Pumpkin Smashing

For all the fun and festivities of Halloween why am I so wickedly pleased when it is all . finally. over?! 

Cousins in Costume...and one Uncle who tried in vain to escape the confines of the camera lens. 

We had an exciting family party complete with carnival booths, games, pinata, a spooky story, and an even spookier  wagon ride through the Haunted Fields around Grandma and Grandpa's House.

 Back at home we carameled apples and carved pumpkins--NOT on the same day, mind you.  Both were utterly messy and therefore memorable--which is what matters, right?

The night started with tears for 3 of the 4 but ended with happy happy kids hauling pillowcases full of treats.
We gave out around 200 pieces of candy.  Gone are the days of walking around as a family! The kids have friends. Back at home they counted their loot:
Brynn and Kate came out  winners with 106 pieces, Adrie a close second at 99 and Cannon, 25. And to quote him, " Now it's 24 cuz I just ate another one mom."

Lastly, we started another messy but memorable tradition this year which happens to sum up my feelings for the holiday in general: Smashing Pumpkins.