Halloween festivities were, of course, somewhat altered this year during the pandemic. We spent parts of two Saturdays with our granddaughters preparing for Halloween and checking in on them before they headed off to a family party at Betsy’s dad’s. We were invited, but decided to pass this year. We were, however, delighted to see the girls in costume and spend some time with them in the morning.
As usual, we made cookies. This was the first year that Maddy (age 4) joined Skylar (9) and Ella (almost 6). She took to rolling out dough and cutting out cookies just like her older two sisters. They all enjoy the mixing process, but they could pretty much manage the rolling out, cutting out, and placing on the cookie trays without me. Maddy’s attention was the first to wane, and ultimately it was just Skylar and me at the end. She was just fine with that!
They all returned for decorating which is Grandpa’s specialty.
Matt and Betsy joined us for pizza after the cookie making party, but by then I’d put away the phone for photos!
Saturday we headed to their house to check out the girls’ costumes.
Bat Girl
The Witch
The Rainbow Unicorn
Matt and Skylar had the dining room table covered with pumpkins that they were carving. It’s Matt’s specialty, and Skylar carved one of her own this year.
Betsy was carving sweet peppers as holders for carrot and celery sticks for the party at her dad’s. She had plans for banana ghosts and some kind of Halloween hot dog as well. I think she was right that the girls wouldn’t miss trick or treating in the least. They were as happy as could be.
Late in the afternoon, I got out for a walk after several days of being housebound by cold rain. Walking by Highland Park, I was surprised to see so much color remaining.
Finally, I have one last Halloween card to share. This one went off to Hannah in Wisconsin. They were also celebrating with their “bubble” family, combining a birthday for their friend with a costume party.
This is probably my favorite of this year’s Halloween cards. For one, it’s been a favorite stamp set since it was issued many years ago—the “Friendship Jar Fillers: Autumn” by Papertrey Ink. I don’t think I’ve ever turned one of the jars into a shaker before. Love the color combination. I found just two sheets of Simon Says “Royal Velvet” cardstock, and I used every bit of both sheets before the Halloween cards were finished.
The star-studded cover plate, also from Papertrey Ink, is no longer available, and I have no idea what it’s called. I wasn’t as careful in the “old” days to label all my products. The sentiment is from Corner Adorner: August, also Papertrey.
Tomorrow is Election Day here. It’s doubtful that we’ll have a firm answer for the winner. My prayer is that there will be no violence during or afterwards. It’s so strange to say that; it’s never even been a consideration in all the elections I’ve participated in. Whatever the outcome, we need to find a way to heal the terrible divisions in this country. It won’t be an easy task.
The girls looked like they had so much fun with the cookies & the craving of all types of veggies. All looked like they had spent some time considering their Halloween look & pulled those looks off with pasha! Cute card. Let’s hope sanity prevails over the next 72 hours!
It looks like such a happy family activity, and the cookies look good enough to eat! The girls suddenly look so much more grown up than the last pics I remember seeing. The costumes are great – especially the mischievous witch! As to the lanterns, I still recall clearly last year’s, which made a big impression, and these are lovely too.
Oh, what adorable girls! Your family celebrates the holiday well. Loved Matt’s pumpkin skills and Betsy’s veggie containers. The card, its colors and design are one of my favorites this season. Good job, grandparents! Praying for sanity here in Portland as we’re still experiencing violence in certain areas.
Well, first the card is spot on! So fun and a fab design! I certainly agree with your paryers for peace and healing too!
As for the family – your phots are terrific and it’s so fun having a glimpse of your crew. And the beautiful fall colors! We don’t get too much of that where I love. This area is all pines and sandhills.
Loved visiting your blog today, Karen!
OK, sorry for the typos!
I am so glad I got to see this post! First, your cards are fabulous, the trees are still beautiful and surprisingly still have color, and the pumpkins came out wonderful……But more importantly your Grandkids are adorable! I hope my future looks like this someday. You are truly blessed! So nice to see something so very happy for a change! So glad you shared!
What splendid grandparenting you are both doing – down to having just the right cutters for the cookies. It looks as though your very sweet grand-daughters had lots of fun, and so nice to see then in their costumes. The pumpkin carving is amazing! And how creative to do the same with peppers… Your card is just delightful too. I am late arriving here and the result is still not clear; indeed, the future whatever the outcome is going to be difficult in terms of bringing people together again. We have a similar issue here – Brexit has ripped the four countries of the UK apart.
those girls in their costumes are the cutest! is cookie making A Thing for Halloween? I kind of love that tradition and think I’ll suggest it to Katie. Surely cookies are less sugary than candy!
Comments are closed.