Halloween is October 31st, right? Well, not when you live in Reunion Neighborhood, have a little girl in Preschool, and participate in extracurricular activities. Everyone wants to get in on the fun and they get down to partying early. At the Sims house that meant we started a week early. That also meant I had to be ready with the costumes and accessories well ahead of trick or treat night. A first for me as I'm typically driving around town, pulling it all together, hours before we trick or treat.
Friday, October 25
The first event was trick or treating at the local retirement home with Carrington's Pre-K class. I didn't want the kids to wear their actual costumes to all the pre-parties for two reasons. 1.) I was afraid they would get tired of wearing them over and over before Halloween. 2.) I didn't want them to have stains or rips. So, the kids wore other dress up attire to some of the events.
Cinderella and Spiderman
The majority of C's pre-k class
The interaction between elderly and child was so sweet.
I really enjoyed seeing smiles from all ages.
Celebrations Pre-k and Kindergarten classes
Saturday, October 26
Our next par-tee was an adult only Halloween event at our neighbors house. Aaron and I got the night off so we could have some dress-up fun while Granny and Papa Sims took care of the kids.
Our theme this year was the Super Hero Family! Grayson has come into the age of understanding and thoroughly enjoying holidays, birthdays and events. So, he got to pick our theme.
I love that Aaron is willing to go above and beyond to "play the part" . I think he made a great Joker! I was even able to pull together a costume this year, going as Batgirl. We both had a lot of fun dressing up and seeing all our friends dressed up (there were a lot of creative costumes that could not be posted due to "R" rated outfits).
Neighborhood friends...
Sunday, October 27
The neighborhood costume party for the kids. It was the first time all the kids were in their actual Halloween costume. Grayson was a big fan of having a boy costume to wear. Poor kid, usually he is forced to put on a princess dress or ballerina skirt when Carrington plays. Hudson was fine with his outfit but he refused to wear his mask on his eyes so the majority of the time it was around his neck.
Batman, Catgirl and Robin
Ages 0-2
Ages 2-4
Superhero's Save The Day!
Robin to the rescue
Tuesday, October 29
Reunion has a friendly competition of some sort for each holiday. For Halloween it was pumpkin carving and house decorating. Carrington had a playdate with a couple of girls in the neighborhood and they spent the afternoon, with Grayson, painting a pumpkin.
That night the kids and daddy got to work on picking a template and turning the pumpkin into a lit masterpiece. (I had the most fun cleaning out the guts. Another year where the kids would not touch the slimy insides.)
Aaron did a great job, once again, even if they were not picked a winner!
As I mentioned above there was also a judging for best decorated house. I have never seen anything like it before. Neighbors go all out on making the outside of their house look spook-tacular! We started a new tradition of touring the neighborhood on hallow-eve to make a Sims family decision on who's house looks creepiest! I kid you not, a week after Halloween, I have many friends in the neighborhood who have started decorating for Christmas. Crazy about holidays around here and I love, love, love it!!
Our tour guide and driver, Hudson
Yes, yes, yes!!
Carrington is finally able to help me decorate, design, and craft. I'm thrilled to have a helper when I get in over my head on a Pinterest idea. She loves the "doing" so it's a win for all!
Decorating Frankenstein and pumpkin juice boxes for Pre-K Halloween party.
Thursday, October 31 - Halloween!
It was a busy, busy day that started early with a Halloween Trot at C's preschool. Each child was challenged to raise money and run 10 laps around the parking lot. (Personally, I think the event should have been held the day after Halloween so the kids can run off their sugar high.)
Catwoman preparing for her run along with Little Mermaid's Summer and Katie.
Patiently taking pictures while waiting for the run to finish. We tried to keep up with C but only made two laps around before our little two year old feet got tired.
Ten laps complete but Carrington only gave herself credit for eight.
OK, ok. I'll hold up ten fingers!
Her class party was held after the run. Each child or MOM brought in a goodie to share for lunch. While waiting for their plate the kids sat patiently and colored a mask.
Doesn't she look terrifying!
A quick trip to the pumpkin patch wrapped up the morning preschool fun!
C's pre-k class
And then there was Halloween evening!!!
It was the first time we were all dressed in costume, at the same time, as a Super Hero Family. After getting everyone ready we crossed the street to the Harbuck's house for soup and finger foods before the trick or treat fun began.
The fun of trying to get a family photo where everyone looks
at the camera at the same time.
Kids, please look at the camera!
Instead, Batman looks to the sky, ready to take flight.
But wait, Batman is at it again. Trying to get Catwoman to turn evil
by pulling her hair.
Backyard pictures didn't work so now we'll try the front yard...
Photo bombed by a Ninja
As good as it gets!
Our trick or treat gang.
At this point we lost Catwoman. She took off going house to house with her friends and we didn't see her again until the bucket was full of candy. If the incentive to get out of the wagon was one of Batman's most favorite things in the whole world, he would have been glued to the seat the entire night. He was overwhelmed and scared of all the costumes and spooky houses. So much for being a fearless superhero! At each house we had to remind him the reward to leaving the wagon was candy in his bucket.
Batman surveying his goods!
One of many decorated houses.
We end Halloween night with a candy inventory. Each kid dumps out their goodies and talks about their favorite kind. "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" plays in the background and the kids get to pick out a few pieces to eat. Only this year, our friends stopped by at the "end of the night" and asked if the kids wanted to go golf cart riding for more candy. Off they went to fill their buckets for the second time.
A couple other "firsts" this year. We ran out of candy before 8pm. Not just a small bag of candy that's been purchased in the past but a Costco size bag. Turning away eager, candy loving kids is not fun. I was a little worried our house would get egged, TP'd, or our pumpkin smashed later in the night.
The Switch Witch made her first appearance at the Sims house. If you are not familiar with her, the kids leave their bucket full of candy for the Switch Witch to take back to her fat cat. In return, the Switch Witch leaves behind a new toy, game or arts and crafts project for each kid. At our house it was new arts and crafts. I was very thankful the Switch Witch showed up. Grayson has a sweet tooth and doesn't like to be told, "no more candy". Hmmm...sounds a lot like his mom. We were having major meltdowns with the candy given out at the many pre-Halloween events. One or two pieces is never enough. I get it son, I really do! However, the Switch Witch's cat needed the candy more!
Halloween 2013 kept with many of our traditions but also came some new ones. Reunion is the mecca for Halloween lovers and Carrington and Grayson loved being a part of it all! I'm already excited for next year and thinking about what theme we'll wear!
