Halloween Pumpkin Party

Behind the Scenes:
If you have not already done so, read this post first.

The Crew:
We had every body from the 50's to the 60's, a Chimney Sweeper, Swamp Mummy, Indiana Jones, to a Policeman attend last night's Party. What fun it was to see the kids dressed up and play acting their role. The Swamp Mummy was our sweet Lady Bug when she was three, but now she is into the big kid costumes (shhh, she is still sweet underneath the gore). How time flies.
The Food:
My parents out did themselves for the feast again. A Pasta Bar was the main course featured complete with yummy meatballs, sauce and cheese varieties. In addition to the kid's menu, they received the annual tradition of Hot Dog Mummies, complete in a Graveyard setting.


The Haunted Maze:
The rotation this year was for my nieces age 11 and 1o to plan part of the party, and boy, did they plan a party! The outdoor maze was fantastic! My parents live on an acre lot, newly fenced for their new puppy, so the girls decided that the trek would be along the black chain link fence that went in and out of bushes, trees, and deep woods (Yes, Indiana Jones led our way, with Glow Stick). Complete with orange cat eyes that were stuck into the trees that glowed, tiki torches lit the path, and every so often a mummy or ghost would appear coming up from the ground or dangling from a tree. The final destination was my dad's shed, where creaky music was coming from. Upon opening the door, we found a ghost, cobwebs and a table set with ... treats for the explorers! The music that was played from my parent's old cassette recorder were my nieces "playing" the piano and making cackling noises. Aside from the fact that I am their Aunt, the music teacher in me was very impressed. They played my parent's piano just perfectly to get the creepy notes taped. It was fantastic!!The Ambience:
After the maze, we gathered on the patio to sip Hot Apple Cider that my dad had ready from his camp stove. The adults watched the kids play bean-bag-toss (handmade by my dad) while we stood around their outdoor heater. Ghost lights were strung around their market umbrella and the tiki torches still lit the path, should any guests dare to try the maze again.
*Husband's sister on the left, my brother's wife on the right = good friends to me!

The Fortune Tellers:
The two girls also planned another adventure for the party goers. My parents cleared out their laundry room and put up a black cloth and added a black light. Glow in the dark decals were placed along the walls with two chairs and an old rickety table with a ball set atop. Taking turns, the two girls would become the Fortune Teller for each guest. One by one we each went into the room and were told our fortune. I was told that "There is much piano in your future." It was adorable, and the girls were so full of drama, that I just thought it was too cool. Unbeknownst to the party goers, my husband was behind the curtain video taping on Night Vision Mode the entire Fortune experience. We watched it before we all left the party and every one was cracking up so hard, that tissue should have been passed around. The reaction of some of the children was hysterical as they were putting on the brave front while in this mystery room. Stay tune, you may see this on America's Funniest Home Video's one year. It was a kick!The Art:
My sister in law gathered the kids for a cute art project; a do it yourself beaded project on a safety pin. They can use this to wear or for their backpacks. A great idea that the kids enjoyed!The Science:
My other sister in law and hubby created the science. Using dry ice and dish soap to create a magnificent bubble, that when popped, would immediately turn to a puff of fog. Every one was amazed and it kept our attention for a good while.

The Game:
I was in charge of the game. I have memories of playing this game at a Camp Fire Girls Halloween party with my dad. The famous, pass the Lifesaver via toothpick with no hands. I was impressed that the kids seemed to have great ease doing this multiple times. I didn't have memories of it being so easy.

Overall:
Another successful Halloween Pumpkin Party. We look forward to the event every October, and it just would not be the season if we did not get together as family for this tradition. We looked at my parent's photo album last night and we've been gathering for this party for 17 consecutive years!! Amazing how much we have all changed in looks, but that we are still the same ol'folks loving to hang out together!

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for another brilliant, fun party! xoxoxo