Let the Candy Fest Begin....

Ahhhh, Halloween....the time of year for pure, undiluted, sugar filled, dress-up fun. For my kids, this holiday is entirely a quest to get the most candy possible. Oh, don't get me wrong, they love to plan their costumes weeks before, and they have a great time doing so; yet, the desire for candy overrides all.
The sugar fest often begins the Wednesday before Halloween at our ward Halloween party. The ward gathers together for a hot dog and chili dinner. I enjoying seeing all the costumes and the kids love spending time with their friends. After the dinner, the kids enjoyed some songs (well most did, poor Liam got scared with the parachute game so I took him to spend time with Daddy, which of course he loved, he's going through an intense "I want my Daddy" phase. As a side note, I love to hear him chant "My daddy home, my daddy home" all through the house for about an hour or so after Barry comes home from work.) Anyway.....back to the candy fest--the kids had sang some songs and played games in one room and in another they decorated a sugar cookie.....Mmmmm, the first sugar morsel to enter the mouth.

The youth were asked to help the primary kids with the decorating. Ryan helped hand out sprinkles and spread frosting for those in need.

After that, all the kids went from trunk to trunk to gather the first round of delicious, scrumptious candy.....Ryan and Barry handed out our goodies while I helped Liam go around and gather goodies. The kids also got to show off their pumpkin carving creations with candles aglow.

Ahhh, after a few more days of waiting the big candy haul-in day came. For the past 10-12 years we've meet at the Turpin's home along with many friends for dinner and fellowship. Then all the parents with little kids pack up the crew and we're off to walk around the neighborhood as the kids have fun trick or treating. Ryan joined us with this year's walk and pushed Liam around in his stroller, (which for some odd reason he didn't want to get out of--poor Ryan, he had to push him through yards full of thickly strewn leaves--but when I want him to stay in it for a family walk, he wants to get out, go figure.)

We all had fun, I enjoyed time with my friends and the kids had a great time gathering goodies and being with their friends. Afterwards a few more minutes were spent at the Turpin's while Ryan played Guitar Hero, and then we were off for home. Now, the real nit and gritty part of candy gathering comes.....the trading and counting...."what do you want to trade with me for____" I think the kids spend about 30-45 minutes just counting and trading with each other and all their stuff. I was proud of them too, I had them share some with Ryan, and they were very generous.

Well, the day is done, and I'm going to bed once I pry that ooey, gooey sucker from Liam.....better yet, I'll just wait till he's done. Another candy quest is done for the year. Now, they can look forward to sugar plums dancing in their heads.

The costumes decoded--

Cailin--Queen Amadalia from Star Wars

Delaney--a princess

Liam--a pumpkin--yes, the same one that they all wore sometime or another as a toddler.

Connor--Luke Skywalker, from the Return of the Jedi era.

Ryan--a punk kid-teenager, funny he's that all the time :) luv you!!