Being so stretched thin between a baby, to elementary school kids, to a middle schooler, to a high schooler really hit a new level in October. I kept reminding myself how much I would miss the activities and chaos, and my number one goal was to enjoy it (as opposed to simply survive.) In those two weeks, we had state cross country, football games, soccer games, class parties, church parties, a primary program, band and choir concerts, school assemblies….just all the things.
By the time Halloween rolled around, I was so grateful to just enjoy the festive day with my family.
Matthew the Venom
It killed me a little inside Matthew wanted to be something so insidious! It was so ironic that such a sweet boys looked so creepy! He loved every second of it.
Johnny the Cheeseburger, later Burger King
Johnny’s friend dressed up as a hot dog and they had a pretty good time slumming it in their food costumes. At a costume competition, Johnny got up and said “Ladies and Gents, welcome to the food aisle!” His humor makes me laugh!
Will the Baby
William is always going in “baby mode”, meaning he tucks his knees in his shorts and arms in his t-shirt and waddles around talking like a baby. It has become a whole trend at the elementary school, and their soccer team was even named “Duh Babies!!!” So he was pretty thrilled to have a bottle, binkie, bib and bonnet. He really owned it and I think it really captures William’s silly side.
Caity the Ladies League Baseball Player
Cate was Dottie from “A League of Their Own”. Her softball coach kept telling Cate she reminded her of the character, so it seemed like a fitting outfit. I feel like it was especially fun considering Cate was so busy with softball this year, even traveling to state. She looked darling in my opinion. It was also fun to watch the movie with Cate- and yes, she absolutely reminds me of Dottie!
Emma the Bat
Well, isn’t she the cutest bat you ever did see? I bought this costume first because it looked so comfy then probably jumped a dozen more times to different ideas, ultimately our little bat was perfect for Halloween. She was in a silly and giggly mood every time she wore her costume. What a fun first Halloween.
Oh, how I love these kids!!
Johnny and his Best Friend, Max
Cate and Colton
Cate and Dahlia
The kids as the school carnival
Logan, William and Luke
Cate didn’t attend the elementary school carnival with us but instead went to her first high school football game! It was a White-Out, and luckily she was able to find a spot next her friend, Dahlia!
A cat and a bat
Harrison, Kona, and Matthew
William, Grady, Luke and Jackson
More of Emma and Me at the Carnival
William and Luke at the cake walk
One of my favorite traditions is carving pumpkins. Yet! It almost didn’t happen this year, I was so tired juggling everything. I am so grateful the kids were so insistent to do it, we had such a fun night carving together. Emma got quite a kick out of it!
That night I also made a chicken pot pie with a ghost crust and Jack o lantern Julius, then we watched a Halloween movie before bed.
The day before Halloween, the kids didn’t have school. I made this fun ghost lunch for them as a treat. I love themed foods. I also made them a lunch for school on Halloween but didn’t get any pictures of it!
Pumpkin pancakes and ghost chocolate milk for Halloween Breakfast
All of our pumpkins ready for Halloween night!
Emma hangs out with Halli every time I visit Matthew’s class. On Halloween, I was in charge of the Bingo station!
Per tradition, we opened our home up to everyone who wanted to come by for stew, rolls, pumpkin bars, cider and pizza. I’d guess we had about 40 people circulating through! I’m so glad I did it despite John being out of town. I’m also so glad Jon Cummings brought the mother-load of candy (about 15 Costco bags) because we gave alllll of it away! There were so many trick or treaters!
Cate and her friend, Caiden from school
Luke, William, Johnny, Lucas, Johnny, Max, Wallace, Cooper, Truman, and Grady trick or treating.
Candy trades!
And the bigger kids trading!
Soooo much candy.
When the craziness of the crowd subsided and we had our home to ourselves, I felt so grateful for the family we’ce created here in Medford.
I tidied up the kitchen, bathed Emma, and crawled in bed so the older kids and I could squeeze one more Halloween movie out of October. I cuddled with William and Matthew on my bed and willed for the moment to last as long as possible while also anxiously counting the days for John to get home from El Salvador.
I also feel like I need to include this costume all of my boys wore. We put it on Emma every chance we get, and boy does it put a smile on our faces!
October quickly blended to November. After school book readings shifted from “Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Ear-Muffs” to “Turkey Trouble”. Costumes were put away and Christmas lists were made. We started going around the table sharing what we were grateful for. I made a goal to finish ALL the Christmas shopping and have it wrapped before John came home. December 24th Mary sure loved November 2nd Mary for taking care of that. November ended all the sports and we were simply able to be together as a family enjoying the beautiful autumn colors and brisk early nights.
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