Halloween Part 2

For the rest of the Halloween festivities we walked down to the church just down the street from us and attended their fall festival. We've gone every year since we moved here so it's just become a tradition for us. It's so easy since we can walk there and it gives Preston the illusion that he's trick-or-treating even if we just stop at the neighbor's house. Sadly, we learned that this will be the last year for the fall festival at that church since they are moving to another building in the next town. I know Preston will miss going. He will probably always call that church his "Halloween church" whenever we pass it.

We got there a little a little early and not all the games were manned. So you know what that means! Free bucket of candy!!!

Just kidding. We told Mario here that he could only take two.

Here he is playing roll the dice game. Or better known as "Craps".

Turns out that's not so easy with gloves on and a creepy clown eyeballing you. Hey, I thought the church flyer said no scary costumes!










Next up, the hockey game. Always a hit with the little guys.

What form...

What grace...

What moonwalk?

Now it was time for Connor to try his hand at winning candy.

How about a little fishing?

Connor was not excited.

"What do you mean you want me to catch a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup?"

Every year they have door prizes to giveaway. This year you registered for the prizes by putting your name in a hat. So I went ahead and signed up all four of us. Well guess who won?

That's right. Little sleepy Connor was carried up on stage to accept his prize of this adorable teddy bear that he clung onto for the rest of the night. I have to admit that even though this was Connor's first year attending the fall festival it wasn't his first time to win something there. Last year I (at 7 months pregnant) won the very last door prize of the evening which just happened to be a really cute baby toy. He certainly is a lucky little fella.

Next up - the Costume Contest! This is the first year that they have done this that we know of. One of the church staffers brought up several contestants on the stage they felt were worthy of being judged. Preston was the first one chosen. I couldn't believe how well behaved he was up on stage all by himself. And when it was his turn to talk into the microphone he clearly stated his name and who he was dressed up as. We were so proud.

Unfortunately, Preston didn't win the grand prize. That award went to the lobster and two chefs you see standing next to him. What you can't see is the big stock pot the baby lobster was in. It was really a cute costume.

However, lots of applause and cheers (especially from mom and dad) made up for the loss and Preston didn't seem to mind.

I mean who would, when you go home with a loot like this?!

I'm pretty sure that Reese's Peanut Butter Cup never made it back into the bag.

Halloween Part 1

I am so far behind posting photos. And the next few posts will probably seem out of order but I just had to share some of my boys and how cute they were on Halloween.

Preston is really into Mario right now. So we thought it fitting that he dress up as Mario for Halloween. And since I'm pretty frugal these days it also seemed like a relatively cheap costume to put together. Turns out that I spent only $1 - yes! $1 to make both boys costumes. Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

First I need to show you the cute trick-or-treat bags that I picked up at the dollar store. (Yes, I spent more on the bags to hold the loot than I did the actual costumes.) These bags had a cute jack-0-lantern face on one side and I cut out felt and glued their names on the other.

Time to pose with your bags, boys.




Connor wasn't too sure what to do with his, so Phillip improvised the "holding". We made sure to remove the bag from around his neck prior to adding candy to it.

And here's Mario showing off his bag. Yes, the high water overalls were intentional. I felt that it really completed the video game "geek" factor.

Connor went as "Power Ups". For those not in the know, power ups are kind of like little helps that Mario collects on the way. The mushrooms give Mario extra lives and the flower gives him fire power.

In case you were curious here's how I made his costume: one already owned pajama sleeper light blue + cut out felt in the shapes of power ups + hot glue (not while child is wearing!) = one super cute Super Mario Galaxy Power Up!

Uh oh Mario! Looks like your power ups are getting away! You better go get them!

Why do you laugh, Mario? Does your mustache tickle?

Here's the recipe for a great Mario costume: one already owned size 24 month overalls that your too skinny 5 year old can still wear *gasp* + one borrowed red shirt + brown shoes + mustache shaped felt attached with elastic + already owned red hat with felt M + one pair of white gloves $1 = one cute super plumber! (Remember? Mario was a plumber when he first appeared on Donkey Kong.)

Good work Mario! You caught your power up! Now go save Princess Peach!