Preschool Halloween Party

For the past 3 years, I have hosted our preschool's Halloween party. I figure since I have the games, decorations, and plan, why not. It is different kids every year; no one knows the difference. It was really fun to do this with Sam. He has always tagged along for Emily's activities but this party was my first for Sam and his friends. I did a few different activities with Sam's group because it is mostly boys. The kids below are (L - R) Mason-Peter Pan, Blake-Anakin Skywalker, Sam-Spiderman (Don't ya love the slippers! He insisted on wearing them and he has on Spiderman underpants :-), Alyssa-princess, Sarah-cheerleader (Mason's older sister who has afternoon kindergarten).
We did a few crafts-decorated a bag with Halloween stamps for our goodies and prizes, made a Halloween necklace (we do have one girl), and made bat hats.

Then we learned all about bats (I couldn't have a preschool party without some education involved!). I read them a story about bats. It ended with what bats eat (insects, spiders, snakes, etc) so then we pretended to be bats (we were wearing our nifty bat hats) and went on a bug hunt. I had placed about 50 plastic bugs (I bought them last year after Halloween on clearance for 50 cents! What a bargain!!!) all around the yard and the kids collected them in their bags. Thankfully, it was a pleasant day and the kids had fun running around looking for "bugs to eat". After some playtime we ate spiders for snack (Ritz crackers spread with peanut butter, stick pretzels for legs [yes, I know spiders have 8 legs but 6 just fit better on the cracker], chocolate chips for eyes) and then played Halloween Bingo with candy corns for covers and candy for prizes (it is a Halloween party). Everyone had a great time. The kids were so cute in their costumes. Emily came home from Kindergarten before everyone left and was able to have some fun as well. Another fun Halloween party! I wonder if I'll have to do one next year?

Trunk or Treat

The Friday before Halloween we went to the ward's annual Trunk or Treat activity at the church. It was a rainy day so the activities were moved inside. I was glad because then I did not have to bundle the kids for the cold weather. Here are Sam and Emily all ready for some candy collectin'! Ben's costume (alligator, dragon, lizard, dinosaur, whatever) was too bulky for his car seat so we took it with us. He fell asleep before we got there so Brad used his costume as a prop to hand out the candy. He put the bowl of candy inside the costume and lifted the the alligator's head/mouth to retrieve the candy. As he lifted the head, he would growl. Ben woke up as Brad was handing out the candy. He watched and listened while Brad gave out the candy. Soon Ben would growl right along with Brad. It was quite a scene.

Here's a picture we took of Ben on Halloween night.

Experiment Open

In order to get more of my family to read my blog, I am trying an experiment. I have now change my blog from private to open to all. We'll see if it helps. Feel free to comment.

But you didn't say...

We met Brad for dinner the other night. It was a spur of the moment kind of outing. I had had a busy day and did not want to cook or mess up my clean kitchen and I had to take the kids to gymnastics and Brad had orchestra so when Brad called to say he was coming home, we decided to meet at Noodles. I told the kids to get in the car so we could meet Dad. They obeyed so quickly and I was so proud of them for getting ready so nicely.

As we were getting out of the car, I noticed Sam did not have on any shoes. He was just in his socks. Here is our conversation:
Me: Sam, where are your shoes (assuming he either brought them with him or they fell off)?
Sam: I don't have any.
Me: WHY NOT?
Sam: But you didn't say "get your shoes and socks on".
Me: AHHH!

The first flutter of winter

The other day I glanced out the window and saw them... Snowflakes!
They only lasted a moment-not even long enough to call the kids to the window to look. They never made it to the ground but they were there. A reminder that Fall is ending and Winter is coming.

Merry Go Round Music

Brad is in an orchestra and we went to his rehearsal. While we were listening, Sam leans over to me and says, "They aren't playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (what Brad usually plays for the kids at home); they are playing Merry Go Round Music."

I miss you litle blog!

Hello little blog. It has been awhile since I have posted. I have been too busy. I have lots of pictures to post and things to write about but until I get my "to do" list under control you will have to wait. Sorry. I'll see you soon!