i, of course, love absolutely any reason to celebrate.

holidays are always fun.

what's not to love about family, friends, parties, games, food & fun?

but this year there were no pumpkins carved.

or candy bought.

or even trick or treating or costumes of any kind.

i know, right? 

but i didn't miss it.

and i'd never give up any excuse to celebrate,

but i think this reinvention of halloween is a permanent one.

'cause a harvest bonfire is much more up my ally.

and even though we were rained out (or in, which is it?)

we enjoyed the day immensely.

all without a single picture to show for it.

we're planning an encore though and i hope to capture pictures then.

mostly because we've received a little piece of what feels like spring weather.

and with leaves like these around,

it's just too perfect to not soak up absolutely every possible second outside.

define jack-o-lantern.

last year we had a halloween clue party.
(my favorite halloween theme ever.)

and this was our brilliant alternative to carving a pumpkin.

this year i need another excuse, because once again i have no desire to endure that slimy mess.
and no kids to make me feel bad about it.

i'm a party pooper i know.

'twas ms. scarlet, in the dining room, with the candlestick.

there was a time when a certain someone and myself would spend hours in my basement curled up in a makeshift fort playing clue. it was one of my all-time favorite christmas gifts and kept me happily occupied for hours, nay, days at a time. needless to say i kinda' have a thing for clue. i more than wholeheartedly feel that it is a game worth centering an entire holiday around. and so we did. {halloween of course.} and i think we shall make this an annual thing. clue deserves a day of its' own. October 31 seems like just that kind of day.

the men. in character of course.

we served cocktails in mismatched crystal goblets,

and everyone brought their favorite hors d'oeuvres.

everything was so deliciously delectable.

not our typical halloween fare, but also a tradition worth keeping.

or so i think.

the ladies. also in character.

our lovely guests and ourselves.

two colonels mustard & one butler. {who buttled just excellently i must say.}

two ms. peacocks & one ms. scarlet.

we had every intention of carving this pumpkin. we bought it specifically for that purpose. a couple weeks early in fact. but we never did get around to it. and i have to say, i did not miss it! not even a little bit.

{is that scroogy? will i have to pretend to like messy projects when i have kids?}

mid-clue game. and wouldn't you know it, 'twas ms. scarlet! she's devious.

we unintentional captured some rather spooky light in our entry before heading up to bed.

perfectly ghoulish, no?

a happy halloween to all, and to all a good night.

{i'm really excited for christmas. can you tell?}

halloween, you're early.

halloween, you're early!

okay, not technically. technically you're right on time.

but you feel early 'cause i'm not ready for you.

no carved pumpkin, no decorations, no candy, no costume.

none of it. not yet. and now i only have one day to prepare.

and you arrive tomorrow!

i have to be honest with you. there was a time not so long ago {a couple days}

when i wished you wouldn't come at all.

and we could skip right ahead to thanksgiving & christmas.

but now i'm happy to have you.

you're more than welcome.

and even if our preparations are a little last minute,

we're excited to celebrate your arrival with our clue party tonight.

so, forgive me?

Halloween

Erik & Mindy as McCain & Palin, Ryan and I as doctor and patient. (He, obviously, receiving medical treatment for his caboose)

Okay, I am aware that this post is coming in a little after the season, but we had such a fun Halloween!

Ever since I was a little girl and we attended my aunt Kathy's huge annual Halloween bash featuring bonfires, homemade root beer and sloppy Joe's, Halloween just doesn't seem completer without a party of some sort.

This year we celebrated with dinner, games, scary movies, and some of our closest friends.

Kera & Jed as dirty laundry & static cling

Superman & Lois Lane after years of marriage :)

Taylor & Crystal as Bumble Bee and recently pollinated flower! Congrats guys & very cute!

Tiffany & Jason as Cheerleader & Indiana. Jones that is.

Again with the politicians!

Greased Lightning & Kitty Cat

Yes, pumpkin shaped bread bowls (courtesy of the Corbridges) soup, and tons of goodies. Yum!

Happy Halloween!

(Better late than never)