Celebrating Halloween.

Gracie and I hosted a Halloween Brunch last Saturday. I was so busy the week before, getting things prepared and ready for over a dozen small children and their mommas to join us for the party. The stress did hit me on Thursday, and I thought, what was I thinking! Between helping with Gracie's school party on Friday, and preparing to host my own the next day, I was feeling overwhelmed with stuff to do, and as always, I wanted everything to be as perfect as possible!

Luckily, there were many helping hands that took some of these responsibilities off of me, and in the process allowed me to relax and truly enjoy what I was doing. I had to remind myself that I was doing this for Gracie (this girl loves parties!), and the ultimate goal was to bring everyone together to have a good time, celebrating a fun holiday.

My house was full on Saturday. There were funny little people in costume running around everywhere, smearing chocolate on the mopped floor, spreading crumbs throughout the vacuumed house, taking what was neat and organized and dismantling it. :) But they had fun, and I had fun, and once the house was empty again, even as I stood looking at my kitchen and living room, I realized that it was totally worth it!

We talked and laughed, the kids played together and seemed to truly enjoy their "Decorate a Pumpkin" craft. I was able to introduce old friends to new friends and walk away hearing they had quickly found something in common to chat about. The goal was reached. And as much as Sean may roll his eyes at the thought, I will probably do it all over again next year. :)

Danyell (one of my best friends) and her son, Captain America, my bumblebee and I.
I only took a few pictures, unfortunately, since I was doing my hostess thing. ;)

The table before food... I loved my spider. :) He is actually a hat Gracie made at preschool. He's the spider from the nursery rhyme Little Miss Muffet, but he was the perfect party decoration.

This was something new I decided to throw together this year. I cut out pumpkins, provided Halloween stickers, googly eyes, crayons, etc. The kids (younger and older) seemed to enjoy this simple craft. I may expand on this idea next time!

My spooky mantel. Lots of cobwebs, a pumpkin by Gracie, and our Halloween chain we made last year! I should note that there is actually a small woman inside that painted pumpkin... It's a craft inspired by the nursery rhyme Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater!... Such a clever teacher.

I feel certain that trying to get a group photo was a good idea... just much easier said than done, that's all. Many thanks to the sweet bunny rabbit who smiled for us. :)

_____________________________________________

We took Gracie Trick-or-Treating around our neighborhood the evening of Halloween. Ethan came along, but since it was chilly, we kept him warm in the stroller. My mom joined us and it was so much fun seeing all of the neighborhood kids dressed up! Some of our neighbors went ALL out on decorating! Fun!

Happy First Halloween, Ethan!

Comments

  1. Confessions From A Work-At-Home MomNovember 6, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    OK, WHYYYYYY aren't you a preschool teacher? You are so creative! And your attention to detail is impeccable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Platinum RoseNovember 11, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    We had such a blast, THANK YOU! I know it was a stressful undertaking for you, but I am so grateful that you provided all of us with such a fun opportunity for friendship and dressing up!

    Seeing the photo of you and Danyell made me frustrated with myself...we should have gotten a little group shot with us and our kids, too. Shame on me!

    When you get a second will you email me the group shots you were able to get? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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