HALLOWEEN!

 Despite things being different this Halloween with Emma gone in Utah and Covid changing everything - we still managed to do some usual Halloween traditions! 

The boys still wanted to frost Halloween sugar cookies with their cousins, but I hadn't gotten around to picking a date and luckily for me - Jenn asked about it and took the reigns this year. They hosted dinner and sugar cookie decorating. It was a sad turnout with only the our family, Nate's family and Jake's family. I made the boys all frost a couple of cookies, but mostly they just played basketball out front against each other and had the best cousin time! 

I heard about a Haunted Car Wash in Chandler so one Friday night I told Eli to invite the Jacksons and we will go hit it up. It wasn't really scary, but at least one time all of us would jump because the person came out of no where. They acted like tough guys, but secretly I know they enjoyed it. Afterwards we hit up circle K for treats and drinks and then they hung out playing whiffle ball, etc. 

We took the quick easy route this year and just ran to Frys and grabbed pumpkins for the boys to carve. They didn't seem to mind. We also ran to Dunkin Donuts to grab donuts so we could carry on the tradition of Hot Chocolate, donuts and pumpkin carving out back while watching Hocus Pocus - everyone in my house hates that movie, but me, but I still make them watch it once a year - tradition people, tradition! 

One Saturday night after a long day for everyone - when we were finally all home together at 9pm, we went out back and all watched Hubie Halloween together. The boys were cracking up at Adam Sandler and Jared and I loved watching them enjoy it and asking to rewind funny scenes over and over again. 

Ward trunk or treat was kind of a bust, but it didn't stop Tyler and Tyson from dressing up and running around and collecting candy! Eli jumped ship and went to Braxten's ward for their trunk or treat instead which was a wise decision. They had a youth flash mob and quite the party over there. Braxten dressed up as Trump and Eli and Jake were Trump supporters. It took Eli some convincing to wear the trump tank top without an under shirt on and to take the American Flag and wave it proudly at the party - but once he realized he was at a party full of Trump supporters and everyone complimenting him on his costumes - he rocked it loud and proud and asked to wear it out trick or treating. We told him no and that he needs to know his crowd - ha ha! He even started the ward Flash Mob with him waving the flag high in the air. Then he joined in and did the Thriller dance as best he could. That is something that I love about Eli - he has no qualms rocking it out on the dance floor! 

Emma went to a pumpkin carnival up in Salt Lake City with her co-worker from Sodalicious, Caroline. They ate apple cider donuts, watched pig races, corn maze, etc. She loved the escape from the normal weekly routine! Then that weekend She spent 3 days down in St. George with Maddie and all the Parrys. They went to see Thriller at Tuachan, had a "witches" lunch, etc. She had the best time and so grateful the Parrys are welcomed her like she was family! 

Halloween night the Parrys came over to our house and we grilled pizzas and then Steph and I took the twins out trick-or-treating for an hour. They came back with completely full lululemon bags filled with candy. They hit homes with candy cannons, ghost suckers hanging from trees, pvc pipe candy slides, etc. It was fun to watch the different creativity at each house. Then they came back and did their usual candy trading, etc. 

Eli ditched us again this year and went and hung out with the Jacksons. They like to roam the neighborhood and trick or treat a little, hang out at the park, etc. He was sad when we made him come home at 10pm. 

It was a good Halloween had by all!