The White House

The White House

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Fall Festival

I sew our Halloween costumes. (Doesn't everyone?) I've been doing it since the kids were little and I can't seem to stop. Every year I tell myself I'll start sooner and have no stress. Every year I wait until the last minute and am frantic. That would be my manic side. On Tuesday I sewed all day until a little before 2:00am. I resumed at 7:00am on Wednesday to finish up this lion costume that went out the door at 8:15am. (There is a tail, but you can't see it in the photo) and foot covers he didn't want to wear.

Here is my Good Witch Olivia. That sheer fabric is a pain and fur trim isn't all that fun either! Lucas is my little vampire. Aren't they cute?

Emily wanted to be a West Valley Cheerleader (that's the high school her brother's go to and she will some day). This was tedious with the trim and pleats. I shut the sewing machine off 15 minutes before I had to leave the house to get the costumes to school for the Fall Festival. Nope. That's not cutting it close. I was closer last year.


Look at Olivia's grin holding hands with her little friends (was in charge of these four and didn't even lose one!). She's never had playmates other than Lucas and isn't very out-going, but school has really helped her blossom. And look how tall she is? I noticed she was taller than the rest of her class...I didn't realize she might be above average.

Lucas jumped right in and played the games. He won't talk to strangers, but he isn't shy when it comes to doing stuff. Olivia took some prodding.

Olivia had black knee-high boots, but chose sparkling shoes and funky Halloween socks instead. I love her (and Emily's) uniqueness.

These games are serious business! LOL

After each game the child could pick out a trinket, fruit snacks or pretzels. No candy. You don't want to get me started on the no candy, cookies, pop, etc. in schools these days. Okay, I will. Between Homer and I we have eight fit children....not a fat one in the bunch, but since "the guy next door has a fat kid" our choices of vending machine items or what is sent in a lunch is dictated by the school district. I don't like someone else telling me what I can/cannot feed my children so I'm that mom that sends cookies, a small bit of candy or, gasp, an occasional pop. Do I get flak? Yep. Does it deter me? Nope. By-the-way, this is my 13th year as a U-Park student parent and once upon a time they had candy at the Fall Festival. (Remember when it was called a Halloween Party? Guess that is politically incorrect now, but "celebrating Fall" doesn't make a lot of sense for those of us already into winter!). Sorry. Stepping off my soap box now.


I'm thinking this teacher will not be too popular with the janitorial staff. (That's popcorn).

I really had to nudge Olivia to participate in this one (she's not athletic or very coordinated), but she had so much fun so I'm glad I was pushy.

Heading back to the classroom Lucas did his best vampire pose. What a crack up!

One more shot of my beautiful eleven-year old daughter! :)

Another Halloween Carnival Saturday, treat-or-treating on Sunday and then we are done for another year.

7 comments:

gpc said...

Nice work! Halloween is so much fun for kids, and a chance for them to be creative; I don't know why so many people want to spoil it for them! The no-candy rule made me laugh -- fruit snacks are much worse for a kid's teeth, and have as much sugar, as candy, so what's the point? Give me a butterfinger any time!

Little Black Scrap Cat said...

Wow! You ARE amazing!! Congrats on getting all those costumes sewn. Wouldn't happen if it was up to me to get it done. I can sew, but definitely NOT under pressure. I did managed to cut off the bottom of my DD's costumes because it was too long. That worked for me. Have a GREAT weekend and and Ghoulish Halloween!!

D said...

What a wonderful Halloween party Gayle. The kids look like they enjoyed it and boy is their mom quite the seamstress! Great outfits! Beautiful children and that little Lucas, well, if he ever needs another gramma. ;)

PS. I might suggest you get on whatever soapbox you wish since it's your nickel. :) Besides, I get a little tired too of being shamed into "silence" with the political correctness. That's what it's about you know, the few silencing the majority.

Have a great weekend and thank you for all your kind and thoughtful comments.

Tootie said...

After reading through Monday, I don't know how you pulled this off! The costumes are soooo cute! You did a wonderful job and the kids will never forget all of their great Halloween costumes you made. They probably don't show appreciation now, but trust me, they will when they are adults and on their own. Especially when they have kids of their own and begin to wonder how you were able to do all you do. Even a problem child will come around and probably end up showing more appreciation than the others. It sure is hard getting to that point though. You are an AWESOME mommy!

ShabbyESP said...

How adorable!!! Your kids are so cute!!
Thank you for sharing!
Suzann

Janie said...

All of your kids' costumes are adorable. You did a great job!

Bethany said...

The costumes look great- you must have put a lot of work into them! :) Looks like you had a great Halloween :)