Happy Halloween!

Whose idea was it to put Halloween on a Monday? On a Monday after a 4-day weekend even? A 4-day weekend that found us 950 miles away from home. A 4-day weekend that you didn't return home from until 11:30 the night before. Ouch. But, we made it. How did we spend our Halloween? Well, funny you should ask because I am getting ready to show you just that....

We got everyone to school. Managed to forget a couple of backpacks and some lunches, but all three kids were indeed at school. Benjamin and Abby had their costume parade first thing.
After a couple of passes, the classes all stood in the center to sing a few songs.Some little cicadas may have thought they stood too long. (But she did stay in her little spot the whole time!)

And this one was just a-singing and doing all the hand motions. Yeah, Benjamin!!

Daddy went to Benjamin's room for the class shot.

Mommy went to Abby's room. (I should mention that over the weekend Abby decided she was going to be a cake for Halloween. She cried each time I sweetly reminded her that she was going to be a cicada. What are the chances that the twins in her class would be pink cupcakes??!?! Thanks, Fiona and Rafaela!)

An hour later, I was back in Benjamin's room for his class party.

Daddy and I did remember to make these cute little mummy cups before our trip.

2:00 we were up at Noah's school for his parade and party. (I wonder if you get extra credit for dressing just like your teacher...)

Once we all got home, we decided it was time to "carve" our pumpkins - the ones that the squirrels did not eat, that is.

Then we set the table and got ready for the big evening. (This cute little ghost compliments of our first-grader. He tells us regularly that his daddy should have one just like it somewhere.)

Our favorite friends joined us for some yummy jack-o-lantern pizza.

And then we were off. First stop? Grandma's...

Second stop, George and Edie's.

Then my camera broke, so you have to just imagine my cute children running from house to house and shouting "Trick-or treat" and "THANK YOU!" Made a mama so proud... As we got closer to home, the pumpkins were getting heavier and heavier. I offered to help carry Abby's. She would have none of it. But she did say I could carry her a little. Our three munchkins:

The wings.

The only cicada we saw all night. She even buzzed at a few houses we visited. (I was amazed at how many people asked if I made her costume. If you ever see a cicada costume for sale at a store, please let me know.)

The littlest trick-or-treater. He didn't make a peep and may have taken a little nap on the way around the neighborhood. We had an absolutely beautiful night for being outside and his mommy and I have put in a request that Andrew never have to know what it is like to trick-or-treat wearing long underwear under his costume.

FINALLY! Counting the loot!

End count? 72.

A perfect night all around.