After Halloween Sale 2011

Once again Mom got Dads birthday and Christmas gift the day after Halloween. With 50% sales on Halloween items at Walmart and Spirit, Mary made out like a bandit, especially at Walmart where she got a ton of cool stuff half off their already low price!

We stocked up on Halloween garland and the stone dungeon scene setters that we used in the living room. Mary got a cup cake server (which has a small pirate skull on it in the picture) that she really wanted, especially since cupcakes went over well at the party. James got some shirts and a couple pirate props (James really liked Pirates of the Caribbean), and dad got his Christmas and Birthday gifts early again with several Halloween props and animated figures.

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Trick or Treat 2011

The pics start with the outside decorations at our home, then go into James Trick or Treating and the fun he had. James met up with some of his friends on the street, and we did all of Vassar and Tulane from Annapolis to Dartmouth. Missing this year was Mrs Kerchen who is recovering from an accident and hopes to be back soon. Mrs Steel on the corner went out of her way to see James (as did most our neighbors). Allen next door had some great pumpkins and most of the homes were very well decorated. This might have been the best year yet as I would guess 1 out of every 2 or 3 homes had some Halloween decorations up, so I would have to say that it is closing in on Christmas as far as outside decorations.

The trick or treater turnout seemed light, really don’t know why since it was a nice evening. James was the only kid out on one block and it was around 7pm which should have been prime trick or treating. Tons of candy left at the house as well.

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Hoover Elementary Halloween Parade 2011

For the second year in a row James and his classmates participated in the Hoover Elementary Halloween Parade. The entire school marched around the front of the school in their halloween costumes, led by their principle Mrs Springer, who wore the purple jester costume. The costumes seemed to be much more elaborate than last years, with Darth Vader and Batman seeming to be the favorites among boys, and witches and angels the favorites among girls.

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Halloween Treats from Hoover Elementary 2011

Wow, it seems each year James brings more and more home from school for Halloween treats. This year he got so much it looked like Trick or Treat time. James got a flash light, vampire pen, pez, marshmallow Halloween meal, finger candy, candy corn, and even a pop corn hand with candy corn fingernails.

Special thanks to all who contributed to Jame’s loot and if he does this well at Trick or Treat he will be doing great. Also a special thanks to Mrs Jent and all of Hoover elementary who always go out of their way to make holidays special for the students.

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Best Decorated Halloween Homes 2011

We did this a few years back and thought it might be interesting to see how the Halloween decor has changed in the past few years. Most of these homes are a few blocks from James which makes for a real fun Halloween atmosphere in the neighborhood. James especially enjoys outside displays and as we drive around he picks out his favorites as he helps with the project, however there is a small fee for his services – a slurpy at the local Seven Eleven!

Is it possible that Halloween may someday take over the decoration crown from Christmas? Each year we see more and more Halloween homes like the ones shown here.

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James Halloween Party 2011

James had a great time at the Halloween party and did a good job as a first time host. The party was well attended with about a 50/50 ratio of kids and adults. Even James’ teacher, Mrs Jent, showed up. The weather cooperated as well, although we did not plan anything for outside. Most of the time was spent in the basement and every kid got a bag of goodies when they left.

We did not take many pictures during the party, we were having too much fun. The majority of these pics were taken after the party (which we officially called a Get Together since we did not have anything scheduled for any particular time). Hopefully we can do it again next year.

Special thanks to Sammy’s mom for sending us some pics she took during the party.

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Pumpkins for the Halloween Party 2011

What would a Halloween party be without pumpkings? James and Dad pondered this thought and decided to go out and buy a few pumpkins to carve for the Halloween party. Pumpkins usually last a week or two if they are not carved, but once you carve one they begin to deteriorate rather rapidly and you really only have a few days of being able to use a carved pumpkin (It also depends on the temperature, if they are kept cool they will last much longer, but if left in a warm house they will deteriorate quickly).

A quick trip to the store got us everything we needed and James was very creative with his carving of the pumpkins. Hopefully they go over good at the upcoming Halloween Party. James thinks so and so does Dad.

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After Halloween Sale 2010

There was after Halloween sales everywhere, in some cases Halloween decorations were 90% off. Mary takes advantage of this each year and gets Dad’s birthday gifts a little early, (last year we got the skeleton peanut vendor after Halloween from Walmarts). Hopefully not too many people realize the savings so that we can continue to save each year. Only problem is you have to wait a year to use the stuff but we think it’s worth the wait. Besides, there is no way we could afford to pay the retail price on this stuff, it adds up quickly.

Trick or Treat 2010

This year James got to wear two costumes, the first for school was the skeleton for the school parade and the main costume was Woody from Toy Story 3 which he used to go Trick or Treating. We were concerned that James might lose the hat for the Woody costume at the school parade and also james was more fond of the Woodie costume.

Dad took James trick or treating while Mom handed out candy. Aunt Peg who usually hands out candy was not available this year because she was recovering from the leg injury she got this past summer. James did a great haul this year and the weather was perfect for trick or treating.

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Gearing Up For Halloween & Parade 2010

October is a big deal for the family as the Halloween decorations come out and get set up, this year we planted a pumpkin patch in the back and it outgrew the garden, however it is paying dividends and we have gotten a couple pumpkins already out of our own back yard. Last year Mary went out and bought my birthday gifts the day after Halloween and she got great deals on a bunch of cool decorations so this year we are reaping the benefits of her fore sight. She plans on doing the same this year. James has been a much bigger help this year, participating more in the decorating and giving his input on where he wants things. The ghost that floats across the window is entirely James idea, and he seems to be more “gentle” with the props where as in years past we would find them taken apart due to his curiosity.

Anyhow we got a good jump on the Halloween season and uploaded some pictures and videos that you might enjoy seeing. New this year is a fogger that blows bubbles full of fog. When the bubble bursts, it lets out fog and really looks cool.

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