Halloween Festivities

This year Halloween was on a Monday so after school the boys got dressed in their costumes and we headed over to Nana Rose and Papa Tony's house.  Nana always makes the boys a special treat bag full of goodies and prizes.  Carsen got 2 monkeys to add to his collection.  He was very excited.  Amber and Ashley also stopped by so we could see their cute costumes.

Carsen really wanted to be an angry bird, but the costume never came in to Party City as promised.  So, a few days before Halloween he picked out a police officer costume.  He hated the hat and refused to war the gun belt, but that didn't effect the amount of candy he received.

Derek was his infamous self. A skater. I know, the same thing he has been for the last 5 years.  I tried to get him to switch it up to a baseball player, but I was ignored.  Again, it didn't change the large amount of candy he got.

Jake was my Red Power Ranger.  He knew what costume he wanted 2 months before Halloween, bought it and kept it safe for weeks on end.  He refused to wear the mask, but I think the awesome Ninja moves made up for it.

Amber and Ashley were lady pirates.  They wore all the pieces, including eye mask, ear ring and hat.  They flailed their swords at people and made people believe they were real pirates.

After our Richards visit, we headed home to trick or treat in the neighborhood.  We passed Shelley and Glen on the way and witnessed her threatening him to speed up or else!

We got home just before dark and the boys set out the pumpkins that Anthony helped them carve.  I HATE the smell and texture of a real, fresh pumpkin.  I hid in my room the day before while they worked.  They all turned out great!

Carsen chose the shark pumpkin

Jake chose the dinosaur pumpkin

Derek chose the deer, eating a berry off a limb, pumpkin

We headed out trick or treating with Margene and Brennan.  We were out less than 2 hours and the boys had so much candy that they needed help carrying it.  The final count of candy was...In third place Jake with 6.8 pounds.  In second place Derek with 10lbs 4oz and in first place, Carsen with 11lbs, 5oz!  No wonder they needed help. 

The boys came home and divided their candy into keep and trade piles.  Once the bags were organized, they went to bed.  I only was Jake eat 2 little Hershey bars the entire night. 

One week later we donated 15lbs of candy to the troops.  I was so proud of Derek as he went through and donated 90% of his candy.  All the while explaining to Jake how important this project was because the soldiers fight to protect us so we can live here in this free country.  He was sweet and informative as Jake ask a slew of questions.  It made my heart swell with pride that he understands what a blessing it is to be free.

Two week later we have a huge box of candy in the cupboard, hoping that someone will eat it.  Any takers?