putting October to bed

I had to wear a costume to our ward Halloween party. The YM/YW put on a carnival for the Primary kids. This was the best I could throw together at the last minute, just a cape from our dress-up box, a hat I borrowed from Heidi, and a little extra makeup. Yeah, I'm fun that way.
Sadly, my kids were excited about this meager effort, because I usually don't do anything at all.

We had face painting, cookie decorating, "fishing" for prizes, a smashing spook alley that the Deacons put together, and even a photo station, complete with professional lighting equipment. Eva had a blast being part of the Primary before her time, since she had to come with me.

This picture of my little pumpkin (aka mean dragonfly) walking down the steps to preschool just tickled me. I love kids in costumes.

This was the best shot I got of all the kids together. It's what happens when multiple people are taking pictures at the same time. (Mom, Dad, and Grandma & Grandpa who came to see them in costume.) Max wore his false moustache to school and then decided he couldn't take it anymore. Too bad, it was hilarious.

Sibling love makes me melt. So tender.

Lucas and Eva jack-o-lanterns.

Max, Marc, and Lucas jack-o-lanterns. Love that Jack Skellington!

My pumpkin was carved over a week in advance (at YW) and had seen better days by the time we lit it last night.

Max and Lucas trick-or-treating at our cute neighbors' house. Eva opted to ride in the stroller again this year. I can't decide if that was a good or bad choice. On the one hand, it required either her brothers to pick up her candy for her, or for the homeowners to step down and put a treat in her bag. On the other, she didn't get tired out and there was no complaining from her. In fact, she never wanted to quit! She kept saying she wanted to "trick-or-treat a billion!". We didn't do a billion, but we did stay out for almost two hours. Lucas tired before Eva did (of course, he didn't have a ride).

We came back and Marc took the boys out a little longer. Eva had a couple of her treats and was giddy and giggly about the whole experience.

Max and Lucas's loot, after the sorting. I have fond memories of the sorting. Lucas showed Eva how to do it this morning, and she's already done it three times.

The kids had a great Halloween. Marc and I, however, are bemoaning the fact that we haven't watched any scary movies, as per tradition. Perhaps it's not too late.

In other news, I wrapped up the juicing project early this week and got everything cleaned and order restored. Just carrying them all down to the garage proved to be somewhat of a workout!

We had a record yield this year. When I realized that we will be in Paris next Fall, and therefore unable to profit from our grape harvest, I pushed myself to pick all I could this year. It paid off -- 34 quarts! My previous record was 24 (or maybe 25).

I was talking with a neighbor who also makes grape juice. She told me that she did 45 quarts, and then she dilutes them by half, so it ends up costing her only $.50 a bottle (she buys her grapes)! I consider it something akin to sacrilege to dilute the juice with water. I don't even like to drink it with ice, to eliminate all diluting possibilities. To each his own, I guess.

October seemed to zoom by, but now that it's November, it feels right. Holiday-ish. I like it.