Halloween Traditions

For Chris, Melissa and Katy!

This time of year reminds me so much of my mom. Halloween was her favorite holiday, and we had a lot of fun, simple traditions that we always did. I have tried to do many of these same traditions with my own kids. On Wednesday, we carved pumpkins which is always fun and hectic with little ones. I am including the picture of Jordan because if you look closely you will see the paper she is looking at is a copy of the same one we always used to find our jack-o-lantern faces. It is from the 1969 issue of the Friend magazine.

Last night was trick or treating (for some reason, it is held on the night before Halloween in our town). We were absolutely spoiled because the weather (especially for Iowa) was perfect. Warm enough to actually just wear your costume and not a hundered layers! (We had Hannah Montana, High School Musical cheerleader, and Dalmatian Dog) Anyway, after a fun evening, I was tucking the girls in bed, and I ran to get my Halloween poem book. Every year for as long as I can remember, my mom would read this poem on Halloween night. I can still hear her voice saying the words. I am including a copy of this poem especially for my siblings who truly understand the magic of having a parent like my mom.

Tonight, we will have our traditional spooky Halloween meal with the menu posted. This year it is Layered Bat Wings with Witch's Brew (Lasagna), Skeleton Fingers (Bread sticks), Cat Eyes (Corn), Goblin Greens (Salad) and Ghost Blood (Milk). I can't make it too gross or the girls won't eat it! I just love doing these fun things with my kids.

Happy Halloween By Jack Prelutsky

It's late and we are sleepy

The air is cold and still

Our jack-o-lantern grins at us

Upon the window sill.

We're stuffed with cake and candy

And we've had a lot of fun,

But now it's time to go to bed

And dream of all we've done.

We'll dream of ghosts and goblins

And of witches that we've seen,

And we'll dream of trick-or-treating

On this happy Halloween.

Can it really be true?

Can it really be true...the Snarr family will actually be buying blue?????? I had my 20 week ultrasound this afternoon. Yes, I am pregnant for those who didn't know! We are actually having a baby boy (supposedly)...even though the technician kept reassuring us it really was true, Tod and I were in shock. The girls are so excited, and so are we! I am due March 12.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe from Grandma Betty

A Family Favorite for this time of year!

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

1 c. canned pumpkin

1 t. vanilla

2 1/2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 t. nutmeg and 1 t. cinnamon OR 2 t. pumpkin pie spice

1 c. chocolate chips (I usually use more)

Cream butter and sugar- Add egg, pumpkin and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and then add to wet. Drop by teaspoonsfuls on GREASED cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Our Annual Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

For several years now, we have been going to a pumpkin patch during the month of October. Last Saturday was the perfect day to go since the weather was still warm and Aunt Katy was in town visiting from Texas. The pumpkin patch is called the Pride of the Waspi, and it is hands down, the best patch in the area. There is so much to do and see. I took so many pictures so it is hard to narrow it down to just a few. The girls enjoyed face painting, horse riding, a petting zoo, inflatables to jump in (Regan's favorite by far), a barrel train, a contraption for raising a can of food up to the goats who were waiting on a bridge thing over head, concessions, and of course, a ride to the patch to pick the perfect pumpkin. It was a perfect day, and we had such a good time!

Shirts from Grandma

Grandma Cindy sent these darling Halloween shirts last week. Thanks so much Grandma!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite gals! Hope you have a great day! We can't wait to see you...tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Walking Home...

Regan is always so excited to see Ashton and walk with her.

Our house is the one with the green shutters in the background.

The past few weeks have been wonderful! The weather is perfect, and I have been reminded over and over of why we have loved living in Iowa (ask me again in January!). As often as possible, we have been walking over to pick up Ashton after school. I love our little walk that takes us winding through the neighborhood, through some fields, across a little bridge and by a creek. It is absolutely beautiful. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to be back in our house, living in such a great area. Here are some pictures of our walk home...enjoy!