Annual Pumpkin Carving

I'm a little late getting this post done.  Who wants to read about Halloween now that it's almost Thanksgiving?  Sorry.  Feel free to skip right over this one.  But, our little neighborhood pumpkin carving party is a tradition now so it needs to be included here, even if it is late.  And really Amy, this post is for you because I know you are dying to know how "scary mask kid" is doing this year!    

So...the night before Halloween, sixteen neighbor kids between the ages of 9 months and 14 years (plus parents), came over for a party in our garage that included pizza, pumpkin carving, pin-the-nose-on the pumpkin and an impromptu game of hide and seek outside in the dark.  Really fun times!   

Having a house full of neighbors fills my cup!  And pumpkin carving is such a fun and easy way to break down barriers and build community.

(And Amy, I'm happy to report that "scary mask kid" is doing GREAT.  Seriously, such a nice kid.  I hope my boys are all as responsible and well-mannered as Manuel when they hit eighth grade.  I'm so glad he still comes to the party even though he's older than everyone!) 

Speaking of masks....we didn't do costumes for the pumpkin carving party this year.  I didn't want the hassle of washing pumpkin guts off my boys' costumes in time for Halloween the next day.  But the next night, we got this shot of the boys with best bud Robbie and his cousin Jasmine just before we left to go trick-o-treating.

Love the memories we are creating with our neighbors. So special!