Halloween Party 2011

Last year we threw a Halloween/Birthday party at our house.  It was our first time hosting a party like that and we had so much fun that we decided to do it again this year.  We had much better weather this year and we started earlier in the day, which seemed to work out better.  We also took note of our overestimates on food last year and did lots better planning this time around.

Paul mowed the lawn in the morning so that the backyard would be ready.  Clara was fascinated watching her dad work in the yard.

The menu included Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip with french bread, Lasagna, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Chips & Salsa, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus & Pita Chips, Vegetables with Ranch Dip, and Teriyaki Meatballs. 

For dessert we served Andes Mint Cookies, Funfetti Cupcakes, Candy, Pirouettes, and Black Forest Cake (my traditional birthday cake). 

We had a number of wonderful friends come over to party with us.  We loved seeing all of their great costumes.  We had a princess.

A witch and a guy with a chip on his shoulder.

Batman & Robin with some bad guy cat burglars.

Is Boy Wonder the cutest thing ever or what?

Princess Leia was there with Darth Vader.

This little ladybug is Clara's friend Claire. 

She showed up with her parents who came up with a darling family theme.

Our dentist and his wife were going to do a Toy Story theme but one of their boys had an accident that required some stitches so Little Bo Beep wasn't able to make it in her costume.  We were just glad they still came!

And we totally didn't even recognize these friends at first when they showed up.  They seriously freaked me out.  I visit teach Hailey who is normally blonde so the black/pink mohawk was a total shocker.  I love it when people go all out on costumes like this.

The big bad wolf didn't wear his furry hood most of the time because the weather was so warm.  Boo.

Those furry spats are quite the fashion statement sweetie.

It was so fun just hanging out and having fun with friends.  Paul and I had come up with all sorts of "activities" that we thought sounded like fun, such as trying to eat donuts hung up by string without using hands, or bobbing for apples, etc. but the conversation seemed to flow really well so we never brought it up.  Although I have always wanted to bob for an apple.

Poor Little Red Riding Hood was completely tuckered out at the end of the night and fell asleep in the Big Bad Wolf's arms.

I'm already looking forward to next year's party!