Halloween night always feels like the crescendo of fall. The porch is full of pumpkins by now, the mums are definitely past their prime. Costumes have been chosen and worn over and over again in anticipation, and now, finally, they get to be worn for real. There’s candy in a cauldron by the front door, Halloween movies playing in the background (Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown forever), and that unmistakable feeling that this is it– the big night.
The kids were all in this year. Quinn was a green M&M and had the best time at her youth group Halloween party at church. Conrad went full vampire, cape and all. Ivy danced all through the neighborhood as Bluey, her little tail bouncing behind her.. And George was the most precious dinosaur you’ve ever seen with his big belly, tiny roar, and perfect waddle.
We had dinner at a friend’s house before heading out, then trick-or-treated back in our own neighborhood—which somehow always feels like 90’s nostalgia perfected. Friendly faces on porches, big bowls of candy, kids darting between houses with glow sticks around their necks and classic pumpkin buckets in hand. Nearly every house decorated, street lights are glowing, and kids are everywhere. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel lucky to raise your family right here.
Ryne may have done some important Reese’s taste-testing along the way, just to be sure it was still the best candy (it is). Back home, there were candy swaps on the rug, wrappers everywhere, and four happy, overtired kids. It’s always a little crazy, but very sweet.
Even though the pumpkins will sag and the costumes will get packed away, I hope I always remember the glow of a Halloween like this—sticky, magic, and full of joy. And as much as I love October, I’m already itching to pull down the bats and start hanging wreaths in every window and Christmas trees in every corner!
Hope you had the happiest Halloween, friends!
