Halloween 2012

As always, Halloween is perfect reason for a party.  I don't think anyone really cares what Halloween actually represents or what the origins of the holiday are.  At this point it is basically just an excuse for people of all ages to dress up and party.  And I don't have a problem with that, there is nothing wrong with just having fun and eating lots of candy!

The Smith Family had the usual full slate of Halloween festivities.

1-  Church Trunk-or-Treat Party.  It was the usual soup pot-luck followed by trunk-or-treating in the parking lot.  This year my dad went with us and we also invited our neighbors.  I have to say, my friend Jane made a huge pot of beef stew and it was the hit of the party!  She made it with Korean short ribs and Korean sweet potatoes---fabulous! 

The girls and I were the only ones to dress up.  Paige wore a poodle skirt and did the whole Fifties thing, Ashley was a vampire, and I went as Medusa. (My dad took the picture with my phone, that's his finger in the shot!  ha, ha)

2.  Halloween Bash at the elementary school.  My friend Jane (same as above) and I were in charge of the family Halloween dance at the elementary schoool.  A big project but it was fun.  Our turn out was about 3 times more than we expected; it was huge.  Paige's Brownie troop came early to help us set up, we had a great DJ and a very cute photo booth.

3-  Paige's Halloween Parade.  This year I passed on doing Paige's class party at school because I knew my dad would be in town, plus I already had too much to do.  It was great and Dave, my dad and I just went over to the school to watch the costume parade.  Easy peasy, plus it was fun for Paige to have her grandpa there.  Its a special treat to have extended family come to your school events!

4-  Pumpkin carving and trick or treating.  Every year it seems like carving pumpkins is something that we barely have time for, but somehow we always make it happen. 

As for the actual trick or treating.  I don't have any pictures.  I did make the girls special pumpkin face quesadillas.  Then Ashley went to hang out with friends, Paige and I went over to a friend's house and went trick or treating with them, while Dave and my dad went to a soccer game (another post.)  I think everyone had a good time doing their own thing even though it was FREEZING COLD!