Happy Halloween

Halloween was a lot of fun. The kids loved the candy, and Matt and I enjoyed harvesting some of our favorites from the candy bucket (I'm glad no kids like Almond Joys. I remember giving them all to my dad as a kid). The boys both had parties in their classes on Friday. The ladies and I took a trip to visit Matt at work, and everyone was charmed by the girls in their costume. We then we joined Alex for his school party, and the girls jumped right in and acted like they were a part of the class. Friday night we went to the Trunk or Treat at the church and then left for Utah.

Saturday brought our cousin Brinlee's baptism (sorry no pictures). She looked beautiful in her white dress. Then the boys carved pumpkins and went to the business trick or treat with Rachelle and Dave and Jackson (mom and dad made a trip to Sam's Club while we were in the big city:)). As we were preparing to go trick or treating, my boys asked, "Why are all these kids coming to Grandpa and Grandma's house asking them for candy?" It was then that we realized that we haven't ever really taken them door to door trick or treating. It was a funny moment.

We visited Aunt Colleen, trick or treated with my brother Ryan and his kids in his neighborhood and then visited Uncle Dave and Aunt Lyn and Lori. It was fun to be back "home" for Halloween.

Unfortunately, the Lady Trojans lost their state championship volleyball match in 5 very close games. I was hoping for a win to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of our team taking state in 1989 and to ride the fire engine with Uncle Dave. Congrats to Aunt Liz and the team for a great season and for winning the National High School Volleyball Coach of the year award.

Trick or Treaters-Courtney, Jackson, Gracie and Alex
Not Halloween, but a cute picture of Courtney in Matt's new hat.

Aunt Colleen and her famous pumpkin faces! She hosts a drop-by Halloween dinner/celebration each year complete with sloppy joes on which she puts these cheese pumpkin faces. She cuts each piece of cheese individually.

Uncle Dave has quite the collection of Halloween blow ups. The kids loved visiting him. He and Denise loaded down the kids with treats. And I enjoyed her puffed rice balls and homemade sugar cookies.

My lone picture of Kirill. He was far too busy collecting a good stash of candy to get any pictures at all in his costume.

Rachelle with Caroline and Jackson.

Night before Halloween at the church "Trunk or Treat"

Caroline and Cousin Lori (soon to be Sister London of the Carlsbad CA Mission)

both dressed as skunks. My little 50s girl, cheerleader and SpidermanJackson had enough Halloween and sacked out!