Halloween 2009

Halloween has been crazy at our house for the last six years. Could have something to do with triplets born on Halloween... Anyway, 2009 was no exception! The big difference this time was that for the first time ever, the triplets got a "kids party". When Solveig was born we set a family policy that most birthdays would be family celebrations but that at the 5 year marks, we would do a "kids party". So Soli had a party at 5 (another at 6 - temporary forgetfulness on Mom's part) and one at 10. Avi had one at 6 and opted for a one-friend party at 10 (2010-more about that later). Needless to say, the idea of a kids party for 3 was daunting and I didn't even consider it in 2008. BUT, 2009 and starting school convinced me it really was time.

We settled on each triplet inviting two friends and the two big sisters helped me plan the party. Despite all the plans, IT WAS STILL CHAOS! But everyone had a lot of fun so it turned out okay. The theme was (you guessed it) Halloween! Everyone came in costume. We had a tub for bobbing for apples. We decorated pumpkins with crafty things and stickpins. And we had a costume parade past big people providing treats or small toys. The chaos was nine kids taking full advantage of a farm with lots of interesting things to see and do - check out the animals, climb the play structure, swing on the various board swings hanging all over the yard, etc. I was happy to have Soli and Avi and Robert and even a couple of parents that stayed to help keep track!

I also (foolishly?) asked them what kind of a cake they wanted. Soren wanted a train (white cake with chocolate frosting) - but settled for a truck when the train didn't quite work out. Eamon wanted a pumpkin (white cake). Brede wanted a princess (also white). Here are pictures of each with their masterpiece.

The party was mid-day and things quieted down by about 4 pm. We had a family supper and all five kids dressed up again for trick or treating around our small neighborhood. Soli dressed as a cowgirl and Avi was an Indian - and they visited the neighbors on horseback! Mariko and Kylee, our neighbors joined them with Kylee on horseback also. Quite an entourage! Eamon and Soren were pirates and Brede was an Indian princess.