This year we again held the annual Halloween Carnival. It seemed like many of the moms who run it were very busy beforehand, so we didn’t get together and decorate the whole room like we had in the past. Everyone just brought things for their area/table. It still looked festive, but I missed the fun of climbing ladders, standing on tables, and the cute hanging bats.
I made the games for two booths, and Nick kindly agreed to run one for me.
This booth started out with one jar full of candy, many years ago. Since I have been doing it the past few years, I seem to add another jar every time. It is just so fun to decorate the jars and fill them with the brightly colored candy. Plus, I think it’s more fun for the kids if there is a greater chance of them actually winning one. As luck would have it, Alexandra guessed the closest on how many gumballs there were in the jar. (As I blog about this 8 months later, she still hasn’t eaten all the gum!)
There were lots of fun booths, and a good crowd turnout. Several of the friends and neighbors we invited showed up, which made it even more fun. I always think it is good when people not of our faith can see that we can be deeply spiritual and religious and still have fun.
One of the new booths this year was made by the Faith in God kids and the leaders. They cut out holes in cardboard boxes, decorated them, and the kids tried to shoot Nerf darts through the targets. Fortunately several of us had guns and darts to donate to the game.
Alexandra really wanted to be Little Red Riding Hood, and I found a great, free tutorial online for how to make her costume. Noah had his wolf costume from his play in the spring and agreed to wear it to complete the look. She used her basket full of goodies as her trick or treat bag, and still uses the cape for dress up at home all the time.
The treat table was a bit sparse this year, so I was very happy that I had the baking bug this year. I made the same chocolate skeleton cookies I had last year, and with a bit of the leftover dough and I did some witches hats. And then, just for fun, I HAD to make the guacamole tray I had seen on Pinterest.
It came out pretty good, didn’t it? I was very pleased, and the disgusting visual apparently didn’t put anyone off, as every last drop was eaten up. 🙂 For sure going to make it again.
Sarah wanted to be a witch this year, and was actually big enough to wear my costume from a couple of years ago. It was a bit long, but with my high heels it worked out just right. Crazy how much she has grown in the last little while.
I love how so many of the adults dressed up. I did too, although my costume was kind of lame. I just ran out of time to do anything spectacular. My favorite costumes were my friend Jessi and her husband Jacob. She was Supergirl, he was Clark Kent/Superman. Sadly, I don’t have a very good photo of them, but it was pretty awesome.
I did the Halloween Bingo again this year, and it worked well. But next year, I for sure, for sure, need to get there early so they set me up in the main room and not off on my own. Because only about a third of the kids come and find me, and I get tired of trying to hunt them down in the main room.
It is easier to play the game where it is quieter, but if no one comes to play the game, it’s a moot point.
Sophie was Catwoman and her friend Monica was a zombie-something. 🙂 We had a lot of fun making and finding all the different parts for her costume. I was especially proud of the cat eyeglasses. 🙂 And my friend Tanya let her borrow her black boots to complete it all.
After the party was over, we all cleaned everything up and put all the chairs back for church the next day. Sometimes I miss having a real cultural hall like in the States, but it is always amazing how quickly the room can become a chapel again when everyone works together. That is definitely one good thing you can say about us Mormons, we know how to work!