halloween 2012.

We love Halloween here at Casa Arrocena.  With five daughters ranging in ages (currently) from 9 years old all the way to 24, we have been celebrating this holiday full force for many years.  Chances are pretty good that we'll keep it going for no less than a decade more! 

The Halloween celebration began on the Saturday before the official holiday with a costume party thrown by one of the triplets' classmates.  They were so excited for the party, but I was stoked that it was another opportunity to wear their costumes! Heck, they usually only get one wear per year.  This year was definitely better!

 (Japanese Anime Schoolgirl)

 (Alice, from Alice in Wonderland)

(...and Mulan)

Then finally, on Sunday, we decided that it was time to hit the pumpkin patch and get the usual pics I love to take, as well as pick up our batch of pumpkins for the house. Thankfully, there is a pumpkin patch on a farm just about 10 minutes from our house... (another benefit to our recent relocation!) The triplets had fun riding a tire swing, taking a quick hayride, and getting a little dirty around the farm. Good stuff. Kid stuff.  Exactly the experience I want them to have. 

October 31st began very early for us; I had to pack up treats for three 4th grade classes... Pretzel Hugs, which seem to be our go-to treat that everyone loves.

Next, we had to help the triplets get dressed up in their costumes again for school.  Costume parades at school are the best.  I swear, I live for this stuff... 

And because I love Halloween just as much as the kids do, of course I had to doll-up with my super-big hair bun accented with my "Lily Munster" bow.  Any opportunity to wear that bow is not lost on me! 

Back at home, the Daddy had done some magic with more of that spider-web-stuff that we love to use every year... He's such a great daddy, and I love that he shares our enthusiasm!

And as dusk fell... the little ones got increasingly anxious... 

Unfortunately, it all has come to an end and I'm ready to pull down everything down today... Pack it up, until Halloween 2013 arrives. The candy stash is tremendous... I think I'll chuck some of it before the kids get home from school...