Wrapping Up Halloween

Sunday was spent wrapping up the rest of my Halloween activities. First up, pumpkin carving!

Unfortunately, Katie didn't get around to carving her pumpkin on Saturday, so I had 2 to do.

Stella was very interested in what was going in the trash bowl.

At first I was very ambitious and chose 2 really detailed stencils to use. But after getting through the first pumpkin, my hand was cramping up! The second one got a simpler, more classic design.

I think they look pretty good, all lit up!

Next, I had to put Stella in her costume...a cute little Bumble Bee!

I think she was mad at me because I couldn't get her to look at the camera.

For being such a good sport, I let her help clean up the kitchen.

Next on the agenda was roasting pumpkin seeds. To be honest, I wasn't super excited about this. It wasn't something we did growing up, and the one memory I had of eating them made me think of the texture of...fingernails. Sorry if I just ruined pumpkin seeds for anyone.

Anyway, I was willing to give them another try. After separating the seeds from the rest of the pumpkin innards (something MUCH easier said than done), I cooked them up, using Mama Pea's 'Salt and Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds' recipe.

These were much better than I remembered. Something about the taste of the seeds reminded me of popcorn. I ate several handfuls straight from the oven.

Last but not least, Halloween wouldn't be complete without a little trick-or-treating. Don't worry, I didn't get dressed up in my pea pod costume and go traipsing door-to-door. I was the one handing out candy...maybe the only one on my block. I didn't have very many trick-or-treaters, but I did have one very special visitor...

My nephew, Spiderman!

I'm glad he was able to make it. He told me the night before, "We're going trick-or-treating, but we'll try to make it down to your house." So funny coming from a 3-year-old's mouth!

Upon walking through the door, Spiderman got right to business, asking for a popsicle and if we could sword-fight in the backyard. I may not have a lot of toys at my house, but I've found popsicles, foam swords from the dollar bin at Target (thanks, Laura!), and my dog can provide hours of entertainment. Apparently Eli has caught on.

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!