You Knew It Was Coming...

...don't say you haven't been warned. You know we do this every year and I can't seem to help myself where the picture taking is concerned. Get ready. Grab a cup of coffee and relax. This may take awhile!

Becky and Todd

Becky, Todd, Hannah, Morgan and Todd's mom, Karen

The 7 grand children got together their own Grease themed costumes this year so it could be a surprise to all of the adults-and Nana didn't have to make them.

Nana and Papa as the Angry Birds. We don't really even know much about them but we knew the kids would know who we were and that is always our goal!
 

My brother and sister-in-law as Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.

Caitlin, Kristin and Olivia

"Rosie the Riveter"

Jennie and Elton as the American Gladiators

These are the kids' "real" costumes this year-the ones they will use for trick-or-treating.

The gang

Nana, Papa and the precious 7
 

The whole crazy group

We had a wonderful day and really went back to the basics-all of the foods and games we used to do for our neighborhood parties (we always had all of the neighborhood kids over for dinner and games. Then we would all head out trick-or-treating together. The kids had usually had such a full day by then that they were happy to just do a few blocks and then head home) and our Sunday School and G.S. parties. We had chili, worms on buns, casket dip and veggies, jack layered dip and chips, pumpkin cheese ball and crackers, guaca"moldy", salsa and chips and fabulous pumpkin desserts as well as a graveyard cake-we never go hungry with this group. We bobbed for apples, did doughnuts on strings, wrapped the mummies and made decorated cookies. And when that was all said and done, the "brave" hit the pool one last time. I truly love this tradition. Of course, the costume reveal is the best. It is amazing how excited we all get over seeing each other for the first time. I have a wonderful family. I love my traditions and we fight hard to keep as many of them going as we can. I know it won't last forever, but I savor each and every time we can all make it together.

So, one more party is under our belts but this Wednesday, a number of us are hopping into cars and heading up to Asheville-can't wait. And, there is still Halloween trick-or-trreating, so the month just keeps on-stay tuned.