Halloween is quickly becoming the biggest holiday in the Riley house. This year was the best by far.
Thursday the week before Halloween, we kicked the celebration off with trunk or treating at the boys' school. This was the first year we made it - what fun! They hold it ok the parking lot of the school. Fr 615-715 the lot is closed so the kids can go from trunk to trunk and trick or treat safely. Let me tell you...we were sorely under prepared, not just in candy supplies, but in trunk decorations. [I should probably start planning for next year - this is some serious stuff]. Madi the pumpkin stole the night.
Friday, Ayden hosted his second annual costume dinner party. If you recall my post from last year, this was a very impromptu gathering to indulge Ayden's joy of settling the table with Halloween plates. We had maybe 12-15 people in attendance - very low key. Well...Ayden loved it so much he literally started planning this years party the next day. To tell you the truth I can't believe it has already come and gone!!
This year Ayden created the invite list and planned the evenings activities. It was awesome. Over 50 people attended. The night started with a reading of two 'scary' books of Ayden's choosing. Dumbledore (aka J) did a fabulous job reading while captivating and involving the kids. Then, play time before a dinner of delicious chili and cornbread (thanks Mimi and Ms. Sarah!!). When bellies were full, the kids went trunk or treating around our front parking area receiving some fun and thoughtful treats (and even one trick when Nana put a fake cobra in her trunk!). The party concluded with the breaking of a ghost piñata and consumption of Nea's scrumptious mini Halloween cupcakes (the usual ending to all Riley parties-thanks Nea!!).
Surprisingly, the kids went to bed smoothly and we got the outside cleaned and our legs up for a few minutes all before 10pm. A huge success.
And yes, Ayden has already started the planning for next year.
Halloween night we went to our dear friends the Ruboyianes for a huge trick or treating party. They live in one of the great Tucson neighborhoods that close their streets for the kids. We had a blast taking the kids around and watching/listening to them trick or treat. Such sweet, polite boys.
And finally, the icing on the cake. Friday night after Halloween we went back to the Ruboyianes for low key leftovers with a group of great friends. I can't believe we didn't leave until almost 9pm!!! Oh how I cherish my friend time, especially when the kids all run around without so much as one tear for hours.
Hard to imagine how life could get any better.
Happy Halloween!!
