Prepping the Pumpkins....

Well, we're several days late posting updates to the family blog since it has been hectic to say the least. Halloween this year kind of snuck up on us, and ever since, we've been busily 'winterizing' our home and preparing for the cold weather. When this occurs, it requires an all-hands-on-deck methodology since we're turning over multiple closets (fall to winter clothes, shoes to boots, summer hats to winter hats, etc.), adding blankets to beds, dropping off to friends bags of clothes that do not fit, and organizing our house decorations storage chamber, since we've got three holidays to decorate for in just two months! Alas, Halloween is a favorite around the Kingdom. This year, we were invited to trick or treat with some new neighbors/friends who live in the perfect trick or treating area! The kids (a total of six in our pack) went from house to house for two hours and raked in enough candy to last through next Halloween. While we're pretty strict about how much they get to consume (one piece per day), the kids absolutely loved trick or treating this year--and they got to do it TWICE! That's right! Some towns set up trick or treat hours on they day before (Saturday) and others, on Halloween night. The kids did two nights out--and were asking for more since they get so excited to investigate all the homes--decorated with ghouls, ghosts, pumpkins and spiders. Costumes have already been purchased and put away for next year (leveraging some awesome discounts, of course) and the kids, we're sure, are already counting down the days until they trick or treat again. Hopefully, the Zbitnoff's will invite us back again--since a great time was had by all (including the four parents who drank wine until 9!) :)


Two kings, a knight and a princess....

Our pumpkins..... :)

Princess Abigail... (sans crown as she's a no-crown princess, apparently)

King Aramis....

King Alec....

Dougie and Abby snuggling....

Visiting our awesome neighbors and adopted grandparents, Doug and Camille. They always do SO much for our little ones...and Halloween is no exception. They didn't get just one candy bar, they got a HUGE bag (each of them) of goodies! Love them!

Cami and Alec discuss his costume...of which he is so proud!

Trick or Treating...'live!' :)

Some interesting witches we met along the route...

Tony checks candy (as all good adults should) and he didn't even snag a single piece for himself!

Prior to Halloween, the royal family was invited to partake in a very creative/unique Pumpkin Carving party held by one of the boys' classmates. It was one of the most enjoyable events we've ever attended--so much to do--the kids literally fell asleep as soon as they got buckled back into the car to go home. There may not be a better way to spend a Fall Saturday.

At the Pumpkin Carving Party...Alec gets a nice big push around the place by hostess and classmate, Riyanna! (who is too beautiful for words...).

Tony and Alec fish for eyeballs...

Tony begins to help the kids with their pumpkin carving projects. Best pumpkins get an award...and no surprise, ours wins an award. The only downside? Aramis pulled it from our wagon and threw it across the yard (strong kid!) because he wanted a ride in the wagon!! Oh no!

Tony...very sad...his award-winning creation smashed to bits by his little man. :(

An interesting new look for the pumpkin...that is for sure. We'll call this Texas Chainsaw OpenFace!

Jumping on the trampoline...

As we started talking about 'dressing up' for Halloween, Alec took it pretty literally and decided to 'dress' Tony as a Mr. Potato Head. Notice additions of mouth and belt... :)